Italians have a thing for good food. We all know it. Food is not only a way to nourish the body. Food is culture, family time, and quality of life: that is why Italians are so jealous of it (take a look at why Italian food is the most famous in the world).

Let’s dive into the 10 things Italians would never eat. 

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALL

The most common reaction of Italians looking at a plate with spaghetti and meatballs is disbelief. What are meatballs doing there? So you need a knife to cut them, it means you eat your spaghetti with a knife??? Don’t you have another plate to put the meatballs? And so on.

FETTUCCINE ALFREDO

Alfredo who? No, fettuccine Alfredo isn’t even a thing in Italy, so don’t bother to ask.

PEPPERONI PIZZA

First of all, peperoni (with one “p”) are bell peppers in Italian: so don’t be surprised if you get a vegetarian pizza. Secondly, American “pepperoni” would be illegal in Italy: Tabasco, with some unknown animal part, is not an option. At all.

CHICKEN/VEAL PARMESAN

Italian parmigiana is a vegetarian dish made with pan-fried eggplants, tomato sauce, basil, garlic, and cheese (pecorino, Parmigiano, mozzarella, or scamorza are the most commonly used).

No chicken, no veal.

CHICKEN ON EVERYTHING (LIKE PIZZA AND PASTA)

One question: WHY? Why should one put the chicken on pasta or pizza?

COFFEE WHILE EATING FOOD/AMERICAN COFFEE

Italian coffee (and its endless variations) is one of the most famous in the world. But, as much as Italians love coffee, they won’t drink it while eating. NEVER, besides breakfast. American coffee doesn’t exist in Italy, so if you ask for a coffee while eating a steak, be aware that you’ll get an espresso + a disapproval look from the waiter. 

SALAD AS APPETIZER

Italians have a specific meal structure that doesn’t include having a salad as an appetizer. Salad is a side dish in Italy, so do not expect it anytime before the “second course.”

ITALIAN DRESSING WHAT?

Italian food is simple, healthy, and delicious, remember?

The authentic Italian dressing is nothing more than a mixture of e.v.o., white or balsamic vinegar al salt: no mayo, no mustard, no ketchup.

ICED EVERYTHING

In the US, people drink iced beverages, no matter how cold it is outside. Well, forget it when you are in Italy. Ice is usually served with sodas or cocktails only in the summertime.

SHARED DISHES

Some cultures worldwide (like most Asian and Middle Eastern countries) serve their food in big, shared dishes. In Italy, besides shared appetizers, it’s pretty unusual to share food from the same plate unless you previously agreed to do “half and half” with another person at the table.