‘Parla come mangi!’ (Literally, ‘Speak like you eat!’ – i.e speak plainly!)
‘Lui è un pezzo di pane’ (‘He’s a piece of bread’, i.e he’s a good guy)
‘Hai le mani di pasta frolla’ (‘You’ve got dough hands’, i.e you’ve got butter fingers’)
The Italian language has many food-related sayings. Some are simple, whereas others may seem confusing for anyone who is not well-versed in Italian culture. Regardless of how esoteric these common phrases can be, the sheer volume indicates the centrality of food to italianità. At the heart of Italy’s connection to food is a love of pasta, something we’ve embraced at Pasta Evangelists. But why is pasta so important to Italian culture? Let’s take a look.
‘A tavola non si invecchia’ – The importance of eating together
‘At the table, one does not age’. This beautiful old proverb sums up the Italian approach to eating and indicates why pasta is so important. Italians like to eat together, and they take their time when doing so. The dinner table is where some of life’s most important events are contemplated and discussed. Over a few hours, as well as numerous dishes, Italians bond with friends and loved ones over the simple pleasure of a good, home-made meal.
Pasta is a fundamental part of this experience. It’s not uncommon for nonnas to spend hours on Sunday, for example, preparing fresh pasta to be enjoyed later by the whole family. Kneading the dough, rolling it out, cutting, and then filling it is all part of the process – grandchildren will watch, learn, and pass on their knowledge to future generations.
The deliberate process of making and consuming pasta is emblematic of how Italians enjoy their food – slowly and among loved ones.
‘L’arte di arrangiarsi’ – Making the most of things
There’s a verb in Italian which is quite difficult to translate – ‘arrangiarsi’. A close English equivalent might be ‘to get by’, but it has more of a positive spin. This verb denotes the Italian characteristic of making the best of a bad situation – being resourceful in the face of scarcity.
But how does this relate to pasta? Well, consider La Cucina Povera (peasant food). Born out of economic hardship, this Italian cuisine uses small amounts of ingredients that are cheap and easy to come by – common examples include tripe or pigs trotters, often considered to be ‘waste’ products.
Pasta remains an economical way to give more substance to a meal. Dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara, pasta fa*gioli, and passatelli in brodo are all examples of delicious pasta recipes that come from humble origins but are enjoyed by many today.
‘L’America’ – Italians across the world
Wherever you go in the world, you’re likely to encounter at least a handful of Italians. This is because millions of Italians moved away from il Bel Paese during the 19th and 20th centuries, looking to escape poverty in hope of a brighter future.
From the East coast of the US to South America, Scotland, and even Australia, Italian families put down their roots and began working to create a new and better life. This meant that the Italians’ culinary heritage travelled to many far-flung destinations. Pasta, as easy to carry as it was to make, came with them and would soon stand as a symbol of the distant homeland. While the old recipes resonated, new ones were also created using exciting new ingredients. Think about macaroni cheese, an American invention, or ñoqui con taco – Argentina’s take on gnocchi.
Dalle montagne alle spiagge – Italy’s diversity
Diversity and variety could be another reason why Italians hold pasta in such high regard. Italy is the most biodiverse country in Europe – meaning that it has the largest range of both plants and animals across the continent. From the verdant mountains of Lombardy to the arid ravines of Puglia, the Italian peninsula is home to a dizzying array of habitats.
This biodiversity is mirrored by the cultural differences found within the country. Every town seems to have its own dialect and traditions, shaped by unique histories and multiple foreign influences – Germanic tones are present in the North whilst Greek and Arabic ones can be found in the South.
Amongst all this difference, pasta remains a unifying element. As an ingredient, its versatility cannot be denied. Pasta can be made into innumerable shapes (with some rather strange names) and paired with an abundance of delicious sauces. Whilst Italy is kaleidoscopic in its culture, customs, and languages, pasta can be found everywhere.
At Pasta Evangelists, we bring a taste of Italy to your kitchen. Prepared using the freshest ingredients, our gourmet pasta dishes are perfect for those looking to enjoy restaurant-quality meals, delivered to your door, and ready in under five minutes. Order from our weeklymenutoday, and we’ll offer you 25% off your first delivery -simply enter the code BLOG25 at checkout.
Want even more pasta perks? Subscribers receive new recipes to try each week, with free delivery and 15% off each dish. Subscribers also gain access to exclusive gifts and perks, as well as early access to Pasta Evangelists events and classes.
FAQs
Italians are passionate about many things: famiglia, vino, and of course, pasta! But beyond its deliciousness, pasta, holds a deeper significance. It's woven into the fabric of Italian culture, serving as a symbol of tradition, family, and shared experiences.
