Legend has it that when Italians immigrated to America, the word “pepperoni” got lost in translation and started meaning “meat” instead of “veggies.” But beyond the language barrier, you won’t find anything in Italy that resembles American pepperoni pizza.
What do Italians use instead of pepperoni?
So, for those traveling to Italy who want to sample an authentic Italian version of the American relative pepperoni, depending on where you are, you should ask for salame or salamino piccante, or salsiccia piccante (spicy salame or dried sausage), characteristic mostly of the South. You will not be disappointed.
What do they call pepperoni pizza in Italy?
It turns out that the word “peperoni” means bell pepper in Italian. The American classic (that I had always assumed was an Italian classic!) that we call Pepperoni Pizza is called Salami Pizza. Lesson learned, and more to come!
Can you get pepperoni in Italy?
Pepperoni pizza as we know it is almost never served in Italy, except in touristy areas. Other popular toppings to try in lieu of pepperoni include broccoli rabe, mozzarella, corn, anchovies, and even potato slices.
Why don’t they cut pizza in Italy?
Pizza at the restaurant in Italy is served unsliced in the great majority of cases, because this helps its presentation and flavour, preventing the runny pizza topping from leaking off the pizza base and wetting the edges. Not slicing the pizza for customers also minimizes the risk of it cooling down.
What is considered rude in Italy?
And please, do not burp or fart in public, it is considered extremely rude. Also, loud swearing and drinking alcohol from a bottle while walking the street, is frowned upon. Most Italians like some alcohol, but usually avoid to get drunk. Public scenes of drunkenness are much less tolerated than in other countries.
Why is there no chicken in Italy?
The tradition is simply that chicken is not as significant a part of Italian cuisine as of others (such as my own native British cuisine). As we all know, Italian food is very traditional still.
Is it rude to not finish food in Italy?
Italian here: Leaving a “Little bit” of leftover is not too offensive however is quite unclassy, it is a behavior typically associated with the “new riches”, as if “I used to be hungry now I can even leave the food on my plate”. If you can, avoid & enjoy the whole plate of (great) food.
Do Italians use pepperoni on pizza?
In Italy, you’ll find pizzas topped with potato slices, anchovies, sausages, broccoli rabe, corn, prosciutto… but no pepperoni. That most beloved of “Italian” salami varieties was first mentioned in print in an American ad in 1919.
Is pepperoni Italian or American?
Like Jazz and baseball, pepperoni is purely an American invention. And, like those two very American ideas, it permeates our culture. In fact, pepperoni remains the most popular topping for pizzas in America, being served on more than 35% of all pizza orders.
Do Italians put meat on pizza?
Italians do eat chicken, just not on their pizza. The thought of putting chicken on a pizza might be almost as sacrilegious to Italians as adding pineapple. You will find some meats as pizza toppings in Italy, but many of these tend to be preserved meats that come from pork, such as salami and prosciutto.
Does capicola taste like pepperoni?
No, Capicola is made from harvested pork and hence does not have the gamey taste that game-shot animals have. The meat is also marinated, salt-treated, cured, and left to rest for at least 6 months before it is consumed. Capicola has a slightly salty taste and does not taste chemical-like in any way.
Is pancetta like pepperoni?
Pancetta is a salt-cured meat product made from pork belly. It is part of a family of pork and beef Italian meats like mortadella, prosciutto, bresaola, capicola, and the more commonly meat-cured products that use pork and beef parts like pepperoni and Cotto salami.
Is capicola a pepperoni?
Otherwise known by the names coppa, capicola, and gabagool, capocollo is one of Italy’s most famous cured meats. While not as well known as other cured meats like jamón, prosciutto, and pepperoni, capocollo is one of the most valued culinary cuts.
What do Italians use instead of pepperoni?
So, for those traveling to Italy who want to sample an authentic Italian version of the American relative pepperoni, depending on where you are, you should ask for salame or salamino piccante, or salsiccia piccante (spicy salame or dried sausage), characteristic mostly of the South. You will not be disappointed.
Can men wear shorts in Italy?
I saw plenty of Italian men on the Metro, at the market, going out to eat, all wearing shorts. You can wear shorts in Cathedrals, they just have to cover your knees. Below is a sign going into a cathedral. It is very clear you can wear shorts, they just have to cover the knees.
Can you eat pizza with your hands in Italy?
In Italy, unless sold on the street or “al taglio” (sold in rectangular or square slices by weight), it’s always round and served on a plate. 2. You cut the pizza yourself and then eat it with a knife and fork, the most common way, or fold each slice and eat it with your hands.
What is the main meal of the day in Italy?
Normally, lunch is Italian’s biggest and most sustaining meal of the day.
What shouldn’t you wear in Italy?
You should avoid wearing tank tops or other clothing that exposes the shoulders when entering the Vatican or a church. Try not to wear anything that is too revealing as that can be interpreted as a sign of disrespect. Wearing mini-skirts or short shorts would be frowned on in the Vatican.
Which side do you kiss first in Italy?
Italy: Two kisses is standard, but watch out — Italians tend to start with the left cheek. Also, try to save it for casual social environments (not networking events).
Can you drink the water in Italy?
The short answer is yes. Drinking water from the tap in Italy is considered safe. Tap water in the major cities and towns around Italy is safe for consumption, and there are thousands of old-style water fountains dotted around cities, like Rome, where you can fill up water bottles.
Is it rude to ask for cheese in Italy?
Don’t ask for cheese When you’re in Italy, it’s normal to want to put parmesan cheese on everything, but don’t. Many chefs will serve up your food exactly how they believe it should be eaten, and will likely take offence if you think it needs something extra.
