Rome, the Eternal City, home to the Pope, capital of the great Roman Empire and, of course, birthplace of some of the most delicious pasta dishes ever! We all know this city, even if we have never set foot in it. That’s why we all want to actually visit this historic city. Who hasn’t dreamed about throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain, walking into the Coliseum feeling like a gladiator or having a gelato behind the Pantheon as Julia Roberts did on “Eat, Pray, Love”?
A trip to Rome can become the best cultural and culinary experience of your life. But with around 7-10 million tourists roaming the streets yearly, thousands of tourist traps surface. These establishments take advantage of visitors who don’t know the city and attract them to their shop or restaurant to offer their goods at a much higher price than usual. That’s why, if you’d like to enjoy a real Roman experience, the best way to do it is with the help of locals. And a big part of that experience is the food.
An Internationally Known Culinary Reference
A Roman host can tell you not only which the best hidden-places to visit are or when to do so, but they can also help you eat like a local in Rome. Italy’s culinary culture is famous in the whole world, and Rome is its flagship since it represents the best of all of the regional cuisines.
While some might enter a Roman trattoria and look for Alfredo Pasta or Spaghetti with Meatballs in their menu, these are not typical Italian dishes. You should rather order some Cacio e Pepe (cheese and black pepper pasta), some Gnocchis (small balls made out of potato, flour, and ricotta cheese) or a ration of Suppli Alla Romana (rice and mozzarella croquettes). To enjoy your meal, you can look for a restaurant in the Rione or District of Regola, across the river from the lovely Trastevere.
Do’s And Don’ts When Eating In A Roman Restaurant
To eat like a local in Rome you not only have to go to the right restaurants, but you also have to be aware of some unwritten rules. For example, you should always eat your pasta with your fork, and never use a spoon or cut your pasta with a knife. If you are a coffee lover, remember that cappuccino is only acceptable in the mornings. Therefore, if you would like a nice cup of coffee after lunch, you should opt for an espresso. And finally, if you don’t want to upset the chef and your waiter, don’t ever (ever) put cheese on a seafood pasta dish or ask for a doggie bag. This last one is seen as disrespectful since reheated food will not maintain the quality of the dish.
Fun Culinary Activities For Any Food Lover in Rome
To complete your Roman adventure, you can participate in some of the best foodie activities. For instance, you could attend a pasta making class and learn to prepare a great Italian pizza for when the cravings hit once you are back home. Or you could also do a tasting of the best wines in all of Italy, which is much more fun when done with a friend. Alternatively, you could eat with a local host in their own home, along a bunch of fellow foodie travellers, as you all tell your own stories and learn a bit more about the Eternal City.
As you can see, a trip to Italy’s capital can become an amazing and tasty adventure for anyone. You just have to learn some insider’s tips to get the most out of the trip. That’s why you can take a look at this infographic below by Travel for Food Hub. It features everything you need to know to eat like a local in Rome. And all the information comes from the best sources possible, real Roman citizens. So next time you visit this historical city, just remember that “when in Rome…”.
Source URL: http://travelforfoodhub.com/eat-like-local-rome-infographic/
Infographic: http://res.cloudinary.com/travelforfoodhub/image/upload/v1510830784/How-to-Eat-like-a-Local-in-Rome_d1nw0s.jpg
Author Bio: Maite Aja is the Content Editor and Graphic Designer at Travel for Food Hub. She has recently graduated in Advertising and Public Relations and is specializing in two areas that she loves: graphic design and digital marketing. She’s curious and passionate and enjoys travelling and discovering new places.