Last January, in Fontana di Trevi the event organizers hoped to raise awareness among residents and tourists about the vital principles of Italy’s culinary heritage. Read the reasons why Italians Italians take their coffee very seriously as long as they don’t like to mix other ingredients to their food, such as cream to carbonara!
Protesters’ slogans
One noticeable slogan, displayed on banners during the protest, read: “No to cappuccino with spaghetti”. This slogan refers to the common habit of ordering these two items together, a practice not recognized in traditional Italian cuisine. Traditionalists consider the combination of these two dishes to be nothing short of blasphemy.
Other notable slogan chanted by the protesters was “Enough with cream in carbonara”. This classic Italian pasta dish, renowned for its rich flavor from ingredients like eggs, cheese, and bacon, should not be mixed with cream. Such culinary liberties are deemed unacceptable by traditionalists. / essanews
Italians take their coffee very seriously, and there are certain unwritten rules and customs about ordering and drinking coffee in Italian coffee shops and bars. One of these customs is that it is considered strange to order a cappuccino after 11am.
The reason for this is that cappuccinos are traditionally considered a morning drink. They are made with equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and foam, and are typically drunk with a sweet breakfast pastry or croissant. The creamy texture and rich flavor of the cappuccino make it the perfect companion to a sweet breakfast.
However, after 11am, it is considered more appropriate to switch to a stronger, richer coffee such as an espresso or a macchiato. These coffees are typically consumed without any added milk or sugar, and are meant to be sipped and savored rather than gulped down.
Cappuccino is the worker’s favourite
A cappuccino is considered a “heavy” drink as it contains a lot of milk compared to other coffees, and many people believe that drinking all this milk later in the day can interfere with digestion and disrupt the metabolism.
Cappuccino is traditionally considered a morning drink because it was originally consumed by manual workers who needed a quick and easy way to start the day. They would grab a cappuccino and a sweet pastry on their way to work, as it was tasty, filling and would perk the workers up on their way to work.
It’s worth noting that these customs and traditions are not set in stone and many Italians, especially the younger generation, will order cappuccino at any time of the day without any judgement. However, in traditional and authentic coffee shops, it’s still considered strange to order a cappuccino after 11am.
While it may seem strange to some, the custom of not ordering a cappuccino after 11am in Italy is rooted in tradition and the belief that the drink is best suited for the morning. It’s a cultural norm that has been passed down through generations, but as with any culture, things are changing and evolving with time. / dreambeanscoffee
