The Roman culinary traditions often get pushed aside in terms of what is considered “high” Italian cuisine, however for pasta lovers and traditionalists, for lovers of “Comfort Foods”, street foods and those who just want to enjoy a great plate of Spaghetti and Tomato Sauce or “Spaghetti al Pomodoro” Rome is actually one of the very best places you can possibly experience in terms of truly authentic and unique dining experiences in Italy.
Here is a list of the foods you should definitely try when coming to Rome:
1. Pasta alla Carbonara: Carbonara is an authentically Roman dish where Spaghetti is usually used as the pasta; however, fettuccine, rigatoni, linguine or bucatini can also be used. The sauce, is rich and based on eggs, cheese, bacon, and black pepper.
2. Bucatini all’Amatriciana
Amatriciana originates from a recipe named gricia. Grici were what Romans – modern dwellers of the eponymous city, not the ancient ones – called the sellers of bread and comestibles. [1] They were so called in that a number of them emigrated from the Swiss canton of Grisons. [1] According to another hypothesis, the name originates from the hamlet of Grisciano, in the comune of Accumoli, near Amatrice. The sauce was (and still is) prepared with guanciale (cured pork cheek) and grated pecorino. According to the matching hypothesis, ingredients reflect local products available either to a simple grocery store or to common folk who practiced herding in the mountainous area. At some point, a little olive oil was added to the recipe; also it should be noted that in the 1960s the Amatriciana sauce was still prepared in this way in Amatrice itself. [2
3. Saltimbocca
Saltimbocca is a dish made of veal lined or topped with prosciutto and sage or basil; marinated in wine, oil or saltwater depending on the region or one’s own taste. This dish is also occasionally topped with capers depending on individual taste.
4. Stracetti
A wonderful type of Roman stir-fry of finely cut veal which is usually marinated in light olive oil, parsley, garlic and then grilled up with pine-nuts and Porcini mushrooms or eggplant – accompanied by Risotto or just served on its own, a wonderful tasty Roman dish unique to Rome!
5. Filetti di baccalà fritti – Cod, Fried Roman Style
Rome, because of its position has always been very tied to the sea and there are some great sea-food dishes to try in Rome, perhaps the most popular in terms of appetizers or even ‘street food” is the fried cod, with a wonderfully light batter that surrounds, lightly grilled cod. Complete with herbs like Rosemary and Basil, it makes for a wonderful succulent snack or antipasto (appetizer).
6. Trippa alla romana – Tripe, Roman Style
Trippa alla Romana (Tripe Roman Style) is a masterpiece by itself. A very authentic and unique Italian fish dish, the taste of tripe cooked with tomato blends perfectly with the pecorino romano cheese and the fresh mint, giving this dish a unique flavor.
7. Coda alla vaccinara
8. Pizza Roman Style (From Marguerita to Diavola)
Roman style pizza has a slightly higher pizza crust than the thinner crust pizza found in Naples – although it still is thin by North American standandards, for those coming to Rome you should definitely make sure to try the pizza here in Rome to compare the Roman variety with other Italian varieties.
10. Suppli Romano
This is one of Rome’s best typical “street foods” you can find in local pizza joints, street vendors and even some high-end restaurants because they are SO good.
Essentially what these are, are balls of rice, that are filled with mozzarella, even anchovies, various herbs and once filled and rolled they are battered in a light bread-crumbs and lightly fried for about 10-20 seconds, so that there is just a light shell around the rice.
These suppli can also consist of mashed up potatoes… although both the rice and potatoes are equally amazing and mouth-watering.
10. Tiramisu
A lot of people don’t know this, but Tiramisu one of the most famous Italian deserts was actually first created in Rome.
For restaurant recommendations in Rome, for dining throughout Italy and for cooking courses in Rome or throughout Italy you can get in touch with us at team@italyvacationspecialists.com
Here is a link to our Cooking Course in Rome – a totally awesome experience for those wanting to learn to cook “Roman Style,” have a look at our Rome cooking course here:
Rome Cooking Course:
https://www.italyvacationspecialists.com/tours/cooking_in_rome.htm
Cooking Courses and Wine Tours in Italy:
https://www.italyvacationspecialists.com/tour-cat/cooking-class-gourmet-food-and-wine.html
This article was written by Jessica Andrews, Owner of Italy Vacation Specialists. You can contact team@italyvacationspecialists.com for more information about travel and tours in Italy.
