10 Italian Words You’ll Learn During a Cooking Class in Siena

Speak Like a Chef: Learn Italian Through Tuscan Cooking

One of the most surprising (and delightful) parts of taking a cooking class in Siena? You’ll walk away not just with full stomachs and amazing recipes—but also with a few essential Italian food words in your pocket.

Learning the language of the kitchen is part of the fun. Whether your instructor is a passionate local chef or a Tuscan nonna, you’ll hear terms and expressions that bring the soul of Italian cuisine to life.

Here are 10 Italian words and phrases you’re likely to learn during your cooking class in Siena—and what they really mean.

🥄 1. Sfoglia

Translation: pasta sheet
This is the thin, smooth layer of pasta dough you’ll roll out by hand for tagliatelle or ravioli. You might hear: “Tira la sfoglia bene!” (Roll that sheet well!)

🔥 2. Soffritto

Translation: sauté base (usually onion, carrot, celery)
It’s the aromatic foundation of many Tuscan dishes. If you hear “Facciamo il soffritto”, you know the cooking has truly begun.

🍝 3. Al dente

Translation: to the tooth (firm when bitten)
The classic way Italians cook pasta. Not mushy, not hard—just right. You’ll likely be asked: “Ti piace la pasta al dente?”

🍅 4. Pomodoro

Translation: tomato
You’ll probably meet this word early in the class—whether it’s in sugo di pomodoro (tomato sauce) or pappa al pomodoro (bread-tomato soup).

🍞 5. Impastare

Translation: to knead
You’ll hear it during bread or pasta making: “Impasta bene!”—work that dough! Kids love this part.

🧂 6. Q.B. (Quanto Basta)

Translation: as much as needed
You’ll see this in recipes and hear it from instructors. It means trust your instincts: salt, pepper, olive oil—quanto basta.

🍖 7. Cottura lenta

Translation: slow cooking
Tuscans are masters of this. You’ll hear it with dishes like ragù or peposo. Time and patience = flavor.

🍰 8. Montare a neve

Translation: beat until stiff peaks
Common in dessert-making, especially tiramisu or panna cotta toppings. It literally means “mount to snow”—beautiful, right?

🧀 9. Grattugiare

Translation: to grate
Grating cheese (especially Pecorino Toscano) is essential. Get ready to grattugiare over pasta or soup.

🍷 10. Salute!

Translation: Cheers!
The most joyful word in the kitchen. After your hard work is done, you’ll raise a glass of Chianti and say: “Salute!”

More Than Just Cooking

Taking a cooking class in Siena gives you:

• Authentic food culture

• A deeper connection with locals

• A few new Italian words to bring home and impress your friends

Whether you’re a total beginner or know some Italian already, learning food-related vocabulary in a real kitchen setting makes it stick—and makes it fun.

Ready to Cook (and Speak) Like a Local?

👉 Join a cooking class in Siena and learn with your hands—and your heart

Because in Italy, cooking is language—and every word is delicious.