What Is Rome Traditional Food?

By Anna Duncan

When it comes to food, Rome is a city that never disappoints. The traditional cuisine of Rome is renowned for its rich flavors, hearty dishes, and a perfect blend of simple ingredients. Let’s dive into the culinary delights that make up the essence of Rome’s traditional food.

Roman Pasta

One cannot talk about Roman cuisine without mentioning pasta. Rome boasts a variety of pasta dishes that are loved by locals and tourists alike.

One such dish is Spaghetti alla Carbonara. This mouthwatering dish features spaghetti tossed in a creamy sauce made with eggs, pecorino cheese, pancetta, and black pepper.

Another beloved pasta dish from Rome is Bucatini all’Amatriciana. It consists of hollow spaghetti-like pasta called bucatini served with a sauce made from tomatoes, guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino cheese, and chili flakes.

Pizza Romana

Rome has its own style of pizza called Pizza Romana. Unlike the thin-crust pizza you might associate with Naples, Roman pizza has a thicker crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It is often topped with simple yet delicious ingredients like fresh mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, olive oil, and basil leaves.

Supplì

Supplì, also known as supplì al telefono (telephone wires), are deep-fried rice balls stuffed with ragù (meat sauce) and mozzarella cheese. The name “telephone wires” comes from the stringy melted cheese that stretches out when you take a bite. These golden-brown delights are commonly enjoyed as street food in Rome.

Abbacchio alla Romana

Abbaccio alla Romana is a classic Roman dish made with lamb. The lamb is slow-cooked with garlic, rosemary, white wine, and broth until it becomes tender and succulent. It is often served alongside roasted potatoes or artichokes.

Carciofi alla Romana

Carciofi alla Romana is a popular dish that showcases Rome’s love for artichokes. The artichokes are cleaned, stuffed with garlic, fresh parsley, and mint, then braised in olive oil and white wine until they become tender. These flavorful artichokes are a true Roman delicacy.

In conclusion,

Rome’s traditional food is a reflection of its rich history and culinary heritage. From pasta dishes like Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Bucatini all’Amatriciana to iconic Roman pizza, supplì, lamb dishes like Abbacchio alla Romana, and artichoke delights such as Carciofi alla Romana – Rome has something to satisfy every palate. So next time you find yourself in the Eternal City, make sure to indulge in these gastronomic treasures!

References:

  • https://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/food-and-wine/roman-food-guide-what-to-eat-in-rome
  • https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/15-must-try-dishes-in-rome/
  • https://www.romewise.com/roman-food.html
  • https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/a-guide-to-the-top-10-traditional-roman-dishes.html