Italian pasta: enjoy it like a true Italian

Pasta is undoubtedly one of the cornerstones of Italian cuisine, and while everyone enjoys it, there are some curiosities and traditions that make a difference in the culinary experience. At Rossini, our goal is to offer you the most authentic experience possible. Here are some secrets about how common Italians enjoy their pasta—you’re sure to be surprised.

In Italy, long pasta like spaghetti is eaten exclusively with a fork. It’s common to see tourists using a spoon to help twirl the pasta, but for Italians, this is unnecessary and even inelegant. The correct technique is to use only the fork to turn the pasta against the plate, creating a small nest of spaghetti ready to enjoy. Additionally, it’s considered bad manners to take more pasta than fits in your mouth, and of course, biting the fork is a big no-no.

Contrary to what many believe, in Italy, pasta is not served with the sauce simply poured on top. Italians mix the pasta with the sauce directly in the pan before serving. This ensures that each bite is perfectly coated with flavour, creating a homogeneous and delicious tasting experience. At Rossini, we follow this tradition to ensure that every pasta dish is an authentic delight.

A common mistake outside of Italy is cooking pasta until it is soft. Italians prefer pasta al dente, meaning slightly firm to the bite. To achieve this texture, it’s essential to boil the water before adding the pasta and to respect the cooking times indicated on the package. At Rossini, we make sure our pasta is always al dente, offering perfect texture in every bite.

When cooking pasta, Italians always add salt to the cooking water to give the pasta flavour. However, contrary to some popular advice, they never add oil to the water. Oil can prevent the sauce from adhering properly to the pasta. Just salt and a good amount of boiling water are enough to prepare perfect pasta. Now that you know some of the secrets of how Italians enjoy their pasta, we invite you to Rossini to try our various pasta dishes, prepared with respect for these traditions. Come and experience authentic Italian dining that will transport you directly to Italy. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms and al dente pasta!