by InTrieste
Every year on October 25, pasta enthusiasts around the globe come together to celebrate World Pasta Day, a tradition that has flourished since its inception in 1995. Whether dining at restaurants, cooking at home, or engaging with fellow food lovers online, the day is marked by an outpouring of culinary creativity and shared passion for this beloved staple.
Social media platforms have become vibrant hubs for this celebration, with food lovers showcasing their favorite recipes under the hashtag #WorldPastaDay. Engaging live cooking events and the latest pasta trends are brought to life by organizations like We Love Pasta (@welovepasta_it) and the International Pasta Organisation (@Int_Pasta_Org), further igniting the enthusiasm for this cherished dish.
Italy, the birthplace of pasta and home to a staggering influx of tourists eager to indulge in its rich culinary heritage, stands at the forefront of World Pasta Day celebrations. According to Taste Atlas, Italy boasts the best cuisine in the world, drawing millions each year to experience its gastronomic delights. But which pasta dishes are capturing the hearts—and taste buds—of foreign visitors?
A recent survey titled Pasta Journey, the Grand Tour of Pasta, conducted by Unione Italiana Food in collaboration with Touring Club Italia, has unveiled the top 10 pasta dishes favored by tourists dining in Italy. Topping the list is the classic Spaghetti alla Carbonara, a rich, creamy dish hailing from Rome that has become synonymous with Italian cuisine. Following closely is the hearty Lasagne alla Bolognese, a comforting layered dish beloved for its robust flavors.
In third place is the timeless Pasta al Pomodoro, a simple yet delicious pasta dish featuring fresh tomato sauce. This is followed by the coastal delight Spaghetti con le Vongole, celebrated for its briny clams and garlic-infused sauce, and the rustic Bucatini all’Amatriciana, known for its punchy flavors of guanciale and tomato.
Rounding out the top five is Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, a minimalist dish that highlights the beauty of just three ingredients: pasta, cheese, and pepper. The survey continues with Tortellini in Brodo in sixth place, a warm and comforting broth filled with tender tortellini, followed by Pasta alla Norma, a Sicilian specialty that combines eggplant, tomato, and ricotta salata.
The eighth position is claimed by Trofie al Pesto, a Ligurian dish featuring twisted pasta tossed with fragrant basil pesto, while Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa, with its distinctive ear-shaped pasta paired with turnip tops, takes ninth place.
As World Pasta Day unfolds, these rankings offer a tantalizing glimpse into the preferences of tourists who flock to Italy, eager to savor the culinary masterpieces that make this country a gastronomic paradise. The Pasta Journey survey not only celebrates the rich traditions of Italian cuisine but also highlights the universal love for pasta that transcends borders and cultures.
As pasta lovers raise their forks in celebration today, one thing is clear: whether enjoyed in Italy or at home, pasta remains a dish that unites us all.
