Rolling Pasta in Rome: The Rise of Culinary Tourism in Italy

Rolling Pasta in Rome: The Rise of Culinary Tourism in Italy

Culinary tourism is a big business for Italy, and one that is expected to keep growing. Tourists visiting Italy love Italian food and want to explore it further through local specialities, hands-on cooking classes, wine experiences, food tours and more. In this article, we’re having a closer look at the rise of culinary tourism in Italy and what it entails.

Foodie Tourists – What They Really Want

For many food-loving tourists, simply sampling Italian food from restaurants and cafés when visiting Italy is more than enough. Some people are real foodies though and want to experience Italian cuisine on a different, more personal level. They want more than just eating out and want to engage fully in the local culture. Popular activities include signing up to cooking classes with different themes, visiting food festivals or markets, going on food and/or wine tours led by passionate local guides, or trips to Italian vineyards or farms. 

Sustainability is an important aspect too. Many foodie tourists want to support small, family-run businesses when exploring the food of Italy. There’s also a regional diversity with travellers choosing to explore dishes that are unique to the region that they’re visiting. 

Where to Visit for Food Experiences in Italy

Italian food is amazing from all regions but if you have a particular interest, then there might be a region that is especially great at that particular thing! For the top food experiences, choose the right region for your favourite Italian foods and drinks:

• All things pasta! Visit the capital of Italy and sign up to a cooking class in Rome to learn how to make classic pasta dishes and/or how to make your own authentic Italian pasta by hand. 
• Pizza and street food. Head to Naples – the birthplace of pizza! –  if you want to sample proper Italian pizza or learn to make your own. Naples is also a brilliant destination for experiencing the street food of Italy – like cuoppo (a paper cone filled with deep-fried delights) or pizza fritta (deep-fried calzone filled with Italian cheeses), for example. 
• Wine and truffles. For these specialities, book a trip to Piedmont or Tuscany. Amazing vineyards, wine tasting, truffle hunting and of course plenty of wonderfully rustic Italian food.
• Parmesan, Parma ham, and balsamic vinegar. Head to the food capital of Italy, the Emilia-Romagna region (Bologna, Parma, Modena), to experience the best of Italian culinary staples such as traditional balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (Parmesan) and Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham). This region is also famous for its tagliatelle and Mortadella (a large cooked pork sausage).
• Small plates and Prosecco. Venice is known for its romantic gondola rides and the stunning Gothic and Byzantine architecture, but also famous for Prosecco and cicchetti (Venetian tapas). These small plates are served all day and are usually very affordable too – a great way to experience many Italian flavours. With a glass of Prosecco, of course!

Conclusion

Whether you want to learn how to roll pasta in Rome, visit vineyards in Tuscany, or sample culinary staples the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy has so much to offer. It’s a dream destination for foodies. 

Collaboration.