Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes worldwide, but if you think you know how to eat it, think again! Italians have their own special customs and etiquette when it comes to enjoying pizza, and it’s quite different from the casual way many of us eat it elsewhere. If you’re curious about how they eat pizza in Italy, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into the delicious details.
The Italian Pizza Experience: More Than Just Food
In Italy, pizza is not just a quick snack or fast food; it’s a culinary tradition treated with respect and care. Unlike in many countries where pizza is often eaten on the go or shared from a big pie, Italians approach pizza as a personal, sit-down meal with its own set of rules.
The Shape and Serving Style
First off, pizza in Italy is almost always served round and whole on a plate, not pre-sliced or in rectangular pieces unless you’re grabbing pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) from a street vendor. At restaurants, you usually get the entire pizza, and it’s up to you to cut it yourself.
Fork and Knife Are Your Best Friends
One of the biggest surprises for visitors is that Italians typically eat their pizza with a knife and fork. This is especially true for the classic thin-crust pizzas like the famous Neapolitan Margherita. The crust is often soft and floppy in the middle, making it tricky to fold and eat with your hands without toppings sliding off. Plus, pizza comes out of the oven piping hot, so cutting it bite by bite with utensils is the polite and practical way to enjoy it.
How to Eat Pizza Like an Italian
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to eating pizza the authentic Italian way:
– Don’t hesitate: As soon as your pizza arrives, pick up your knife and fork. Waiting for it to cool down too much is actually frowned upon because it shows you don’t appreciate the pizza maker’s craft.
– Cut a triangular slice: If the pizza isn’t pre-sliced, cut a triangular piece from the round pizza.
– Cut bite-sized pieces: Use your knife to cut off the pointy end of the slice and eat it with your fork. Work your way toward the crust, taking small bites.
– Pick it up only at the end: Once the pizza has cooled a bit and there’s just a small portion left, it’s acceptable to pick up the slice with your hands to finish it off. Folding slices is generally not done because it resembles a calzone, which is a different dish altogether.
– Repeat: Continue with the next slice until your pizza is gone.
No Sharing, No Alterations
Unlike many places where pizza is shared family-style, in Italy, each person orders their own pizza. Sharing slices is uncommon. Also, Italians are serious about their toppings – no pineapple, no chicken, no ketchup, and definitely no dipping sauces. Adding grated Parmesan cheese or chili flakes is often frowned upon because it alters the intended flavor of the pizza.
What to Drink with Pizza
Forget ordering cappuccino or wine with your pizza. Italians usually pair pizza with beer or sparkling water. In some regions, like around Sorrento, you might even be served a small glass of Limoncello with your pizza meal.
When to Eat Pizza
Pizza is typically a dinner food in Italy. Restaurants rarely serve it at lunch because the ovens need to be heated for hours to make the perfect pizza. So, if you want the best pizza experience, plan to enjoy it in the evening.
Leftovers? Not Really a Thing
Don’t expect to take your leftover pizza home. Doggy bags aren’t common in Italy, and Italians usually finish their pizza at the restaurant. It’s part of the experience to enjoy it fresh and hot.
A Few Fun Facts
– If you order a “pepperoni” pizza in Italy, you’ll get a pizza with peppers, not spicy salami, because “peperoni” means peppers in Italian.
– Many Italians start their pizza meal with fried snacks before the main event.
Why These Traditions Matter
These customs reflect the Italian respect for pizza as an art form. Eating pizza with a fork and knife, savoring each bite, and following the unwritten rules show appreciation for the skill and tradition behind every pie. It’s not just about eating; it’s about enjoying the full sensory experience.
Eating pizza in Italy is a delightful ritual that goes beyond just food. By following these simple yet meaningful customs, you can truly taste the passion and history baked into every slice. So next time you’re in Italy, remember: pizza is best enjoyed with a fork, a knife, and a big appetite for tradition. Buon appetito!