WORLD PASTA DAY

Every year on October 25th, food lovers around the globe celebrate World Pasta Day, a day dedicated to honouring one of the world's most beloved and versatile dishes, pasta. This day is more than just a celebration of a delicious meal; it is a recognition of pasta's rich history, cultural significance, and its ability to bring people together over shared meals.

- By Yashmitha Sritheran

From simple spaghetti with tomato sauce to elaborate stuffed ravioli, pasta continues to be a culinary favourite worldwide, making this day a true celebration of flavour, tradition, and innovation. The origins of pasta are a fascinating blend of history and myth. While pasta is most strongly associated with Italy, evidence suggests that early forms of pasta existed in ancient civilizations across the globe. Archaeologists have discovered remnants of noodles in China dating back over 4,000 years, suggesting that pasta-like foods have long been a part of human diets. However, it was in Italy that pasta truly evolved into the dish we know today.

Italian pasta as we recognize it began to take shape during the Middle Ages, with durum wheat semolina being mixed with water to form dough, which was then shaped and dried. By the 13th century, pasta had become a staple in Italian households, particularly in regions like Sicily and Naples, thanks to the introduction of tomato-based sauces following the arrival of tomatoes from the New World. Over time, pasta spread throughout Italy, with each region developing its own distinct styles and recipes, a tradition that continues to this day.

Italy remains the epicentre of pasta culture, with certain cities celebrated for their iconic dishes:

Rome is famous for classics like Spaghetti alla Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe, simple yet flavourful dishes that highlight the quality of Italian ingredients.

Naples, the birthplace of pizza, also boasts incredible pasta dishes such as Linguine alle Vongole, combining pasta with fresh clams and aromatic herbs.