Using paper napkins at restaurants and bars is pretty common, isn’t it? But in Italy, you can have a different experience. You might be surprised to find that the napkins on the table are non-absorbent and don’t work well for cleaning food or water spills. That’s because they aren’t the usual paper napkins but something called ‘pastry napkins’. Recently, a video went viral online where an American vlogger living in Italy explained their purpose.
What Are Pastry Napkins?
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Pastry napkins are also referred to as tovaglioli in Italian. These napkins are made of cellulose and have a waxy surface so that they don’t stick to the food. They are a type of paper napkin but aren’t meant to clean food, water, hands or face. So, you may be wondering what they are actually used for?
According to an American vlogger, Caroline Cimino, these pastry napkins are created to hold the pastries, snacks and baked foods without getting your fingers touched with them. They are beneficial to hold the food and enjoy it without making a mess. If compared to paper napkins, these pastry napkins are expensive due to their higher quality and decorative design.
She took to Instagram to share a video on these thin napkins. She mentioned that many people often ask her about the pastry napkins they found in Italy. In response to that, she explained that these pastry napkins are used in Italy to eat baked goodies. To use them correctly, you can first grab a napkin and then your pastry, keeping your hands clean.
Netizens’ Reaction To This Viral Video
After the video went viral, pastry napkins became a topic of debate, and people started sharing their opinions in the comment section of the post. Some mentioned that you can still hold food with regular paper napkins. One comment read, “But you can do the same with a napkin and it can be used to clean too, though.” While another said, “So it’s not a napkin, it’s a food grabber.” Some even questioned why these napkins are not made absorbent so that they become more useful.
This video received mixed responses and also had positive comments like, “Thank you for changing lives.” While another person thanked her for valuable information, as many people were still unaware of it.
What are your thoughts on pastry napkins? Let us know in the comments!
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/ Caroline Cimino