I traveled 27 hours to shop at Lidl in Italy. Here are 10 things I bought at the budget grocery store.

Mia RodriguezJan 13, 2024, 19:44 IST

I bought items I wouldn't otherwise find at Lidl in Palermo, Italy.Mia Rodriguez

I traveled 27 hours from Kent, England, to Italy to shop at Lidl in Palermo.
As a chef, I was delighted to find rich Italiamo balsamic vinegar and juicy, sweet nectarines.

When my partner and decided to renovate a house in a small town in Sicily, Italy, I knew I had to take advantage of the country's Lidl locations.

I currently live in Kent, England, where Lidl stores have affordable groceries. The produce selection is OK, but I enjoy doing my weekly shopping there because the prices are low and usually something catches my eye. Still, I had a feeling Lidl in Italy would have better offerings.

So, recently, I traveled a total of 27 hours, including a 13-hour train ride, and shopped at Lidl in Palermo.

While in Italy, I was ready to stock up on treats I wouldn't find back home.

I made sure to only buy essentials and light-weight items.

I found quite a few items I normally wouldn't see in my local UK Lidl.Mia Rodriguez

I'll use the Mutti canned tomatoes when I make sauces back at home.

The Mutti canned tomatoes stayed in my suitcase during the trip.Mia Rodriguez

I grated the Antichi Maestri Parmesan on top of tons of dishes.

The Antichi Maestri Parmesan was nutty and delicious.Mia Rodriguez

The Baresa dried porcini mushrooms added an umami flavor to dinner.

I used the Baresa mushrooms in gravies and risottos on our trip.Mia Rodriguez

The Baresa jarred artichokes were so tasty.

I used the Baresa jarred artichokes in risotto.Mia Rodriguez

Alberto Poiatti mafaldine would be delicious with a homemade sauce.

The Alberto Poiatti mafaldine is a long noodle.Mia Rodriguez

We found an unexpected use for our Bellarom Rosso ground coffee.

The Bellarom Rosso coffee deodorized our fridge.Mia Rodriguez

The nectarines I got at Lidl were picture-perfect.

Both nectarines were ripe and juicy.Mia Rodriguez

I drizzled the Italiamo balsamic vinegar on nearly everything.

The Italiamo balsamic vinegar had a great flavor.Mia Rodriguez

The Sondey biscotti came in handy while we traveled.

Sondey biscotti was perfect to eat with coffee.Mia Rodriguez

I grabbed some bread for sandwiches.

The loaf of bread from Lidl was pretty tasty.Mia Rodriguez

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