Italy is a country not only influential in art, architecture, literature and fashion- but also in cuisine. What characterizes Italians all over the world is their great interest in food.

One typical question an Italian housewife asks herself on Sunday morning is: "What am I going to cook for lunch? "

Food is not simply a daily necessity, in Italy it's a way of life. When you go to Italy, don't only visit special places and monuments. You can't go back home after a vacation in Italy without having eaten the best Italian food. If you're organizing a trip to Italy there's nothing better than making a list of the best Italian specialties to try while in the country.

Here are 15 examples of delicious Italian cuisine to try when you are in this amazing country.

1. Starting with a great 'hors d'oeuvre', you can try la Caprese, a combination of mozzarella, tomatoes. Depends which region you go to, they serve it with oregano or pesto sauce.

2. Salumi, fresh cheese and ' Nduja', a spicy salami from Calabria. Very hot!

3. Of course, a must have is PIZZA! You can't go to Italy without trying the margherita pizza from Naples!!

4. 'Pasta alla carbonara' is a combination of eggs, bacon and cheese. With some white wine together with spaghetti, it's a must try while you are in Rome.

5. If you are in Sicily, one of the best main courses to try is 'Involtini alle melanzane', eggplants rolled in macaroni... You will get fat just by looking at them!

6. If you find yourself in Genova, try Pesto alla Genovese! Made from fresh basil, pine nuts, pecorino cheese, garlic and parmesan, it's unbelievable. 7. Everyone knows this dish: 'Lasagne alla Bolognese' made of sheets of pasta with ragù, parmesan cheese and bechamel. You won't leave Italy after trying this!

8. When you are in Naples, there's nothing better than having Gnocchi, while watching the view of the Vesuvius volcano.

9. This meal is eggplant parmesan, slices of eggplants are layered with sauce, mozzarella, and eggs on top of every layer a chunk of parmesan. The more the merrier!

10. If you are in Florence, you need to try la 'Bistecca alla Fiorentina'. Don't hesitate if it's pinkish, it has to be like this, the rawer it is the better it is!

11. What's life without dessert? If you're still in Sicily you must try the 'Cannoli' from Palermo with fresh ricotta, and chopped dark chocolate inside.

12. Cassata siciliana is a traditional sweet born in Palermo. This desert is made with sponge cake, candied peel and fresh ricotta.

13. Sfogliatelle is a pastry symbol from Naples full of crispy dough filled with ricotta. Don't worry you will find ricotta everywhere in Italy!

14. The literal translation of this typical dessert is 'pick me up'. Tiramisù is made of mascarpone, coffee and cocoa powder with layered cookies. It's delicious!

15. Last but not least, we can find Granita with brioche, and of course, you will find the best granita in Sicily! You can have breakfast or even lunch with it, and there's nothing more beautiful than eating it with an amazing view!!

You will come back with a lot of memories and with some more weight ! But don't worry, it's worth it to taste those typical dishes and foods!