Italian cuisine is arguably the most well-known cuisine in the world. After all, who has not had pasta or pizza at least once in their life? However, there is a lot more to Italian food than spaghetti and meatballs. If you are a dedicated foodie then you are in for a gastronomic treat once you visit Italy. As a matter of fact, one of the single most difficult things about having meals while being in Italy is that it might not be possible to try out just about everything. The human tummy has a limited amount of space and therefore you will be restricted to a finite number of meals. Unfortunately, the sheer number of tasty Italian dishes is almost infinite, so without further ado, let us take a quick look at what you should definitely eat once you hit Italian shores:

• Pizza

Perhaps, nothing brings Italy to mind as much as good old pizza. Just about every country in the world has tried out its own version of this Italian icon, but there is nothing like the real thing - i.e. actual Italian pizza. The two most famous pizzas that you simply must enjoy while in Italy include the  Neapolitan-style pizza as well as the Margharita pizza (created in honor of Queen Margherita, way back in 1889). There is also Roman-style pizza as well. This one has fewer toppings but each and every ingredient is top quality. Follow a simple rule of thumb here. When in Rome, eat Roman Pizza (just like other residents of Rome). 

• Bottarga

Italy has its very own version of Caviar. In late summer and early fall, Italians take the roe from the local grey mullets, and they salt and press them, and then just leave them to dry for the next half a year or so. A result is a form of caviar that is the color of sundried amber and blood oranges. It can be eaten as is, with a pinch of lemon, or simply grated over your next pasta dish.  

• Lasagna

Lasagna may be described as a flat-wide, pasta noodle. It is usually baked in multiple layers that are cooked in an oven. This is a meaty dish full of pasta, minced meat, and tomato sauce. Though lasagna is popular throughout Italy, the best lasagna may be found in Emilia Romagna. It is made with fresh ragù, homemade noodles, and just the right amount of sauces to compliment this awesome feisty dish. 

• Fiorentina Steak

The bistecca fiorentina is also known as the Florentine T-bone steak. This is an absolute mouth-watering steak that gets its name from the region where it was invented and where it is still served.  It is basically a T-bone steak that is cut in very thick strips (at least 5 CM or so) from the tenderloin of the Chianina cow. The animal has been raised specifically for this purpose. It is slow-cooked for 6 to 8 minutes on each side. The outside has been well-cooked, however, the insides are always left very rare. You can't get a medium or well-done steak here. This is because the meat is very thick. Too thick to be sear cooked easily. 

• Pasta 

After pizza, the single most well-known Italian dish would have to be pasta. This gooey, yummy, creamy, and cheesy concoction has been winning hearts for centuries both in Italy as well as the rest of the world. This is one Italian export that has won many hearts on all continents. The original Italian variety just melts into the mouth and you can have it for lunch, breakfast, and dinner too!

• How to Make Your Own Italian Dishes

It is possible to make your own Italian pizza or pasta or any other dish as long as you have the requisite food ingredients in your kitchen cabinets. As a matter of fact, if you have the right recipe and ingredients you can whip up any number of Italian culinary delights. Additionally set up your kitchen in an Italian style design, one that feels warm and cozy and contains outdoor natural elements such as terra cotta and stone. You can even set up an indoor greenhouse, grabbing the freshest homegrown ingredients from a grow tent.

From Rissoto to Truffles to the now almost ubiquitous pizza and pasta, Italian cuisine has won accolades and fans all over the world thanks to its almost universally good taste.  

Post written by Lisa Mottins