I’ve always had a mild obsession with Italian cuisine. The food is relatively simple to make and only requires a few fundamental ingredients.
Olive oil? A kitchen staple. Garlic? The scent of the gods. Marinara, cheese and crispy bread? The trifecta and comfort food known as pizza.
![](https://storage.googleapis.com/vidsums/59bb918e-904b-46d1-be28-dc5680da0501_text.gif)
Gif courtesy of getyarn.io
When I studied abroad in Torino, Italy last summer, finally being able to taste authentic Italian cooking was one of the first things I looked forward to on the trip. However, aside from the course I was taking, I learned several important lessons about the cuisine and the culture in general:
1. Don’t expect the best pizza and pasta ever.
![](https://spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2016/05/DSC_0271-2016_01_02-22_54_23-UTC-Copy-2-1024x734.jpg)
Photo by Stephanie Dang
Unsurprisingly, one of my first meal in Torino was pizza. In true Italian fashion, I was served a whole pie and ate it with a fork and knife. It was delicious and there was nothing wrong with the pizza, but there was also nothing extraordinary. (Admittedly, the best pizza I’ve eaten was a 2 a.m. order from Domino’s.)
#SpoonTip: Be weary of eateries that cater towards tourists. They most likely won’t be one of the better places.
2. Grocery shop. And cook, if possible.
![](http://www.eataly.net/media/wysiwyg/images/negozi-en/img-negozi-EN-Torino-Lingotto.jpg)
Photo courtesy of eataly.net.
By my third day, I quickly got into a carb funk, which isn’t as glorious as it sounds.
On the day our group finally made it to the convenience store, we discovered various meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables and hot-prepared meals that the typical restaurant does not offer.
#SpoonTip: Plan accordingly. Many grocery stores close on or before 8 p.m. Will never take CVS for granted again.
3. Be open to new things.
![](https://spoonuniversity.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2016/05/DSC_0622-2016_01_02-22_54_23-UTC-1024x768.jpg)
Photo by Stephanie Dang
You’ve probably heard this motto millions of times but for good reason.
I could have ordered a cheese and basil pizza (margherita) at every meal, but I’m glad I didn’t, or else I never would have discovered fried rabbit with zucchini (Coniglio fritto e zucchini) or the amazingly sweet and salty combination of
canteloupe wrapped in Italian ham (proscuitto e melone)!
One of my best discoveries was 40 cent Euro espresso vending machines. The perfect pick-me-up and a great way to get rid of your loose change.
4. The food will only be as great as your experience.
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Photo taken at Liceo Vito Scafidi on 6/2015
You can dine in the finest establishment in Italy but it will mean much more if you take the time to cherish the sights, surroundings and/or the people you’re with.