Think of Italy, and its excellent cuisine is likely one of the first things that springs to mind. The birthplace of everything from pizza and pasta to burrata and ice cream, it’s a veritable mecca for foodies who travel from all over the world to sample the country's culinary delights in situ. For it’s in Italy itself that the famous recipes and fabulous produce really come to life ­– and it’s no exaggeration to say that they taste a million times better here too.

As much as Italian restaurants and cook books might have us thinking otherwise, it's important to note that there is no one unified national cuisine. Italy is in fact divided into 20 regions, each boasting its own signature dishes that are closely tied to the unique terroir, traditions and history of the area.