Discover 10 Italian dishes that captivate global travelers

From the small streets of Rome to the sun-drenched squares of Florence, the aroma of Italian dishes always lingers in the air, captivating all the senses of visitors. Italian cuisine is not only a blend of fresh ingredients but also a symbol of the art of living, of passion and endless creativity. Join Vietravel on a journey to discover 10 unique Italian dishes, where each flavor is a story about culture, people and love for the homeland of Italy.

Việt Nam•16/10/2025

1. Pasta

No dish represents the soul of Italian cuisine more clearly than Pasta (Photo source: Collected)

No dish embodies the soul of Italian cuisine more than Pasta. From golden strands of Spaghetti to tiny pieces of Ravioli, each Pasta has its own shape and story.

What makes Pasta special is not only its appearance, but also the way Italians honor each ingredient – from flour, eggs, cheese to olive oil. When the noodles blend with tomato sauce Bolognese or Pesto, the flavors become a perfect symphony, both rustic and sophisticated.

On Vietravel Italy tours, visitors will enjoy Pasta right at traditional trattorias - where each dish is prepared using a family recipe, passed down through many generations.

>>> See the latest Italy tours:
1. Western Europe: Italy - Switzerland - Germany - France (Scenic train experience)
2. Ancient European Caravan: France – Switzerland – Italy

2. Pizza

Pizza is known as a culinary symbol of Italy (Photo source: Collected)

Perhaps no other food is as “global” as Pizza, but only in Italy can you taste the most original flavor. Thin dough baked in a wood oven, smooth Mozzarella cheese and fresh tomatoes have created a simple but enchanting Pizza.

Pizza originated in Naples, where people created this dish to serve the working class – fast but rich in energy. Over time, Pizza has become a symbol of Italian cuisine, associated with the liberal spirit and joy of everyday life. If you have the opportunity to travel to Italy, join Vietravel to a small roadside restaurant, enjoy a hot Pizza just out of the oven – you will understand why the whole world is passionate about this flavor.

3. Risotto

Risotto is a typical rice dish of Northern Italy (Photo source: Collected)

Unlike Pasta or Pizza, Risotto is a typical Northern Italian rice dish, usually cooked with chicken broth, white wine and Parmesan cheese. Cooking Risotto requires patience, as the chef must stir constantly so that the rice grains blend with the smooth sauce.

When you take a spoonful of Risotto, you will feel the rich, fragrant, smooth taste melt on the tip of your tongue – a delicate, authentic Italian culinary experience. Each region has its own version, such as the golden Risotto alla Milanese with saffron, or Risotto ai Funghi cooked with wild mushrooms.

4. Lasagna

Lasagna is a dish that shows the typical creativity of Italians (Photo source: Collected)

Lasagna is a dish that shows the typical Italian creativity in combining ingredients. The dish consists of many layers of fresh pasta alternating with minced meat, tomato sauce and rich cheese, baked until the surface is golden brown and exudes an attractive aroma.

Lasagna is not just a dish but also a symbol of Italian family meals – where everyone gathers around the table, sharing joy and life stories. In Italian cuisine, Lasagna represents warm love and connection, a value that goes beyond taste.

5. Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a legendary Italian dessert (Photo source: Collected)

Tiramisu is a legendary Italian dessert, combining rich Espresso coffee and smooth Mascarpone cheese. When you taste a piece of Tiramisu, you will feel the wonderful balance between the bitterness of coffee, the light sweetness of cream and the light aroma of wine.

The name “Tiramisu” means “lift me up” – as if this cake can lift anyone’s mood. More than just a dish, Tiramisu also represents optimism and joy of life – an indispensable characteristic of Italian cuisine.

6. Gelato

Gelato - the famous ice cream of Italian cuisine (Photo source: Collected)

No one can resist the charm of Gelato – the famous ice cream of Italian cuisine. Different from regular ice cream, Gelato has a smooth texture, less fat but more rich flavor. Each cup of Gelato is a perfect combination of fresh milk, fruit, chocolate and sometimes even light wine.

Walking on the ancient streets of Florence or Rome, holding a cold cup of Gelato in your hand, you will feel the simple joy of the Italian people - where food is not just for eating, but also for enjoying every moment of life.

7. Gnocchi

Gnocchi is a dish made from mashed potatoes and flour (Photo source: Collected)

Gnocchi is a dish made from mashed potatoes and flour, shaped into small balls, then boiled and eaten with tomato sauce or cheese butter. Although it is a rustic dish, Gnocchi still carries the typical sophistication of Italian cuisine, where every ingredient is carefully selected and meticulously prepared. For Italians, Gnocchi reminds them of warm, simple but loving family meals - which makes their cuisine close to everyone's soul.

8. Ossobuco

Ossobuco is a typical veal stew of Milan (Photo source: Collected)

Ossobuco, which means “bone with holes,” is a veal stew typical of Milan. The meat is slow-cooked in white wine, tomatoes, and vegetables until it becomes tender and aromatic.

When served with Risotto or bread, the rich and fatty flavor of Ossobuco makes diners remember it forever. This is a dish that fully represents the spirit of “slow food” – the beauty of Italian cuisine, where people cherish every moment of the meal.

9. Arancini

Arancini is a famous street food of Sicily (Photo source: Collected)

Arancini are a popular Sicilian street food made from cooked risotto, shaped into balls and fried. The filling usually consists of minced meat, peas and melted cheese, creating a perfect combination of crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

This dish demonstrates the Italians' limitless creativity in turning simple ingredients into masterpieces. For Vietravel tourists, Arancini is a dish you can find on any street corner during your Italian travel journey, both delicious and full of the soul of the homeland.

10. Bruschetta

Bruschetta – grilled bread covered with tomatoes, olive oil and garlic (Photo source: Collected)

To end the journey of discovery , we cannot forget to mention Bruschetta - a toasted bread covered with tomatoes, olive oil and garlic. Although it is just a simple dish, Bruschetta represents the Italian philosophy of life: enjoy the little things and cherish every natural flavor.

Enjoy a slice of Bruschetta in a small restaurant by the square, sip a sip of red wine, you will see that Italian cuisine is not just food, but a whole way of life - elegant, gentle and full of emotions.

Each region of Italy has its own flavor, but all are united in the love of fresh ingredients and endless creativity. With Vietravel's Italian tour, you will not only enjoy delicious food but also live in a space of emotions - where flavors, sounds and memories blend into a complete experience. Let the flavors of Italy touch your heart, and let each meal become a journey of deep, sophisticated and European cultural discovery.

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Source of article: Collected and compiled
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