From Groceries to Gourmet: My Journey of Cooking and Culture in Italy

Written by Molly Isabella (University of Virginia), Student Correspondent for CET Siena, Fall 2024

Here in Siena, food isn’t just a meal; it’s an invitation to experience community in ways I never would have imagined. Studying abroad has shown me how food offers a firsthand look into the traditions that shape a place. Whether I’m cooking at home, dining out with CET friends, or savoring a meal prepared by my Italian roommates, food has become my most immersive guide to Siena’s vibrant culture. From navigating Italian grocery stores to putting my own spin on classic pasta dishes, I’m continuing to understand Sienese culture one bite at a time.

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First Shopping Shock

I walked into Conad during my first week expecting a quick grocery run, only to find myself immersed in a world where each ingredient tells its own story. Captivated by the freshness of the produce, the pristine packaging, and the efficient checkout system, I quickly realized the Italian grocery shopping experience was unlike any I had known.

“That is nothing like Trader Joe’s!” I exclaimed to my Italian roommate when I returned to our apartment. As an American, this realization was both exciting and daunting; I worried that any misstep could banish me from getting groceries here altogether. However, after a few trips, my initial anxiety eased.

Now, two months in, I navigate the aisles with confidence, wearing my plastic glove when inspecting fruit and following the meticulous one-way path. Mastering the Italian grocery store has become second nature, and I’m beginning to understand the essential ingredients that shape everyday life in Siena.

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Embracing the Italian Table

While I’d like to say I love all things Italian, I’ve come to realize that my taste buds don’t always align with those of the people here. I’ll be honest— there are nights when all I crave is a rice bowl with chicken or a full Mexican dinner. This request would likely horrify Italians, given their distinct structure for each meal and staple ingredients, which is why I embrace Italian staples in a respectful way while still fueling my body with the food it craves.

For starters, Italians don’t prioritize a big breakfast, which has always been the most important meal of my day. While I’m often found eating oatmeal or avocado toast at home, I initially resorted to small pastries and coffee during my first week to fit in. However, I quickly realized this wasn’t sustainable for me. I adapted and began enjoying Italian twists on my morning favorites with some help from Conad. Now, I often enjoy peanut butter and banana rice cakes or yogurt bowls before class, keeping me full throughout the morning. Although this isn’t a traditional Italian breakfast, I believe it’s important to eat what’s right for your body!

But dinner is where I can truly embrace the culture. Italians typically enjoy this meal later in the evening, usually around eight or nine p.m. The dinner structure is centered around primi piatti followed by secondi piatti (first and second dishes), which I now look forward to each day. I love preparing an aperitivo before the main course, such as salad or bruschetta, followed by pasta or a meat dish. Food serves as a fantastic lens through which we can explore cultural differences between our home and host countries, and trying different traditional Italian staples has inspired me to get creative in the kitchen.

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Culinary Comeback

My high school years were filled with baking adventures and culinary experiments, and I eagerly shared recipes on my Instagram food blog almost every day. But when I got to college, academic distractions pulled me away from the kitchen, and that part of my personality faded almost entirely— until my time abroad reignited that passion.

Cooking dinner with my roommates is now one of my favorite activities in Siena. I remember the first time we tried to make a pasta dish together while simultaneously preparing our bruschetta aperitivo: Frank Sinatra was blasting and elbows were bumping into each other’s dishes. We’ve gotten better at setting up stations, the kitchen filled with laughter and the scent of garlic and olive oil as we each take on a specific job. With each trip to Conad holding a new ingredient list, I am more excited to get back to cooking!

I even got back into my blog, posting recipes again and sharing snapshots of our finished creations online. You should totally check it out @mealswithmolls to see! There’s something incredibly fulfilling about crafting a meal on your own, and the teamwork involved makes it even more special. Enjoying the food you’ve put time and effort into making together truly feels like an art form.

One of my favorite dishes so far has been our vodka pasta, mainly because of its rich sauce garnished with Parmesan. Sharing these meals with friends has been the most defining part of my culinary journey in Italy, reminding me of the joy and connection that cooking can bring.

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Beyond the Plate

Food has the remarkable ability to serve as a bridge that connects people to the cultural nuances of a new place. My culinary experiences in Siena have deepened my appreciation for Italian traditions and the people behind them. Each meal shared with my roommates has been a lesson in community, where the clinking of glasses and the passionate discussions around the table create an atmosphere of warmth that lingers long after the last bite.

Through cooking together, I’ve gained insight into traditional Italian ingredients and cultural practices, such as the importance of family meals and the structured order of courses at dinner. These moments around the table have sparked conversations about our unique backgrounds, allowing us to share experiences that go beyond food. I’ve learned to embrace the differences in our culinary preferences, recognizing that these variations are what make each person’s cooking unique. Whether experimenting with traditional recipes or putting a twist on my favorite American meals, I’ve discovered that food is the universal language that brings us all together.