4 Interesting Facts and Customs About Italian Food | Giolitti Deli (2024)

We are all familiar with Italian food and the delicious variety it offers, but there are a few interesting facts and customs that you may not know about! Italian cuisine is famous all over the world, and each culture has put their own spin on classic Italian dishes. Continue reading to learn about a few facts and customs about authentic Italian food.

Spaghetti and Meatballs Is Not An Italian Dish

When you think of real Italian food, the popular dish of spaghetti and meatballs may cross your mind. However, this renowned dish is actually not an authentic Italian meal, as most traditional pasta dishes are not topped with meat. There are only a select few special pasta dishes that contain meat, as it is typically reserved for dishes cooked “al Forno.” In fact, you will never see chicken on top of pasta in Italy- while chicken alfredo is a favorite dish in the U.S.

Italian Wedding Soup Doesn’t Exist In Italy

While Italian wedding soup is quite popular in the U.S., this soup is not actually Italian. It is not known exactly where the dish came from, but it is assumed that it originated from a melding of Italian and American cuisine. While it is a delicious soup, you won’t be able to order it in Italy!

Pepperoni Pizza Is From The U.S.

While you may think all pizza originated from Italy, pepperoni pizza originated in America. The word “peperoni” (with one P) means bell pepper in Italian, so if you order a “pepperoni pizza,” you will likely be served a pizza with the vegetable instead of the meat!

Salad and Bread Are Not Appetizers

When sitting down at an Italian restaurant in the U.S., you will often be served a salad and a basket of bread as the appetizer. However, in Italy, the bread and salad are not eaten before a meal. The bread is used to eat with extra sauce left on your plate after finishing the meal, while salad is also eaten after the meal to help with digestion. Italian dressing is also not found in Italy, as authentic salads are simply dressed with extra virgin olive oil and vinegar.

Authentic Italian Cuisine From Giolitti Deli

Giolitti Deli is a full-service Delicatessen in Annapolis, MD, specializing in authentic Italian cuisine. Founded in 1992, we use the freshest ingredients to make time-honed recipes from scratch, with no MSG or preservatives. We believe in real food and offer many healthy options, including vegetarian and vegan menu items. At Giolitti Deli, we make our own sauces, mozzarella, grilled and roasted vegetables, bread, pizza dough, and desserts, and our sandwiches, salads, pasta, pizza, and entrees are made to order. Owner Mary Giolitti has combined her passion for great food and fine wine to offer Annapolis a true taste of Italy!

Team members who also make the business possible include Manager Kathy Hunter, Manager and Catering Director Cheryl Molesky, Head Baker Porfirio Diaz, Chef Alfredo Escobar, and Deli Manager Noe Merino. To contact us, please visit our contact page or give us a call at 410.266.8600. Also, be sure to keep up with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and our blog!

Tags: Giolitti Deli, italian food, pasta, pizza

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4 Interesting Facts and Customs About Italian Food | Giolitti Deli (2024)

FAQs

4 Interesting Facts and Customs About Italian Food | Giolitti Deli? ›

There are many reasons why Italian cuisine is so popular worldwide. These reasons include its quality of ingredients, simplicity of dishes, potential health benefits, and variety of tastes. Why is Italian cuisine so unique? Italian dishes are typically rich in olive oils rather than loaded with unhealthy fats.

What are some fun facts about Italian food? ›

10 Things You Didn't Know About Authentic Italian Foods
  • No Meatballs and Spaghetti in Dishes. ...
  • High Focus on Ingredients Quality. ...
  • Italian Dishes Have a High Focus on Quality. ...
  • Little Pasta Sauce for Large Bowl of Pasta. ...
  • Italian Nutella is Different from American Nutella. ...
  • Italian Expresso Do Not Contain Much Caffeine.

What is special about Italian food? ›

There are many reasons why Italian cuisine is so popular worldwide. These reasons include its quality of ingredients, simplicity of dishes, potential health benefits, and variety of tastes. Why is Italian cuisine so unique? Italian dishes are typically rich in olive oils rather than loaded with unhealthy fats.

What are some Italian customs? ›

Basic Etiquette
  • It is common for Italian friends and families to kiss on the cheek when they meet, irrespective of their gender.
  • Stand up out of respect when an older person enters the room.
  • It is important to dress neatly and respectfully.
  • Cover your mouth when yawning or sneezing.
  • Hats should be removed indoors.
Jan 1, 2017

What are some examples of food customs in a culture? ›

Food etiquette rules all traveller's must know
  • Italy – Don't mix seafood and cheese.
  • Thailand – Don't put a fork in your mouth.
  • Middle East – Only eat with your right hand.
  • China – Leave some food on your plate.
  • South Korea – Respect your elders.
  • India – Leave an empty plate.
  • Chile – Don't use your hands!
Oct 21, 2022

Is it rude to not finish food in Italy? ›

Yes, very rude in Italy to leave a food on the plate. When you serve the food for yourself, mak sure to put little before then when still desire to eat more, then can serve for second serving. It is called maleducato, which means ill-mannered in English.

What are some interesting facts about Italy? ›

Did You Know? 20 Fun Facts About Italy
  • Italy has 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. ...
  • Venice has 150 canals and more than 400 bridges. ...
  • Mount Etna is Europe's most active volcano. ...
  • There are over 350 types of pasta. ...
  • Gelato was invented in Florence during the Renaissance. ...
  • Tourists throw €3,000 into the Trevi fountain every day.
Mar 18, 2024

Can you refuse bread in Italy? ›

If you don't eat bread you can try to avoid the charge, but it may be awkward as bread is an essential part of Italian meals. Refusing the charge might be seen as impolite when it comes to Italian manners.

What are 3 famous foods from Italy? ›

Famous food and drink of Italy
  • Pizza.
  • Pasta.
  • Risotto.
  • Polenta and cured meats.
  • Seafood.
  • Gelato and Dolce.
  • Coffee and famous tipples.

What is Italy's national food? ›

Answer and Explanation: The national food of Italy is a pasta dish that is called Ragu alla Bolognese, which is a Bolognese sauce of meat and tomatoes with tagliatelle pasta. The dish is also sometimes just called Bolognese, because the sauce has become so popular that it is often identified as the meal itself.

What food must be declared at customs? ›

All travelers entering the United States are Required to Declare meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, seeds, soil, animals, as well as plant and animal products (including soup or soup products) they may be carrying. The declaration must cover all items carried in checked baggage, carry-on luggage, or in a vehicle.

What needs to be declared at Italy customs? ›

Answer: The transport of personal cash or equivalent items is permitted for overall amounts of less than 10,000 euro. In excess of this limit, it is necessary to complete a declaration, to be signed and lodged exclusively at the customs office when entering or leaving Italy.

What are some of Italy's traditions and etiquette that revolve around food? ›

Since Italian culture revolves around food, Italians often enjoy a full five-course meal at dinner with friends and family. Italians always begin with an antipasto — usually an appetizer to share with the table. Some of my favorite antipasti are a classic bruschetta with fresh tomatoes from the garden or fritti.

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