Why is pasta important to Italian culture? ›
In most traditional households, pasta is made from scratch using grains. And till the end result of a bowl full of deliciousness, Italians treat it as a symbol of togetherness and as a moment where the family or loved ones sit together and enjoy their staple food.
What country's cuisine is pasta important to? ›
Pasta's undeniable relationship to Italy and its identity likely explain why noodles and pasta are the “Primo”. After World War II and the age of economic prosperity in Italy, noodles and pasta became more widespread. Today, pasta plays a central role in Italian cuisine.
Why is pasta so popular around the world? ›
So how did pasta become so popular? It's because it is cheap, versatile and convenient, says Jim Winship, from the UK-based Pizza, Pasta and Italian Food Association. A sauce to go with it can be made from simple ingredients.
Why is pasta so important? ›
It's Part of a Good Diet
Pasta is made from grain, one of the basic food groups in a healthy diet that also can include vegetables, fruits, fish, and poultry. It's a good source of energy and can give you fiber, too, if it's made from whole grain. That can help with stomach problems and may help lower cholesterol.
Why is pasta so special? ›
Versatile and Customizable
Its versatility and adaptability are just unmatched! From spaghetti to rigatoni, each shape creates a unique culinary experience, welcoming a plethora of sauces and toppings. Whether you fancy traditional Italian food in Dubai or innovative UAE cuisine, pasta is there to satisfy every palate.
Is pasta healthy yes or no? ›
Both kids and adults who ate pasta also consumed more fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, and vitamin E when compared with people who didn't eat pasta. Additionally, eating pasta was associated with a lower body weight in women. High-quality pasta is made from durum wheat which has a high protein content.
How much pasta do Italians eat? ›
Italians eat the most pasta worldwide – about 60 pounds of pasta per person per year. Most Italians eat pasta every day but they keep their portions in check.
Did Italians invent pasta? ›
Despite its many forms and the countless texts in which it has appeared, pasta seems to be universally associated with Italy. According to history, however, pasta's earliest roots begin in China, during the Shang Dynasty (1700-1100 BC), where some form of pasta was made with either wheat or rice flour.
What culture eats pasta? ›
Italian cuisine is synonymous with pasta, and it's the heart of their culinary culture. From north to south, Italy boasts a vast array of pasta shapes and recipes. The average Italian consumes a whopping 23 kilograms of pasta annually, making it the highest per capita consumption in the world.
Commonly known around the world as spaghetti bolognese, in its authentic form 'Ragu alla Bolognese' is recognised as the national dish of Italy. Its origin can be traced back to Imola, a town near the city of Bologna, where a recipe was first recorded in the 18th century.
Why is food so important in Italy? ›
The Culture Behind It All
Italian food is steeped in centuries of traditional recipes, customs, and regional variations from north to south. In Italy, meals are considered an event rather than a necessity. They're shared with friends and family over long conversations that can last hours.
Why do people love pasta so much? ›
The tangy, salty, spicy and sometimes a tad sweet taste is just mouthwatering. There is little that that could go wrong with this delicacy. You can even add other things as in meatballs, lasagna etc that blends in with pasta just perfectly. The flavor and aroma of pasta are what makes it so popular among people.
What is special about Italian food? ›
What makes Italian food unique? Italian food authenticity and uniqueness stem from its emphasis on fresh ingredients, traditional techniques, and the artful use of herbs and spices.
How is pasta used in Italian cuisine? ›
The traditional Italian pasta, made from durum wheat, is popular in northern Italy in dishes with a tomato- or cream-based sauce. Its firm texture and shape allow the noodle to pair with soups, hearty meat sauces, baked recipes, cheesy sauces, and light dressings for easy pasta salads.
What is the culture behind pasta? ›
As early as the fourth century BC, the story of pasta takes shape in Italy. There is archeological evidence for the existence of pasta in the Etruscan civilization, which flourished in the regions we now call Lazio, Umbria and Tuscany.
Why is Italian food important to Italy? ›
Italian food culture is dedicated to the importance of slowing down and savoring a moment. In Italy, a meal is the purpose of the day – of a life. It is no secret that Italians take their food very seriously, and this is probably because it is intrinsic in our culture to make the most of every meal.
Why is food such an important part of Italian identity? ›
Italian food is about originality, and tradition and this rings through in everything Italian. While other people are liberal and whip up different recipes every other day, the Italian cuisine remains the same using the same ingredients and recipes for many generations.
