For many, a steaming bowl of pasta is the ultimate comfort food.
It’s a dish that never fails to hit the spot, with its rich flavours and satisfying texture. As World Pasta Day takes place on October 25, it’s the perfect excuse to indulge in this beloved favourite.
However, it appears we may have been enjoying it incorrectly all along. Spaghetti enthusiasts take note, as using a spoon to twirl your pasta is a faux pas, despite being a common tactic used to avoid a messy meal.
According to Frances, a TikTok user known as _franceess_00, authentic Italians shun the use of spoons when eating spaghetti. In a viral clip, she shared the do’s and don’ts of pasta etiquette.
She explained: “Rule 1. You don’t need a spoon. Rule 2. You don’t need to cut spaghetti. The knife is not needed. Rule 3. Ground the fork to the bottom of the plate and spin around.”
The video has sparked a lively debate, with many viewers sharing their own pasta-eating habits. The whole situation has left some people confused.
One commenter pointed out that some regions do use spoons, while another asked: “Am I the only one who uses a spoon to spin the spaghetti?”
Others were surprised to learn that knives aren’t necessary, with one person remarking: “People use knives?”
Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “I thought everyone did this everywhere.”
For those confused, it turns out most Italians don’t find it socially acceptable to use a spoon to eat spaghetti. This is because, according to some, it’s improper etiquette.
The use of a spoon can lead to clumsy mouthfuls as you may scoop up an excess of noodles. This is why you might receive double takes from locals in Italy if they catch you in the act.
However, there are some who believe that employing a spoon and fork is a sophisticated method of eating spaghetti. This is because it aids in preventing the sauce from splattering everywhere, and some people use it to sprinkle a bit of cheese to help bind the sauce.