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Il Cibo
Italian food vocabulary for navigating menus, shopping at markets, and understanding the cuisine that defines Italy.
Pomodoro
Tomato
poh-moh-DOH-roh
Literally 'golden apple'
Melanzana
Eggplant
meh-lahn-DZAH-nah
Zucchina
Zucchini
dzook-KEE-nah
Basilico
Basil
bah-ZEE-lee-koh
Limone
Lemon
lee-MOH-neh
Arancia
Orange
ah-RAHN-chah
Pane
Bread
PAH-neh
Focaccia
Flat bread
foh-KAH-chah
Grissini
Breadsticks
grees-SEE-nee
Rigatoni
Tube pasta (ridged)
ree-gah-TOH-nee
Tagliatelle
Ribbon pasta
tah-lyah-TEHL-leh
Gnocchi
Potato dumplings
NYOH-kee
Manzo
Beef
MAHN-dzoh
Pollo
Chicken
POHL-loh
Maiale
Pork
mah-YAH-leh
Pesce
Fish
PEH-sheh
Gamberi
Shrimp
GAHM-beh-ree
Prosciutto
Cured ham
proh-SHOOT-toh
Formaggio
Cheese
fohr-MAH-joh
Mozzarella
Mozzarella
moht-tsah-REHL-lah
Parmigiano
Parmesan
par-mee-JAH-noh
Burrata
Creamy mozzarella
boor-RAH-tah
Latte
Milk
LAHT-teh
Cultural Context
Food is central to Italian identity. Each region has its own specialties, and Italians take great pride in using the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Learning food vocabulary opens a window into Italian culture itself.