The un-Italian flavors of Rome

As I've mentioned before, it's hard to imagine people getting bored of Italian food, but it happens. And for that reason, I have the Peruvians to thank.

Every Sunday, at Villa Pamphili Park in Rome, the local Peruvian community comes together for a massive BBQ, men and women fire up a grill, set up volleyball nets and turn up the music at the park. And as the sun sets, this community pot luck turns into an outdoor party.


A hot plate of food, dessert included, goes for 5 euros and consists of traditional Peruvian dishes, such as Papa a la Huanacaina, broiled potatoes covered in a cheesy slightly spicy sauce, and Anticuchos, skewered meat, typically beef (pictured above) or chicken. The menu changes every Sunday.

For Peruvians it's a chance to feel at home in a far away country. For others it's one of the best ways to experience authentic flavorful food in Italy, that's not part of the Italian cuisine.

Few choices

You can find a pizzeria on every corner of Rome, but when it comes down to international flavors, it's slim pickings.

Via Covour is lined with Chinese Restaurants, there's the occasional Mexican and Brazilian restaurants, the over prices Sushi and burger joints, but they pale in comparison with the number of international flavors and the fusion food culture that has taken root across the United States. All one has to do is take one look at their local shopping center to witness the melting pot that the U.S., California in particular, really is. SoCal natives can order Tacos at 3 a.m. fresh Sushi and if they really want, eat a different international dish for every meal every day of the week.

Naturally tourists don't visit Italy to eat Peruvian food, but there's something to said for all the non-tourists who pack the few international over priced eateries in Rome.