Typical dish of Rome
Supplì al Telefono
Golden and crispy on the outside, supplì al telefono reveals at the first bite a soft heart of tomato rice and melted mozzarella. When opened, the mozzarella stretches into shiny strands, like the cord of an old telephone—hence the iconic name. The contrast between the crunchy coating and the warm, creamy interior is irresistible. In Rome it’s mostly eaten as an appetizer or snack, often before a pizza.
Season: Tutto l'anno€2–4
Why it matters
Supplì is one of the most popular symbols of everyday Roman cuisine. It represents the city’s convivial and informal spirit: inexpensive, tasty, and perfect to eat standing up while chatting. It is an essential presence in pizza-by-the-slice shops and traditional fry shops across the historic neighborhoods.
Origin story
Its origins date back to the 19th century and likely derive from the French word “surprise,” used to describe the hidden filling. At first the rice was enriched with giblets and meat sauce; over time the version with stretchy mozzarella became the most beloved. The expression “al telefono” spread during the 20th century, when the strand of mozzarella resembled the cord of old telephones.
Typical ingredients
risosugo di pomodoromozzarellapangrattatouova
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