Tastes of Italy—Traditional Foods Kids Will Love

When you think of Italy, one of the first things that probably comes to mind is pizza! Pizza is one of the most popular and well-loved foods in the world, and it was born in Naples, Italy, around 1860. Italian pizza is usually very thin and baked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a smoky, crispy flavor. Instead of being heavy with cheese, it often comes topped with fresh vegetables, thinly sliced meats like salami or ham, and tasty ingredients like artichokes and olives.

Another popular version of pizza is the calzone, which is like a folded pizza pocket stuffed with all your favorite fillings.

Italy is also famous for its pasta. There are more than 200 different pasta shapes, and each region has its own favorites. One well-known pasta dish is lasagna, made with layers of pasta, tomato sauce, meat, and cheese. Another delicious sauce is pesto, a green mix of basil, olive oil, herbs, and Parmigiano cheese, often served over spaghetti or gnocchi.

Italian food often includes fresh vegetables, seafood, and local herbs, making meals healthy and full of flavor.

When it comes to sweets, Italian treats are just as amazing. Kids (and grown-ups!) love gelato, a special kind of Italian ice cream. It’s smoother and creamier than regular ice cream because it’s made with more milk and less air. Italy also has wonderful baked desserts like panettone, a soft sweet cake with dried fruits, panforte, a rich fruit cake, and amaretti, crunchy almond cookies.

If you’re curious about learning more, try exploring Italian culture and food through Dinolingo. It offers fun online lessons for kids that include videos, songs, games, and stories—all designed to make learning Italian as fun as eating gelato!