Calabria, located in the toe of Italy’s “boot,” boasts a cuisine defined by bold flavors, vibrant spices, and a reliance on simple, locally sourced ingredients. Known for its abundant use of chili peppers, Calabrian food is often spicy, setting it apart from many other Italian regional cuisines. One of Calabria’s most famous products is nduja, a soft, spicy spreadable sausage made from pork and a generous amount of chili peppers. This fiery delicacy is typically spread on bread, incorporated into pasta sauces, or used to add heat and depth to various dishes. The region’s love of spice is also seen in pasta arrabbiata, a popular pasta with a hot, spicy tomato sauce.

Puglia, the sun-drenched region in southern Italy, is celebrated for its rustic and flavorful cuisine, which highlights the simplicity and richness of locally-sourced ingredients. Known as Italy’s “breadbasket,” Puglia offers iconic dishes like orecchiette, a unique ear-shaped pasta traditionally served with cime di rapa (turnip tops) or rich tomato-based sauces. Focaccia barese, a fluffy flatbread often topped with cherry tomatoes and olives, is a staple, embodying the robust flavors of the region. Seafood also plays a starring role, with dishes like tiella, a layered casserole of mussels, rice, and potatoes, and polpo alla pignata, an octopus stew cooked with tomatoes and herbs. Another beloved classic is fave e cicoria, a creamy fava bean purée served with sautéed chicory, reflecting Puglia’s love for simple yet hearty ingredients. Every dish from Puglia resonates with the authentic taste of the Mediterranean, offering a culinary journey into the heart of Italian tradition.

Campania, a region in southern Italy, is celebrated for its rich culinary traditions rooted in fresh, local ingredients and vibrant flavors. Known for its sun-soaked landscapes and fertile soil, Campania produces many signature dishes that have gained worldwide acclaim. The region is home to Neapolitan pizza, which features a soft, chewy crust topped with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil – a tribute to Italy’s national colors. Campania is also known for pasta e fagioli, a hearty pasta and bean soup, and the beloved spaghetti alle vongole, a simple yet flavorful pasta with clams, garlic, and olive oil. Mozzarella di bufala, made from water buffalo milk, is another regional specialty, often served fresh with tomatoes in a classic Caprese salad. Desserts like sfogliatella, a layered pastry filled with ricotta, and babà al rum, a sponge cake soaked in rum, add a sweet finish to Campania’s rich culinary palette, making the region a paradise for food lovers.