(scene)
It’s my very first night in Florence. I’m hungry, I’m exhausted, I’ve heard the word “culture-shock” too many times.
“Surely there aren’t that many differences between Italian and American culture,” I think to myself, “at least not any glaring differences.”
I stagger into the nearest restaurant and my mind is immediately changed.
(exeunt)
Here are the differences I’ve noted between Italian and American food culture during my semester abroad, read on to see which culture I prefer!
Ingredients
The first and most obvious difference between Italian and American food is the ingredients! Whereas in the States many food items are prepared from frozen, boxes, or pre-prepped items; Italy prides itself on its seasonal unprocessed ingredients. Gelato shops sell their icy treats, boasting their natural fruit constituents; restaurants showcase their flour-dusted chefs and just-made pasta through large storefront windows; everyone is eager to show their fresh food!
Water
Unlike your complimentary waters at American dining establishments, you cannot order tap water in Italy. Though many areas in Italy have drinkable tap water, ordering it is simply not done! Instead, you are expected to order water for yourself or for the table. This typically comes in a large glass bottle and if you do not finish the bottle during your meal, you are welcome to take it home!
Sitting vs. Standing
Almost everywhere you go in Italy will have you pay a table charge if you plan to sit and eat, an uncommon practice in the US. However, some places, like cafes, will allow you to take your croissant or espresso standing right at the bar without paying a table charge! This is especially helpful if you want a moment to relax without getting your food to-go or fully settling yourself at a table.
Dining Values
Think of the last time you had a long, shared meal with multiple courses and hours of talking. When was it? Christmas? Easter? If you’re American this may be the case. But in Italy, this is the dining norm! Not only is there an entire culture around having a meal/drink right before dinner, aperitivo, but also the dining establishments are designed to let you stay for hours enjoying yourself and building your community. This also gives you time to enjoy your appetizer, your prima pasta plate, your main course, drink, and dessert!
The time allowance is in part due to the fact that Italy does not practice a tipping culture, so waiters aren’t dying for you to leave once you’ve finished eating to give your table to the next paying/tipping customer. But mostly this tradition is upheld to place value on conversation and closeness with your fellow diners, making every meal a social meal.
Alcohol
It is not rare, but certainly not common to end each repast with a drink in America, but in Italy it is strange to have a meal without! The drinking age in Italy is younger than in America, so Italian young adults aren’t typically downing alcohol left and right just for the sweet taste of freedom. Rather, drinks are seen as an aid to a social evening and as a digestive! With aperitivos typically beginning at 6pm to whet the appetite, and dinners at 8 or later, it is common to start your evening with an aperol or hugo spritz and end your night of food and fun with the strong, lemon liqueur limoncello digestif (sometimes restaurants will give you some for free!) See this article for notes on Italian drinking etiquette.
While I’m excited to return home to America and my tap water, I will certainly miss the amazing food culture in Italy and I would definitely like to come back someday.
Check out this content to see what you’re missing in Florence!
Market to Mouth: Shopping for food in Florence Article
Your Semester in Florence Made Easier
Written by Laura Wong (@lauraslifeonline)
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