A traveler has warned Australians not to order a particular dish while visiting Italy as they could be making a rookie mistake.
Traveler Montana on tour issued a stern public service announcement on TikTok for Australians who wanted a parmigiana overseas: “It won’t be like the one at home.”
“You’re not going to get the pub parmi you’re used to,” he said.
Those expecting the shredded chicken fillet spread with cheese, tomato and ham, chips and salad, popular in most Australian pubs, will no doubt be surprised.
Instead, they’ll be faced with a spicy “layered” dish that’s more like lasagna than chicken.
Italians consider parmigiana as parmigiana di melanzane, a traditional, rustic baked dish layered with eggplant, tomato, and cheese.
Italians consider parmigiana as parmigiana di melanzane, a traditional, rustic baked dish with layers of eggplant, tomato, and cheese originating in Naples.
The surprise was not the disappointment.
“It’s a lot better here, I’m not kidding,” he said in his TikTok video, which has since received 5,819 likes.
Italy is a popular destination for Australians looking for delicious food.
Followers were quick to point out that eggplant parmigiana “is also found in Australia in restaurants” and that the parmigiana of “parmi” fame is more properly known as “chicken parmigiana.”
But others appreciated the Mediterranean travel tip, with many admitting they had no idea the difference beforehand.
Montana shared more Italian travel tips on Instagram.
“Italian standard time is nothing like the one we live at home,” he said.
“You should keep in mind these three daily rituals that will help your itinerary flow and allow you to fall effortlessly into the gentle rhythm of daily Italian life.”
Riposo “is the Italian version of siesta” and causes most businesses to close for a few hours around noon.
The aperitif is the “pre-dinner cultural ritual designed to open the stomach.”
And Passeggiata is the “icing on the cake” evening stroll after dinner through romantic and lively squares.