Top 10 Italian Dishes You Must Try

Spaghetti, often referred to as Italian noodles, is a type of long, thin pasta. Initially, spaghetti noodles were quite long, but over time, shorter lengths became more popular, especially in the latter half of the 20th century. Today, spaghetti is typically about 25-30 cm in length. Many other pasta dishes are based on this classic form.

When people think of Italy, Spaghetti is often one of the first dishes that comes to mind. It shares some similarities with Vietnam’s Pho. However, the long, thick noodles are coated with a rich and flavorful tomato beef sauce, garnished with fresh herbs, giving Spaghetti its unique taste. The real essence of Spaghetti is best experienced in Italy, where its authenticity shines.

If you’re lucky enough to taste Spaghetti in Italy, you might also enjoy the famous Carbonara, made with Parmesan, pancetta, bacon, and eggs. Another popular variation is Puttanesca, featuring spicy chili, anchovies, olives, and aromatic capers.

Lasagna, or Lasagne (pronounced [lazaɲɲa], plural [lazaɲɲe]), is a type of wide, flat pasta, often with ruffled edges. This dish is typically served in layers, alternating with cheese, sauce, and additional ingredients like meat or vegetables. Like many Italian dishes, Lasagna has various regional variations. In the southern parts of Italy, a simple tomato sauce and Ragu are often used, while in the northern regions, Bechamel sauce is more commonly featured. Lasagna has become a beloved dish worldwide, from Europe to the Americas. Lasagne Verdi, or 'green lasagna,' is a variation that incorporates cooked spinach in the pasta.

Lasagna is one of Italy’s signature dishes that you must experience. It’s a baked dish where pasta, vegetables, and seasoned meat blend perfectly with rich tomato sauce and savory gravy. The true essence of this dish can only be found in Italy, where the unique and refined flavors are at their best.

Lasagna is a crowd-pleaser, with its bold flavors that showcase the artistry of Italian cuisine. Have you tried it yet? If you ever have the chance, don’t miss out on this Italian masterpiece!

If you're looking to savor the flavors of Italian cuisine, don't miss Tortellini. This delightful dish is a variation of pasta, made from small pasta rings filled with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, mushrooms, and meat.

Sometimes, calamari or octopus are used to add a unique twist to this dish. Additionally, the combination of creamy cheese, beef, and chicken broth adds a rich depth of flavor that is unforgettable.

For those who prefer vegetarian options, there's also a version of Tortellini made entirely from vegetables, which is both visually appealing and light on the palate. Doesn’t Tortellini sound amazing? Just looking at it makes you want to taste it!

Everyone loves a good ice cream, but there are so many different types, like soft serve, hard ice cream, snow cones, and more. However, when it comes to the best ice cream, nothing beats the classic Gelato.

Gelato is Italy's second most beloved dessert, after Spaghetti and Pizza. It's a frozen treat made from milk, cream, sugar, and fruit flavors. Although it contains quite a bit of sugar, Gelato isn't as heavy or fatty as other ice creams.

This is what sets Italian ice cream apart from others around the world. Italian cuisine is so rich and diverse, isn’t it? If you ever find yourself in Italy, you simply must try Gelato to experience its delicious flavor firsthand.

Panna Cotta (meaning 'cooked cream' in Italian), also known as 'Chè Khúc Bạch' in Vietnamese, is a traditional Italian dessert made from cream, milk, sugar, and gelatin, then left to set into a creamy, smooth consistency. This delicacy originated in the Piedmont region of northern Italy and gradually spread throughout the country, often topped with wild berries, caramel, chocolate sauces, or drizzled with fruit purees.

The exact origins of Panna Cotta are unclear, but it's thought to have evolved from a simple dish where cream—particularly from northern Italy's mountain regions—was eaten plain or sweetened with fruits or chestnuts. Ancient recipes sometimes substituted fish bones for gelatin, and sugar, which was once a rare and expensive ingredient, was not commonly used. Over time, the dessert transformed into the rich, vanilla-flavored treat we recognize today, garnished with fruits and spices and served chilled.

