Tiếng ViệtI had visited Italy twice, believing I had a decent understanding of this beautiful country. However, a conversation with Andrea, a friend from Bologna, made me realize just how little I truly knew about Italy.
Andrea, a native of Bologna—became my guide to the rich culture of his city. At an etiquette culture event organized by my company’s friend, I invited Andrea to share insights about Italian culture. Initially, I intended to provide a brief overview of Italian cuisine, wine, and culture. But Andrea insisted on speaking specifically about Bologna, his hometown, with a passion in his voice and a gleam of pride in his eyes. It wasn’t until later that I understood why he held his city in such high regard.
Andrea began by debunking my misconceptions about Italian cuisine. He explained, “You can’t generalize Italian food, just as you can’t summarize Vietnamese cuisine in one sentence. Each region has its own story, and Bologna is where the best of it all comes together.”
Bologna, the capital of Emilia-Romagna, is an ancient city where history, culture, gastronomy, and speed intersect to create a quintessential Italian experience. While not as glamorous as Rome or Venice, Bologna has much to offer that should not be overlooked.
Bologna is nicknamed “The Fat”, referring to its rich culinary heritage, as it is the birthplace of legendary dishes such as tagliatelle al ragù (often mistakenly referred to as “spaghetti Bolognese”), tortellini, and countless premium ingredients like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, and balsamic vinegar. Andrea shared that his grandfather was a renowned chef who helped bring Bologna’s gastronomy to the world. Looking at old photos of his family’s restaurant, I felt the cultural and culinary wealth that Italy once offered. I was fortunate enough to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by Andrea, which included an appetizer of bread, tomatoes, and olive oil; a main course of pasta with truffles; a dessert of tiramisu; and a classic Italian espresso. I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Andrea, you are a living heritage left by your grandfather.”
The second aspect that Bologna is famous for is being “The Learned”, meaning “the city of learning,” due to the presence of the University of Bologna, the world’s oldest university, founded in 1088. This city not only preserves an academic spirit but also serves as a hub for innovation and thought, attracting thinkers and scholars from around the globe.
Thirdly, while Silicon Valley is famous as a global startup hub, Bologna is renowned as the Valley of Motors—the birthplace of speed dreams. This area is home to famous automotive brands such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, Maserati, and Pagani. The factories, museums, and racetracks here are not only symbols of technology and creativity but also reflect Italy’s enduring passion for speed.
Finally, I cannot overlook the mention of wine. By chance, I participated in the UNIT Wine Tour under the theme “A Journey into The Unexpected”, where I had the opportunity to savor Lambrusco wines from the Emilia-Romagna region. While this area may not be Italy’s most renowned wine-producing region, its offerings are undeniably intriguing.
This is the homeland of wines crafted from Sangiovese and the iconic white wine Pignoletto, made from the Grechetto Gentile grape variety. Pignoletto boasts a refreshing fruity character with delicate floral hints, making it the perfect pairing for traditional dishes such as tortellini or mortadella.
I was mesmerized by the photographs of Bologna, the city of red rooftops embraced by verdant hills. Its serene ambiance and rare, timeless beauty left an indelible impression on me. Though I have never set foot in Bologna, through Andrea’s stories, the dishes he prepared, and the wine I savored, I felt as though I had truly experienced the essence of this remarkable city.
Phuong Maxy – Storyteller
