Milano: so much more than Italy’s fashion capital
An international city with an abundance of foreign products
By Frances Jago, Sabrina Ciscomani, Alondra Palacios & Gerardo Barnetche
Milano can be considered by many as Italy’s most international city. What upholds this reputation is its abundance of foreign products easily accessible throughout the city. For international students, this is a blessing in disguise, particularly for those days when living abroad, away from your home culture and family is especially missed.
Perhaps one of the biggest comforts that are more so easily accessible when abroad is cuisine! Food plays a huge role in a culture’s identity, and thus, a key role in helping keep sickness at bay. Luckily for Milano’s international students, the city offers a vast selection of foreign products. This article will direct a particular focus on Mexican and Australian products and the best places to discover Mexican and Australian culture in Milano!
Mexican’s in Milano — “Mexican Corner”
Only discoverable through word of mouth, this little Mexican market on the banks of the canal in Navigli has a variety of Latin products to offer. Many students at Cattolica University rave about the selection of Mexican beans, flour for tortillas, sauces, Mexican beer and other authentic Mexican products.
We talked with a number of students about this market and the main reasons why it is a must-visit location for finding international products in Milan. Cattolica student Leslie Hernandez says that “arriving in Milan I did not imagine being able to find my Mexican cravings being so far from home.” All who were interviewed, including Hernandez, agreed that they were craving the traditional spicy flavours of Mexico since Italian products didn’t live up to their standards.
When asked what products they were looking for the most, a variety of answers were given, ranging from chips, sauces and cooking ingredients — all of which can be found at this market!
They also told us that the way they found out about this market when they arrived in Milan was through friends who had previously been to Milan, that is, by word of mouth. It happens every Saturday along Via Conca del Naviglio.
Address: Via Conca del Naviglio,22,20123 Milano MI
Price range: 2€ — 30€
Mexican’s in Milano — “Canteen”
Located in Porta Vittoria, Canteen is a Mexican restaurant that serves fresh, authentic Mexican cuisine. The word canteen comes from its Spanish meaning “Cantina”, a traditionally men-only establishment where they typically sell beer and host social events. Over time, Mexican canteens became popular eateries for all, serving traditional Mexican food and drinks without discrimination.
The vibe of the restaurant perfectly captures what a modern cantina is in Mexico today. But despite leaning more towards a Tex-Mex inspiration (a fusion of Texas and Mexican flavours), the food in this place is excellent and has a fantastic selection of both raw and cooked dishes.
The architectural design of the restaurant transports you into an authentic Mexican restaurant bar in the depths of Mexico City, with a large display of Mexican tequilas and liquors lining the walls behind the bar. Frequented by local Italians and Mexican international students, this bar is a lively joint to spend your Friday or Saturday night! Perfect for catching up with friends and potentially having a little dance to the tunes provided by the resident DJ, expect to spend around 30–50 euros per person. But rest assured, you will get your money’s worth! Open from 7 pm to 3 am on weekends and you can feel the Mexican party that the whole atmosphere of the place brings with it.
Address: Via Archimede, 10, 20129 Milano MI
Website: https://www.lucaguelficompany.com/canteen-milano/
Price range: 30€ — 50€
Mexican’s in Milan — “La Taqueria”
Can you imagine having the flavours of Mexico in Milan? This is possible! La Taquería is a great place to indulge in homemade-style tacos, quesadillas, burritos, chilaquiles, gringas, nachos, Mexican beers and drinks. This local joint can be found in De Angeli, near City Life, and is run by a charming Mexican man who aspired to open a place in Milano with real Mexican food. The tortillas are imported straight from Mexico and the salsas are as delicious and as spicy as if you were in a Mexican taqueria.
A crowd favourite is the Gringa: a traditional flour tortilla quesadilla stuffed with cheese and meat al pastor. Chilaquiles are also served with a delicious green sauce and are perfect for curing a hangover or a homesick heart. Accompanied by friends and a good Mexican beer like Pacifico, La Taqueria is the best place to finish a long school day.
The restaurant’s owner has made sure to bring the most wanted food products a Mexican could ask for, the best sauces, beers, and typical taqueria juices like Boing, mezcal, tequila, and more.
As students, we know that price matters and the good thing about La Taquería is that it is cheap yet delicious option compared to other Mexican restaurants.
Open every day for eat-in, takeaway and delivery from 12:00–15:00 and 18:00–22:00, this place is a great reflection of the high-quality international food and products that Milano has to offer.
Reviewed highly by many Mexican international students, Cattolica student Jimena Amaya says that La Taqueria has “real tortillas, great flavour, incredible salsas and my favourite Mexican beers.” She tells us that the first time she went she felt for a moment as if she was back in Mexico.
Address: Via Raffaello Sanzio, 27, 20149 Milano MI
Website: https://la-taqueria.it/
Price range: 3€ — 15€
Australians in Milano — “Nowhere Coffee and Community”
With more than 24hrs on a plane and a 10hr time difference, Italy is a very long way from the balmy coastlines of Australia. Finding Australian products in Milano proved to be a challenge; besides the stereotypical “Wallaby Pub” (which is pretty cool in its own right) in the eastern suburbs of the city, it was difficult to find any form of Australian culture — so we changed our focus. Instead of trying to find Australian branded products/experiences, we instead turned our focus to the feeling of Australia and what Australians do best — brunch!
The beauty of the coffee culture in Milan is that cafes are always near and never far between. As an Australian, you’ll recognise your brunch culture every time the opportunity presents itself. As you may have noticed, Italians typically don’t eat a big breakfast; for most, it’s an espresso and a cigarette before they zoom off for a full day of hard work. So it’s a bit of a surprise when you wander into Nowhere Cafe and see a menu boasting a classic avo-smash or a good serving of eggs benny. Reminiscent of classic Australian-style cuisine, Nowhere Cafe is an excellent choice to satisfy both your hungry stomach and your homesick mind. In typical Australian fashion, Nowhere Cafe offers a selection of fusion dishes hosting Aussie classics like Thai noodle salads, hearty porridges and variations of cooked eggs, whole grains, plenty of green things, toast, yogurt, avocado and fruits, and a thriving brunch culture.
Food is such an important part of any culture, and it’s no different to the Australian affair. As the writers at Global Gastro claim, seeking comfort in food, that is so commonly linked to family and sharing a meal at home, is a perfect opportunity to source out a fun yet comforting brunch spot that will satisfy both your hungry stomach and your homesick mind. Despite the phenomenal traditional pasta and pizza, nothing beats an Aussie classic.
Address: Nowhere — Coffee & Community, Via Caminadella, 15, 20123 Milano MI
Website: https://www.facebook.com/nowherecafe.it/
Price range: 8€ — 25€
Proven time and time again, Milan is an international capital worth investigating. This lively and charismatic city offers so much more than its rich traditions; found sprinkled throughout the city are these beautiful little spots that offer the best of foreign products and international cuisine.
