When planning a trip to Rome, one of the first things you’ll likely do is search online for the best things to see and do in the city. But what about the best things to eat? Rome is a foodie city, and there are certain dishes that you just have to try when you’re here.
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing 10 must-eat foods in Rome that will make you feel like a local. From hearty pasta dishes to street food staples, these are the dishes that you need to try when you’re in Rome. Buon Appetito!
1. Pizza al taglio
If you’re looking for the quintessential Italian pizza experience, it’s hard to beat the classic pizza al taglio or pizza by the slice. Pizza al taglio is popular all over Rome, and each pizzeria will have its own take on the classic dish. Ready-to-eat slices are typically topped with classic Italian ingredients like tomatoes, mozzarella, oregano and olive oil. The dough is thick and fluffy, and the toppings are fresh and flavourful. This is an ideal snack for when you’re strolling the streets of Rome looking for sightseeing spots! 2. Supplì: Another street food favourite in Rome is
2. Supplì
Not to be confused with arancini, supplì is a deep-fried rice ball usually filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce. The outside is made with a rice-based batter and the inside is packed with gooey cheese. Supplì makes for an excellent snack on the go and can be found in pizzerias and gelaterias around the city. It can also be topped with an array of additional ingredients like prosciutto, mushrooms and ham, for a truly Italian experience.
3. Trapizzino
Trapizzino is a modern-day take on pizza, and one of the most popular dishes in Rome. It’s a triangular pocket of thin and crispy pizza dough, usually filled with a savoury topping such as chicken or meatball. The dough is traditionally made using a recipe that dates back centuries, while the toppings combine modern flavours with classic Italian ingredients. Trapizzino makes for a convenient and delicious snack, perfect for when you’re roaming the streets of Rome looking for things to do!
4. Porchetta
Porchetta is a classic, slow-roasted pork dish, typically served in thick sandwiches. The pork itself is marinated with herbs and spices and slow-cooked for hours, before being served in sliced rolls with lettuce, tomatoes and plenty of olive oil. Porchetta sandwiches are a popular snack in Rome, and can be found in bakeries, pizzerias and butcher shops throughout the city.
5. Gelato
No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to a gelateria for a scoop (or two) of the city’s famed Italian ice cream. Italian gelato is known for its intense flavour, creamy texture and wide array of unique ingredients. From sweet to tart and fruity to chocolatey, gelaterias in Rome have something for everyone. This is an absolute must-have when you’re in Rome!
6. Pappa al pomodoro
Pappa al pomodoro is a thick, tomato-based Tuscan soup. It’s traditionally made with tomatoes, bread, garlic, basil and olive oil, and is thickened with bread that has been soaked in tomato sauce. Pappa al pomodoro is a hearty and flavourful dish, perfect when the weather is a bit chillier in Rome. It’s a must-have in the colder months!
7. Cacio e Pepe
This classic Roman pasta dish is made with fresh spaghetti, cheese (traditionally Pecorino Romano), freshly ground black pepper and butter. It is a simple dish, but one that demands attention to detail. Cacio e pepe is the perfect example of Italian comfort food and it is sure to satisfy any carb-lover!
8. Tiramisù
Tiramisu is one of the most famous Italian desserts, and it can be found in every Roman bakery and cafe. This classic dessert is made with layers of ladyfingers, soaked in espresso and layered with cream and cocoa. This is the perfect way to end a meal, and it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular desserts in Rome!
9. Carbonara
Another classic Roman pasta dish is Carbonara. It is made with eggs, parmesan cheese, guanciale (cured pork) and black pepper. This dish is unique among Italian pastas because it does not use a tomato base and instead relies on the creaminess of the eggs to give it its distinctive flavour. Carbonara is a simple dish but one that has achieved iconic status in Rome.
10. Maritozzo
This delicious dessert is one of the oldest traditional pastries in Rome. Maritozzo consists of a sweet, fluffy brioche-style bun filled with whipped cream and topped with sugar. Maritozzo makes a great breakfast or snack and can be found in every bakery in Rome.
Rome is a city full of culinary delights, and these are just 10 of the must-eat foods that you have to try when you’re here. From hearty pasta dishes to street food staples, each dish has its own unique flavour and texture that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. So the next time you plan to visit Rome, make sure you save room for these must-eat dishes!
