Italian food is a triumph – and far more complex than the stereotypical gelato, pizza and pasta dishes most tourists have come to know and love.
The country has more than 20 distinct foodie regions, each with their own culinary traditions and way of preparing signature meals.
Costsaver’s 7-day Jewels of Italy tour is a fantastic way to see the quintessential highlights of Rome, Florence, Pisa, Verona and Venice this Autumn, Winter or Spring – and sample some of its finest flavours from just R1,608 per day. While you’re on tour, why not check the menu for some of these regional tastes?
Tuscan food is known for its simplicity and use of locally-grown ingredients. Tuscans tend to sprinkle their dishes with rosemary and sage, herbs that grow all over Tuscany. The region is also famous for its truffles, saffron and porcini mushrooms – ingredients you’ll be sure to come across when eating in authentic Tuscan restaurants.
Sardinian dishes are all about the seafood – it’s an island nation, after all. Besides freshly-caught fish, clams and crabs, menus in Sardinian restaurants will most likely feature dishes like cassola, a fragrant fish and seafood soup; burrida, a shark chowder, and oven-roasted aragosta arrosto, a rock lobster half topped with a crunchy, seasoned breadcrumb layer. Mouth-watering!
Thanks to the trading power of the Venetians in the past, food in Veneto is heavily influenced by cooking traditions from around the world. This region was the first in Europe to put rice dishes on the table – risi e bisi, riso e trippa and risotto are all still staple dishes of the Veneto region. Polenta, a yellow corn cake, is also very popular here – you’ll see it paired with many Veneto dishes.
The signature of Abruzzi cooking is a meal that’s hearty and filling. Dishes from this region include zuppa di cardi, a soup filled with cardoons (a relative of the artichoke), potatoes and pork, or zuppa di lenticchie, a lentil soup. Another Abruzzo favourite is agnello alle olive, lamb slow cooked in a clay pot.
Lazio
Home to the capital of the country, food in Lazio usually consists of fresh produce, broth soups and plenty of pasta dishes. A meal in Lazio often starts with loaded platters of antipasti, freshly baked breads, cured meats and grilled vegetables. Don’t miss local favourites like bucatini or penne all’amatriciana.
Click here to learn more about Italy's stunning regions, culture and history.
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Costsaver is giving away a mystery Italian hamper valued at R500. To enter, simply tell us which 5 Italian cities are highlights of Costsaver’s 7-day Jewels of Italy tour .
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That’s it. Winner will be announced on social media on 15 June 2018. Good luck!
Competition Terms and Conditions
1. Entrants into the Prize Draw shall be deemed to have accepted these Terms and Conditions. 2. The closing date for entries into the competition is 12h00pm on 14 June 2018. Entries received outside this time period will not be considered. 3. One winner will be chosen by The Promoters (Costsaver and Sure Travel) of entries received in accordance with these Terms and Conditions. 4. The winner will receive 1 x Italian themed hamper valued at R500. 5. The prize will be delivered via courier. 6. If the winner does not respond to the promoters by 15 June 2018, then the winner's prize will be forfeited. If a winner rejects their prize or the entry is invalid or in breach of these Terms and Conditions, the winner's prize will be forfeited and the Promoters shall be entitled to select another winner. 7. The prize is non-exchangeable, non-transferable, and is not redeemable for cash or other prizes. 8. The Promoters retain the right to substitute the prize with another prize of similar value in the event the original prize offered is not available. 9. The winner consents to the use by the Promoters, both before and after the closing date of the Prize Draw for an unlimited time, of the winner's name for publicity purposes, in any medium, on the internet, including any websites hosted by the Promoters and its related companies and in advertising, marketing or promotional material without additional compensation or prior notice and, in entering the Prize Draw, all entrants consent to the same. 10. The Promoters accept no responsibility for any damage, loss, liabilities, injury or disappointment incurred or suffered by you as a result of entering the Prize Draw or accepting the prize. 11. The Promoters shall not be liable for any failure to comply with its obligations where the failure is caused by something outside its reasonable control. 12. Sure Travel's standard competition terms and conditions apply. Click here for the full Ts and Cs.