If there’s one thing that can make pasta lovers book a flight to Italy, it’s a plate of freshly made pasta. But what if we told you that one of Italy’s most famous pasta-making nonnas was invited to India for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding celebrations in Jamnagar? Yes, we’re talking about Nunzia Caputo, fondly known as the ‘Lady of Orecchiette’, whose pasta-making skills have made her a local celebrity.
This Italian Nonna Made Pasta For The Ambanis!
Nunzia is known for making orecchiette, a traditional pasta from Puglia in southern Italy. The name literally translates to ‘little ears’, thanks to its distinctive shape. Made with durum wheat semolina and water, these tiny pasta pieces are shaped by hand using a knife and a quick flick of the thumb. And if you’ve ever wondered what makes handmade pasta so special, Nunzia’s craft is a delicious place to start.
During Anant and Radhika’s pre-wedding festivities in Jamnagar, which featured an extravagant spread of global cuisines, Nunzia was among the Italian pasta makers who brought a taste of Italy to the celebrations. Now, if you’re curious about where this nonna comes from and where you can watch her work her magic, there’s an entire street dedicated to this age-old tradition!
Also Read: World Pasta Day: The Indian Home Cook’s Guide To Pasta Types & Sauce Pairings
Strada Arco Basso: Italian Street Run By Nonnas Making Fresh Pasta
Located in Bari, Italy, Strada Arco Basso is better known to tourists as Strada delle Orecchiette, or simply, Pasta Street. Here, local grandmothers, known as nonnas, set up wooden tables outside their homes almost every morning to roll, shape and sell fresh pasta.
Walking down this narrow street feels a little like stepping into someone’s home. You’ll see the nonnas chatting in the local dialect, shaping tiny pieces of dough with remarkable speed and laying freshly made pasta out to dry. And the best part? Visitors can watch the process up close, buy handmade pasta and even try their hand at making some themselves.
What makes this street special is that the tradition wasn’t created for tourists. These women have been preserving a culinary practice passed down through generations, with visitors only adding to its popularity over time.
Also Read: CT Exclusive: At Tablespoon Mumbai, We Made Our Own Pasta & Dug Into Cinnamon Toast For Dessert
So, the next time Italy makes it to your travel bucket list, consider adding Bari to the itinerary. After all, what could be better than tasting authentic Italian pasta right where it’s made, by the hands that have perfected it over generations?
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/ambani_update & website/nunzialapastaia
FAQs
Where is Italy’s famous Pasta Street located?
Pasta Street, officially known as Strada Arco Basso or Strada delle Orecchiette, is located in Bari Vecchia, the historic centre of Bari in southern Italy.
Who is Nunzia Caputo, the Italian nonna invited to the Ambani wedding?
Nunzia Caputo is a well-known pasta maker from Bari, popularly called the ‘Lady of Orecchiette’. She was invited to Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding celebrations in Jamnagar in 2024 to showcase her traditional pasta-making skills.
What is orecchiette pasta?
Orecchiette is a traditional pasta from Italy’s Puglia region. Its name means ‘little ears’ in Italian, referring to its small, concave shape. It is traditionally made using durum wheat semolina and water.
