Andy Montoya
While Italy is known for its cheeses, there are Italians who dislike cheese. Some Italians who dislike cheese have suggested that others who feel the same should pretend to be lactose intolerant to avoid the social stigma associated with not liking cheese. However, others have pointed out that there are plenty of Italian dishes that do not contain cheese, such as meats, fish, chicken, pasta, and polenta. Additionally, some have suggested that the dislike for cheese may be due to the difference in taste between American cheese and Italian cheese, with Italian cheese being of better quality.
Italians who don't like cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Italians who dislike cheese | Exist |
| Italians who are afraid of cheese | Exist |
| Italian dishes that don't contain cheese | Plenty |
| Italian dishes that contain cheese | Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Antipasto di Montagna, Lasagne, etc. |
| Italian dishes that can be made without cheese | Pizza, Seafood Risotto, Meatballs, Polpette, etc. |
| Italian cheese varieties | Parmigiano-Reggiano, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Fontina, etc. |
| Italian cheese characteristics | Different taste, texture, and smell compared to American cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Differences between Italian and American cheese
While Italians do love their cheese, there are still some Italians who dislike cheese. For instance, some Italians on Reddit have expressed their hatred for cheese, stating that it "ruins almost everything". However, some Italians also acknowledge that there are many Italian dishes that contain cheese, such as carbonara, cacio e pepe, antipasto di montagna, and lasagne.
There are several differences between Italian and American cheese, and these differences are not limited to taste and quality. Italian cheesemakers are bound by the traditions and regulations of their specific regions, whereas American cheesemakers are not. This means that American cheesemakers can experiment with creating American versions of Italian cheese favorites, such as mozzarella, burrata, ricotta, Fontina, Pecorino, and Parmesan.
One example of an Italian cheese that has an American version is Asiago, a cow's milk cheese traditionally made in the Veneto and Trentino regions of Italy. The American version, produced by a company in Wisconsin, is a snacking cheese with a delicately sweet flavor and buttery aroma.
Another example is Provolone, a simple, flavorful, pleasantly piquant hard cheese that is a favorite for sandwiches. Italian Provolone is sharp and flavorful, while the American sliced Provolone found in supermarkets is mild, soft, and ideal for layering with cold cuts. The difference in taste between the two Provolones is due to the recipe, the aging time, and the type of enzymes (rennet and lipase) used in the cheesemaking process. Piccante Provolone, the sharp variety, is made with goat or lamb rennet and goat lipase, and is aged for 9 months to 3 years. In contrast, Dolce Provolone, the mild variety, is made with calf rennet and calf lipase, and is aged for up to 4 months.
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Italian food without cheese
While Italian cuisine is known for its use of cheese, there are indeed Italians who don't like cheese, and there are several Italian dishes that can be made without it.
Italian-American food tends to be much heavier on the cheese than traditional Italian cooking. In Italy, cheese is often enjoyed on its own as a course after dinner, rather than being incorporated into every dish. Northern Italian cooking tends to feature more cheese and cream than Southern Italian cuisine, which is generally lighter and features more seafood.
When it comes to Italian food without cheese, there are several options. Pasta dishes like aglio e olio and amatriciana, for example, don't require cheese. While some recipes may suggest adding cheese, it's not necessary, and you can simply enjoy the pasta with a classic tomato sauce. Similarly, while cheese is often added to dishes like tagliatelle bolognese, it can easily be left out without ruining the dish.
There are also several Italian soups that typically only call for a tiny amount of cheese, such as Pasta e Fagioli and Minestrone, which can be made without cheese altogether. Chicken Marsala is another delicious Italian dish that doesn't contain any cheese.
When dining out in Italy, you may find that some restaurateurs are happy to accommodate a request to leave out the cheese, as it is an expensive ingredient. However, others may be upset or offended by such a request, believing that cheese is an essential part of Italian cuisine. To navigate this, it's recommended to learn how to say "I can't eat cheese" in Italian ("no formaggi") or specify an allergy or lactose intolerance, which is more commonly understood and accommodated.
In conclusion, while cheese is certainly a prominent feature of Italian cuisine, there are Italians who don't like cheese, and there are several delicious Italian dishes that can be enjoyed without it. By seeking out authentic Italian cooks and restaurants, you can explore the diverse and flavorful world of Italian food beyond the cheese-heavy Italian-American dishes that are often more familiar to those outside of Italy.
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Italian dishes with minimal cheese
It is understandable that not everyone likes cheese, and it can be a challenge to find Italian dishes without cheese. However, there are several Italian dishes that use little to no cheese. Firstly, it is important to note that Italian-American cuisine tends to use more cheese than traditional Italian cooking, so it is best to avoid Italian-American dishes. Northern Italian cooking also tends to use more cheese and cream than Southern Italian and Sicilian food, so it may be best to stick to Southern Italian dishes.
There are several pasta dishes that can be made without cheese. For example, bolognese sauce can be made without cheese, and while tagliatelle with bolognese is often topped with parmigiano, this can be omitted. Similarly, pasta dishes like aglio e olio and amatriciana do not require cheese, although some recipes may suggest adding it. Simple pasta dishes with classic tomato sauces also do not require cheese. It is also possible to replace cheese with toasted breadcrumbs or other umami flavours like anchovies. Pasta e Fagioli and Minestrone are Italian soups that usually only call for a tiny amount of cheese and can be made without it.