If you're an ice cream enthusiast, you may already be familiar with Panna Cotta. It's especially delightful when paired with caramel, but it also goes beautifully with chocolate and various fruits, offering a spectrum of delicious flavors. What are you waiting for? Try Panna Cotta now!

Risotto is one of Italy's most famous rice dishes, and its popularity is undeniable. So why do people love it so much?

Risotto is traditionally cooked with a rich broth that contains a creamy, velvety consistency. The broth is often made from vegetables, meats, or fish. Additionally, Parmesan cheese—a low-fat cheese—along with fragrant butter is added to elevate the flavor. If you try Risotto alla Milanese, you'll taste a broth made from beef bones, marrow, cheese, and the aromatic spice saffron, which melts in your mouth. Alternatively, Risotto al Barolo combines red wine, Borlotti beans, and both pork and beef sausages to create a unique sauce.

If you're a seafood lover, you can enjoy a special version of Risotto made with squid, served with its ink. Risotto truly embodies the essence of Italian cuisine, so if you ever find yourself in Italy, don't miss the chance to try this exquisite dish.

Chicken Parmigiana is a quintessential Italian dish, also popular in other European countries. Its main ingredient is chicken, which is topped with melting mozzarella cheese and a rich, zesty tomato-garlic sauce. The chicken is then baked in the oven, allowing the flavors to combine perfectly.

The result is a mouthwatering, flavorful dish that's indulgent without being overwhelming. Chicken Parmigiana is typically served with pasta or a light salad. Have you ever had the pleasure of trying this dish? If not, you should definitely give it a try! And if you have, feel free to share your experience with others.

As soon as you hear the word "Pizza", you instantly recognize it as one of the most beloved dishes worldwide. Pizza is the most popular and widely consumed food, having spread far beyond Italy's borders to become a favorite for billions of people.

According to a 2017 report by the Italian Pizza Association, Italy boasts around 42,000 pizzerias, along with 21,000 pizza takeaway shops, collectively baking approximately 135 million pizzas each month.

While pizza is enjoyed globally, Italian pizza is widely regarded as the finest. It features a deliciously balanced blend of creamy mozzarella cheese and aromatic tomato sauce, giving each bite a rich and indulgent flavor. The dough is also perfectly crisp and airy, making it a distinct treat that stands apart from pizzas made elsewhere.

If you ever find yourself in Italy, don't miss the chance to experience authentic pizza. The unique taste and texture will make it an unforgettable culinary experience!

Calzone might sound unfamiliar, but it's essentially a pocket-style pizza. A popular street food in Italy, Calzone can be found almost anywhere across this beautiful country.

Originating from Naples, Calzone is a folded, oven-baked pizza. It’s typically made with savory dough, filled with ingredients like salami, ham, mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, or pecorino cheese, and sometimes an egg. Regional variations often include different toppings or pizza-style fillings.

What makes Calzone stand out is its versatility. It can be stuffed with a variety of fillings, each offering a unique Italian flavor. Plus, it’s small and compact, much like a sandwich, which makes it ideal for eating on the go.

Interestingly, Italians believe Calzone is the best pizza for home delivery. The reason? Its folded nature helps retain heat longer, so it arrives warmer than regular pizza. While modern delivery systems use electric heating bags, the preference for Calzone remains, possibly due to tradition more than practicality. If you haven’t tried it yet, Calzone is definitely worth a taste!

Bruschetta may seem like a simple dish, but it brings a refreshing twist to your typical bread. In Italy, this flavorful creation is a favorite street food. Slices of bread are rubbed with garlic, toasted, and then topped with a mixture of fresh tomatoes, finely chopped onions, olive oil, and aromatic salt and pepper. It's a healthy, light option, packed with nutrients from fresh ingredients. You can enjoy it for breakfast or as a starter before the main course.

Made with toasted bread, olive oil, and garlic, Bruschetta shares similarities with pizza. It's a delightful combination of tastes, featuring ingredients like basil, tomatoes, chili, or even cheese and various meats to diversify its flavor profile.

Bruschetta has captured the hearts of many with its unique taste. Have you tried it yet? If not, make sure to add Bruschetta to your must-try list. You won’t regret it!