Most popular dishes

Carbonara & lasagne are Italy’s export hits

There are few things Italians are as proud of as their culinary tradition. Italian cuisine is considered the epitome of tradition and enjoyment - and is a worldwide bestseller. Carbonara, lasagne and pasta alla bolognese are the Italian dishes that are most popular with foreigners, according to a survey conducted by the tourism association "Touring Club Italia" on the occasion of "World Pasta Day" next Friday.

Restaurateurs throughout Italy were surveyed. Spaghetti alle vongole came fourth in the ranking of the most popular delicacies from Bella Italia among foreigners, followed by pasta all'amatriciana and spaghetti cacio e pepe. "When choosing a travel destination, culinary experiences are becoming increasingly important," emphasized Margherita Mastromauro, President of the Italian Pasta Manufacturers Association.

Leading producer of pasta
14 million tons of pasta were consumed worldwide in 2023. With almost 4 million tons and a turnover of over 8 billion euros, Italy is the world's leading pasta producer. More than half of national pasta production (56%) is exported abroad. Every fourth pasta dish eaten around the world is produced in an Italian pasta factory.

Italians are also the biggest pasta consumers. They consume an average of 26 kilograms of pasta per person per year.