Welcome back to Flavourful Journeys, where we explore the world through its most iconic and irresistible flavours. This week, we’re heading to the heart of the Mediterranean — Italy — a country where food is more than a passion; it's a way of life.
From sun-drenched vineyards in Tuscany to bustling market stalls in Palermo, Italy’s culinary identity is steeped in regional pride, family tradition, and pure, unadulterated flavour. Whether savouring a slice of wood-fired pizza in Naples or twirling strands of fresh tagliatelle in Bologna, every dish tells a story passed down through generations.
The Heart of Italian Cuisine
Italian food is celebrated worldwide for its simplicity and quality, with fewer ingredients, but the best of everything. Meals are seasonal, social, and always made with love.
Italy is also home to some of the most beloved dishes on the planet:
- Pasta in its endless varieties (spaghetti, pappardelle, orecchiette)
- Pizza Napoletana with its soft, blistered crust and San Marzano tomatoes
- Risotto rich with butter, wine, and slow-cooked broth
- Gelato, espresso, and fresh breads that make everyday dining feel luxurious
Each region has its specialities, and that’s where the journey gets delicious.
Where to Go for the Best Bites
Italy isn’t just one cuisine — it’s a rich mosaic of regional flavours, each shaped by local landscapes, traditions, and ingredients. What you eat in the North is completely different from what you'll find in the South, and that’s part of what makes travelling (and eating) through Italy so thrilling.
🍕 Naples (Napoli) – The Birthplace of Pizza
You simply can’t go to Italy without eating pizza in Naples. Look for a certified Pizza Napoletana with a soft, chewy crust, creamy mozzarella, and bright tomato sauce. The street food scene is also fantastic — try Cuoppo (fried seafood in a paper cone) or Sfogliatella (a shell-shaped pastry).
🍝 Bologna – The Food Capital
Often called La Grassa (“The Fat One”), Bologna is the cradle of Ragù Alla Bolognese, traditionally served with Tagliatelle. Don't miss Tortellini in Brodo, Mortadella, and hand-rolled pasta everywhere you turn.
🧀 Parma & Modena – Icons of Italian Ingredients
These cities are the birthplace of three legends: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto Di Parma, and traditional balsamic vinegar. Visit local producers to see how these foods are crafted by hand, often aged for years.
🥩 Florence (Firenze) – Home of the Bistecca
Tuscan cuisine is rustic and full of character. Florence is famous for Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, a massive T-bone steak cooked rare and seasoned only with olive oil, salt, and rosemary. Pair it with a bold Chianti, and you're living the Tuscan dream.
Cook at Home: Italian-Style Baked Chicken Parmesan
Want to bring the flavours of Italy into your kitchen? Try this comforting, cheesy, and crunchy Italian-style Baked Chicken Parmesan, made even better with premium ingredients from Butchers-Sundries.
Making Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cornish Sea Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 Egg, beaten
- 100g Plain flour
- AVO Italian Style Meat Crumb
- 2 tbsp MRC Italian Glaze
- 200g Passata sauce
- 200g Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 50g Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Olive oil, for frying
Method:
- Prep the Chicken - Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C). Flatten chicken breasts slightly using a rolling pin or meat mallet. Season with salt and pepper
- Coat & Crumb - dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat thoroughly with AVO Italian Style Meat Crumb
- Fry Until Golden - Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked through. Transfer to a baking dish
- Assemble & Bake - Spoon tomato or passata sauce over each piece, drizzle with MRC Italian Glaze, and top with mozzarella and parmesan. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbling
- Serve - Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve over spaghetti, with a side salad, or some garlic ciabatta
From the cobbled streets of Bologna to the lemon groves of the Amalfi Coast, Italy’s cuisine captures the essence of life’s greatest pleasures — simplicity, community, and flavour. We hope this week’s journey inspires your next meal or next holiday.
Until next time, buon appetito!