Italian Food In Britain
The Italian culture has a long history and is one of the most prominent and influential cultures in the world. This is especially true when it comes to their food. Their style of eating, preparation methods, and service are all very unique compared to other cultures.
The way that many people think about Italian restaurants may not be entirely accurate. While there are some restaurants that serve nothing but pizza and spaghetti, there are also many that offer a wide variety of authentic dishes from different regions in Italy.
The simple fact is that Italians eat a lot of pasta as part of their regular diet. However, it’s not the type of pasta you get at an American-style chain restaurant with bright red sauce and cheese on top! Here are some excellent tips on what the best Italian food to eat in Britain if you want to embrace this incredible culture even more so.
The Basics of Italian Food
When you think of Italian food, you may think of spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna, and pizza. All of these dishes come from Italy and are very popular in the UK. However, there are many other types of food that make up the typical Italian diet. For instance, pasta is actually more common than rice in Italy and you can find many types of pasta dishes at an authentic Italian restaurant (not just a pizza chain!).
Italian food also has a variety of healthy options. You will find dishes made with fresh vegetables, fish, and low-fat cheeses.
Healthy Eating Is The Norm
Traditional cuisines of many cultures around the world can be very heavy in saturated fats and sugars, making them unhealthy for regular consumption. While Italian food does contain fat, sugar, and salt, it is nowhere near as bad for your health as many think. In fact, there are many healthy eating habits that are true for the Italian culture and can be applied to other cultures as well.
The Italian diet is often rich in fresh fruit and vegetables. Additionally, many Italian dishes contain whole grains and legumes, which are high in fibre and low in fat. Italians also tend to eat small portions and avoid overeating. The result is a healthy and balanced diet rich in nutrients.
The simplicity of the Italian diet means that Italian food is easy to adapt to a healthy eating plan. Simply avoid excess salt, eat small portions with regularity, and try to get most of your daily nutrients from fresh fruits and vegetables.
Pasta Is A Common Dish
You may already be aware that pasta is a very popular dish in Italy. Many tourists are surprised to find out that Italians eat pasta for almost every meal! There are many different kinds of pasta dishes, though, and they can be served with a variety of sauces. The most famous pasta dishes include spaghetti bolognese, spaghetti carbonara, and lasagna. These are all served with a variety of sauces, including tomato sauce, cheese sauce, and meat sauce.
Rice Is Also Common
As mentioned above, many people think of pasta when they think of Italian food. However, many Italians actually eat more rice than pasta! There are many different types of rice dishes, including risotto (with many different types of ingredients), risotto alla Milanese, and risotto al passe parigiano. Most rice dishes are served with meat, fish, or vegetables.
Don’t Forget The Seafood
You will find fresh seafood, such as octopus and squid, in many of the dishes you eat in an Italian restaurant. You will also often find it served as a separate dish, as it is a very popular meal for Italians to eat. Most seafood dishes are served with vegetables or pasta. You may also find them served with potatoes or rice.
Desserts Are Delicious And Unique
If you love eating dessert, you will love eating in an Italian restaurant. There are many different types of desserts, including gelato (a popular frozen treat), tiramisu, pannacotta, and many others. You may also find some desserts that are not common in other parts of the world, such as zabaglione and granita. These are made with a variety of different ingredients, including fresh fruit and chocolate.
Start with an antipasti
You may think of appetizers as a small snack to eat before the main meal. However, in Italy, antipasti can be an entire meal!
There are many different types of antipasti. You can find a wide variety of salads, vegetables, and cold meat dishes. You can also find many different types of bruschetta, which is a toasted piece of bread with different toppings on top.
Have some fresh fish
You can find a wide variety of fresh fish dishes in an Italian restaurant. You can choose from a variety of different fish species, such as sea bass, salmon, and tuna. Most fish dishes are served with vegetables, rice, or pasta. You can also find fish served in a baked or fried dish.
Be brave and try the veal
Many people are afraid to try the veal dish in an Italian restaurant because they think it will be tough and chewy. Veal is actually a very delicious and tender cut of meat, and many Italians consider it to be a special treat. You can find veal with many different types of sauces and vegetables. You can also find it served as a pasta dish with a red sauce.
Seafood: Try Calamari, Shrimp, And Mussels
You can find seafood in many of the dishes you eat in an Italian restaurant. One of the most popular types of seafood dishes is seafood pasta. You can choose from a variety of different seafood types, such as squid, shrimp, and mussels. You can also find seafood served as a side dish with vegetables.
Stews, Meat, And Vegetables: Start With These Dishes
If you are unsure which dishes you should try in an Italian restaurant, start with the stews and vegetables. Most Italian restaurants serve at least one type of vegetable dish. You can also find pasta dishes made with peas, beans, or other vegetables.
Conclusion
When you visit an authentic Italian restaurant, you will find a wide variety of delicious foods to enjoy. This includes pasta, rice, seafood dishes, vegetables, stews, and more. If you are trying Italian food for the first time, make sure to start with an antipasti, some fresh fish, and a vegetable dish. This will give you a good idea of what Italian food tastes like.