Seafood dishes are also a good option, as they rarely include cheese. It is also worth noting that Italians tend to eat cheese on its own, especially as a course after dinner, so it may be served separately from the main course.
If you are eating at a restaurant, it is possible to ask for no cheese, and they will accommodate your request. However, it is important to note that some Italian dishes are made with cheese, and it cannot be omitted, so your options may be limited.
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Italian restaurants' responses to no cheese requests
Italian Restaurant Responses to No Cheese Requests
Italian cuisine is renowned for its use of cheese, with dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, lasagne, and pizza often containing cheese as a key ingredient. However, not everyone enjoys cheese, and for some, it may be due to lactose intolerance or allergies. So, how do Italian restaurants respond when customers request that cheese be omitted from their meals?
Understanding the Role of Cheese in Italian Cuisine
Cheese is a staple ingredient in Italian cooking, adding flavour, texture, and nutritional value to various dishes. It is used in pasta, pizza, salads, and even some desserts. However, it is important to note that traditional Italian cuisine uses cheese sparingly, allowing the flavours of other high-quality ingredients to shine through.
Customer Requests to Omit Cheese
When customers request that cheese be left out of their meals, Italian restaurants will typically accommodate this preference. Some customers may have allergies or intolerances, while others may simply dislike the taste or texture of cheese. According to Italian law, restaurants must provide a list of allergens in their dishes and accommodate diners with allergies.
Restaurant Responses
Italian chefs take great pride in their craft, carefully balancing ingredients to create harmonious dishes. When faced with a "no cheese" request, their responses can vary:
- Accommodation: Many Italian restaurants will happily oblige and offer alternative options or suggest dishes that do not typically contain cheese. Fish dishes, for example, rarely include cheese, and some pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces can be prepared without cheese.
- Education: Some chefs may take the opportunity to educate customers about the role of cheese in Italian cuisine and explain how omitting it may affect the dish's flavour profile.
- Substitution: In some cases, chefs may offer substitutions or suggest alternative ingredients to replace the cheese, ensuring the dish still meets the customer's expectations.
- Customisation: Italian restaurants often allow customers to customise their orders, including requesting "niente formaggio" (no cheese). This ensures the dish is prepared to the customer's specifications.
Cultural Sensitivity
It is important to note that in Italian culture, dining is about savouring flavours and enjoying the meal experience. Rushing or making unusual substitution requests can be considered disrespectful to the chef's expertise and the integrity of Italian cuisine. Therefore, when faced with a "no cheese" request, Italian chefs may feel a range of emotions, from relief at saving costs to disappointment that the customer does not want to experience the dish as intended.
In conclusion, while Italian cuisine heavily features cheese, Italian restaurants are generally accommodating of customers who request that cheese be omitted from their meals. By understanding the role of cheese in Italian cuisine and effectively communicating their preferences, customers can enjoy their dining experience without cheese, and chefs can showcase the versatility and flavour of Italian dishes.
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Italians' personal opinions on cheese
It is well-known that Italy is synonymous with cheese, and there are many Italian dishes that contain cheese, such as carbonara, cacio e pepe, lasagne, and pizza. However, there are Italians who do not like cheese. On a Reddit thread, some Italians shared their dislike of cheese and offered advice to those who do not like cheese and are travelling to Italy. One user said that they are "afraid of cheese" and that Parmigiano "terrorizes" them. Another user said that they hate any kind of cheese except mozzarella and ricotta.
Some Italians on the thread suggested that those who do not like cheese should simply ask for no cheese when ordering food in Italy. They pointed out that there are plenty of Italian dishes that do not contain cheese, such as plain grilled meat dishes, vegetable side dishes, and seafood dishes. Another user suggested asking for a vegan menu, as it would be easy to avoid cheese this way. However, some Italians on the thread expressed a different view, stating that asking for no cheese in an Italian restaurant could be considered "arrogant towards Italian cuisine".
Another Italian user suggested that those who dislike cheese may actually dislike poor-quality cheese. They suggested that those travelling to Italy should try the locally produced cheeses, as they are very different from the cheese sold in the US. They also recommended trying different types of cheese in Italy, such as cows' milk mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella, Fontina, and Ricotta, as the texture, flavour, and smell will be different from what they may be used to.
Overall, while Italy is known for its cheese and many Italian dishes contain cheese, there are Italians who do not like cheese, and it is possible to find and enjoy cheese-free dishes when visiting the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are Italians who dislike cheese. While cheese is a common ingredient in Italian cuisine, it is not a requirement to enjoy Italian food. There are plenty of Italian dishes that do not contain cheese, and restaurants will typically accommodate requests to omit cheese from dishes.
If you want to avoid cheese when dining in Italy, you can simply inform your server of your preference. Learning how to say "I can't eat cheese" or "without cheese" in Italian can be helpful. You can also ask for recommendations or specify that you have an allergy to ensure your request is taken seriously.
Yes, there are notable differences between authentic Italian cuisine and the Italian-inspired dishes found in other countries, particularly the United States. Italian-American food tends to feature more cheese, and certain dishes, like spaghetti and meatballs, are not typically found in Italy.
