Modern Italian cuisine as we know it dates back to the 4th century yet it can be very easy to stick to the safe option of pizza. When visiting a place such as Rome there is one thing you will not have to worry about, and that is struggling to find a good place to eat. Italy is known as the home of a great homemade pizza but there is much more out there on offer. Pizzas may have a variety of different toppings but alternating between a ‘Margarita’ and a ‘Roma’ doesn’t mean you have tried an assortment of foods when on your holiday. Italian cuisine features simple combinations of exceptionally high quality ingredients which are engrained into Mediterranean tradition and culture. Try as many things as possible when visiting Rome, if you don’t you will definitely miss out.
Meat Dishes
To the North of Italy meat dishes are their area of expertise. Pizza can be very filling and heavy, especially in the baking Roman sun, so why not have a change of scene and opt something a little lighter? Prosciutto (also known as Parma ham) is a dry cured ham and is usually served in thin slices uncooked. Other cured meat delicacies such as Salami, Pepperoni, Bresaola make for great antipasti with a few olives and cheeses on the side. It’s easy to try a selection of Italian specialities without breaking the bank or filling up too much before your main meal.
Rice Courses
Risotto is a typical Italian dish served and flavoured in a variety of different ways. The rice is cooked in a broth until it reaches a creamy consistency. Depending on the ingredients flavouring the dish Risotto can be meat or fish based however, most Risotto dishes have the similarity of including parmesan cheese, butter and onions. Compared to pizza this classic Italian meal will leave you satisfied on the hunger front yet blown away with the flavour and aroma.
Home comfort foods
If you’re a home bird who enjoys a taste of the family favourites then Venice (or Venetian cuisine) is the place to be. Known for its comfort food, Venice offers familiar specialities such as Spaghetti Bolognese or Lasagne. These meals will provide you with a taste of home at a Michelin star standard. Using home grown Italian ingredients such as vine ripened plum tomatoes these home comforts reach a whole new level!
As explored it is apparent that Italy has a large variety of foods on offer. Just remember, you are able to order a pizza as a takeaway any day of the week. I would recommend making the most of your meals, keeping an open mind set and trying all you can on your next visit to Rome.
This guest blog was written by travelling foodie Rachel Coope on behalf of MF Airport Parking. If you’re looking to travel to Rome from Manchester then why not check out their low cost Manchester airport parking options.