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Pizza is recognizable in all corners of the world, and so is the façade of any Italian restaurant. They are famous, but what we see is the tip of the iceberg. The Italian cooking is much more than that.

The first thing to keep in mind when talking about Italian cooking is that it stands out because of its regional diversity. Umbria’s cooking is different from Tuscany’s, and the recipes are bound to a huge variation.

However, all of them share one specific trait: simplicity. Some common elements to Italian cuisine are wine and cheese. The latter is widely used, and it is no secret that it is the overlapping ingredient in probably all pizza recipes. Coffee also plays an important role in Italian cooking habits, as it accompanies most dishes.

As mentioned above, there is not a single typical Italian dish; it will depend on the region and the food’s seasonal availability. However, all Italians structure their menu using this formula: "antipasto" (hot or cold appetizers to be consumed before the meal), "primo piatto" (first course, usually a hot dish like risotto, soup, or pasta), "secondo piatto" (the main dish, usually meat or fish) and dessert. Italian cuisine may not have a universal, typical dish; however, there are popular dishes. Here is a list of the most popular ones.

• Pasta: made of wheat flour and water with or without eggs, kept fresh or dried, the cut of the pasta defines its name. For instance, you can find spaghetti, fettuccine, penne etc.
• Pizza: oven-baked, flat and round bread covered with a wide range of ingredients, including cheese and tomato sauce. Other toppings are available. Worldwide, two types of pizza are popular: one relatively thick that resembles flat bread (Neapolitan), and one thinner and crispier (Roman).
• Minestrone: Served as a primo, it is a vegetables and beans soup, dense and delicious. Additional ingredients include pasta, onions, carrots, and tomatoes.
• Risotto: a rice dish with different flavours. It is cooked in broth to a creamy consistency, and typical ingredients include parmesan cheese.

Although Italians are exposed to these enticing dishes, they are usually thin. Why? Because they eat for pleasure, leisurely, taking their time. We can learn something or other from them.