{"id":27526,"date":"2018-06-08T08:30:00","date_gmt":"2018-06-07T22:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures?p=27526&preview=true&preview_id=27526"},"modified":"2024-09-18T16:10:18","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T06:10:18","slug":"italy-for-vegan-travellers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/italy-for-vegan-travellers\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Italy is an amazing destination for vegan travellers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Italy<\/a> is any foodies dream destination, and for vegans it\u2019s no different. Food is such an intrinsic part of the Italian culture and there\u2019s no better way to get under the skin of the country by eating, cooking and sharing food the local way.<\/strong><\/p>\n

While the country may be famous for its cured hams and cheeses, Italy is surprisingly vegan-friendly. Back before the industrial revolution, many Italians were vegan or vegetarian, simply because they couldn\u2019t afford the luxury of meat. They \u2018made do\u2019 by developing a rich food culture based on soups, casseroles and hearty dishes made with legumes. I don\u2019t know about you, but I\u2019ve \u2018made do\u2019 with plenty of rustic Italian dishes before and they\u2019re some of the highlights of my life.<\/p>\n

JOIN US ON AN 8-DAY VEGAN FOOD ADVENTURE FROM VENICE TO ROME<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

These days there is a definite feeling on the ground that veganism and other sustainable food movements are gaining momentum. In fact, it\u2019s the fastest growing vegan population in Europe; about 10% of Italians are vegan or vegetarian.<\/p>\n

So, if you\u2019re ready to eat your way across the country, here are some key things to know before you head out on your vegan food adventure in Italy.<\/p>\n

How to be vegan in Italy<\/h2>\n

Every corner has a different flavour<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Pile

The hero of Italian cooking.<\/p><\/div>\n

Yes, the classic Italian dishes served on checked tablecloths back home might be piled high with animal products, but in the \u2018real\u2019 Italy ingredients like fava beans, dried peppers, eggplants and – of course – tomatoes are the heroes of many dishes.<\/p>\n

Traditional-style vegan food varies from region to region, showcasing the best of local produce.<\/p>\n

In Tuscany, they love beans so much the locals are known as mangiafagioli<\/em> – \u2018bean eaters\u2019.<\/p>\n

In Bologna, there\u2019s nothing quite as comforting on a cold day as a steaming bowl of faglioli all\u2019uccelletto<\/em> stew.<\/p>\n

In Rome, handmade gnocchi is king. Although a word of warning: some restaurants will only serve gnocchi on a Thursday, following a decades-long tradition.<\/p>\n

RELATED:\u00a0EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO EAT IN ITALY: A CITY-BY-CITY GUIDE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Vegan pizza is everywhere<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Man

Cooking pizzas.<\/p><\/div>\n

Honestly, I think pizza should be considered its own food group. In Italy, not only is pizza everywhere, but so is cheese-less pizza with vegetable toppings like tomato, olives, mushrooms, artichokes and zucchini. Order senza formarggio <\/em>(no cheese) and go crazy on the carbs.<\/p>\n

You can have your gelato and eat it too<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Watching gelato being served in Italy is like watching art being made. It\u2019s hard not to drool as the server dips their spatula into the tub, and works the frozen delight back and forth, back and forth, in a frenzy, until the creamy consistency is just right. The good news for vegan travellers is that Italians is have a high rate of lactose intolerance, so most gelatarias will have dairy-free options. Just ask for gelato senza latte <\/em>(without milk) or soia gelato <\/em>(soy gelato).<\/p>\n

RELATED: I OFTEN TRAVEL SOLO. HERE\u2019S WHY I CHOSE A GROUP TOUR IN ITALY<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Pasta is on the menu<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Pasta can be made with or without eggs, so a good phrase to remember is \u2018Ci sono delle uova?\u2019:<\/em> \u2018Is it made with eggs?\u2019. If in doubt, look for secca <\/em>(dry) pasta: frescha <\/em>(fresh) pasta is usually made with eggs, and dry is not. Most restaurants will happily whip up un piatto di pasta con verdue<\/em>, pasta with fresh vegetables, on request.<\/p>\n

There are some hidden vegan gems<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Truffle

All the truffles!<\/p><\/div>\n

If you need a few more reasons why Italy is a vegan feast just waiting for you, have a look at these amazing places that are opening their kitchens to travellers.<\/p>\n

Il Margutta in Rome is a restaurant that\u2019s been doing its thing for three decades, and doing it well. The restaurant brings together art, vegan, raw and vegetarian food in a spectacular way. Everything on the menu is organic, healthy and full of the best Italian flavours. The chefs are also really flexible with orders. If you see an entree you love which happens to contain cheese or eggs, the chef will be happy to swap out ingredients to make it vegan-friendly.<\/p>\n

RELATED: VEGAN FOODIE? THESE 5 DESTINATIONS ARE PERFECT FOR YOU<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

\"Fruit

So. Much. Goodness.<\/p><\/div>\n

In San Gimignano, travellers on Intrepid\u2019s Vegan Food Adventure have a chance to stay at the Agrivilla <\/em>I Pini agriturismo<\/em> \u2013 a dedicated vegan abode in a gorgeous setting overlooking the Tuscan hills. The owners are dedicated to sustainability and regionality, so everything is in season, home grown and delicious. Even the buildings are made from local elements: the walls are chalk and the floor is made from organic screed.<\/p>\n

Finally, in Venice, that dazzling jewel in Italy\u2019s crown, take the opportunity to dine in the city\u2019s first all-vegan restaurant. La Tecia Vegana is modern, but with old-school Italian touches like white table clothes and rustic brick walls. Feast on organic, vegan dishes like ravioli con seitan e funghi poricini <\/em>and vegan tiramisu<\/em>.<\/p>\n

SUBSCRIBE TO INTREPID\u2019S NEWSLETTER FOR TRAVEL TIPS, COMPETITIONS, GIVEAWAYS & MORE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Vegan phrases <\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Fried

An artichoke snack.<\/p><\/div>\n

To make the most out of your vegan food adventure, it\u2019s good to have a few Italian words under your belt, to avoid those awkward moments when you mime a pig, or a hen laying an egg to your waiter. I\u2019ve been there. It\u2019s not pretty.<\/p>\n