A traveller cautions Australians against ordering a specific dish in Italy, warning it might not meet their expectations.
Montana On Tour, sharing her advice on TikTok, urged Aussies not to expect the familiar pub-style parmigiana abroad: “It’s not going to resemble what you’re used to.”
Those anticipating the classic Australian pub-style dish of cheese, tomato, and ham on a breaded chicken fillet with chips and salad will find a surprising twist in Italy.
Instead of the familiar presentation, they’ll encounter a saucy “layered” dish that resembles lasagna more than traditional chicken parmigiana.
In Italy, parmigiana refers to parmigiana di melanzane, a traditional baked dish featuring layers of eggplant, tomato, and cheese, known for its rustic and traditional preparation.
In Italy, parmigiana is understood as parmigiana di melanzane, a traditional Neapolitan baked dish featuring layers of eggplant, tomato, and cheese.
Montana praised the Italian version, stating in her popular TikTok video, which has garnered over 5,000 likes: “It’s way better here, no joke.”
Italy is a favored destination among Australians in search of delectable cuisine.
Followers were quick to note that parmigiana with eggplant is also available in Australian restaurants, while the version famous as “parmi” is more commonly referred to as “chicken parmigiana.”
However, many others found the Mediterranean travel advice valuable, with several admitting they were unaware of the distinction beforehand.
Montana continued to share additional Italian travel insights on Instagram.
“The Italian daily routine is quite different from what we’re used to back home,” she explained. “You should consider these three daily rituals, which will help your schedule flow smoothly and allow you to effortlessly embrace the relaxed pace of Italian life.”
She described riposo as Italy’s version of a siesta, during which most businesses close for a few hours around midday.
Aperitivo, she noted, is a cultural pre-dinner tradition meant to stimulate the appetite.
And finally, passegiata, she described as the “cherry on top,” referring to the late-night stroll through romantic and lively piazzas after dinner.
