All our grandmothers have unique and big personalities. They’re memorable, wise, and full of spirit. You’ll have noticed in watching our videos just how hard it is to explain how wonderful and full of character they are. Yet over the last decade, we’ve spotted what we could call a few ‘Nonna Styles.’ I wonder: which type of grandmother are you?
1. The Classic Granny
Who needs Google when the family have you? Knowledge is your power, and teaching is your joy, especially guiding tiny, eager little learners. Like Nonna Francesca whose ‘chjusoni’ with wild boar sauce has been taught to her daughter, and grand-kids, you’re the guardian of family recipes, and the poster-girl for handed-down kitchen wisdom.
Your shelves are stacked with handwritten journals, scribbled recipes, and your head is full of passed-down secrets which you’ve collected over the years. You thrive when someone asks for the “old way” of doing things. For you, tradition isn’t just nostalgia— it’s wisdom.
2. The Community Cook
What’s an extra person when the whole village is coming over for dinner? Like Adriana, Brunilde, and, Rita, you live to gather and celebrate. Family-style feasts are your speciality. An extra chair, a surprise guest, or a third pudding is never a problem. Your table always overflows with food, laughter, and music. You thrive in connection, and love the chaos of big get-togethers.
You’re someone who can turn any meal into a big party. Guests leave full, happy, and already excited for the next gathering.
3. The Innovation Grandmother
You respect tradition but aren’t bound by it. A new shape of pasta? Gluten-free biscotti? You’ll try it all. Like Nonna Lina who puts tiny meatballs in her lasagne, experimentation and creativity are what you like to bring to the kitchen. You’re not afraid by new techniques, or fusion ideas blending heritage with modern ingredients.
Your kitchen is a playground for imagination, and your dishes reflect your adventurous spirit. Your bold ways inspire others to take risks in the kitchen— often creating unexpectedly delicious results.
4. The Thrifty Preserver
Like 97-year-old Nonna Ines and her ancient fish preservation techniques, or Sicilian Pina who showed us how to turn tomatoes, sunshine and salt into astrattu, nothing goes to waste when you’re around. From jars of preserves, or homemade stock, to a freezer of meals, “just in case” nothing is thrown out. You stretch budgets without sacrificing flavour and turn leftovers into masterpieces. Your dishes blend history with practicality.
Guests leave nourished, comforted, and amazed at your resourcefulness. You prove that sustainable food is also really delicious.
5. The Silent Sage
Like Nonna Cesaria, who makes one of the most delicate pastas we’ve ever documented, your presence teaches volumes. You have a very unique set of skills and any guests in your kitchen learn by demonstration. Those you teach quickly absorb your wisdom while watching your skilled handiwork. Every chop, stir, and sprinkle is deliberate. Pasta is kneaded with care, and sauces simmer slowly for hours.
You take your time, letting gestures and rhythm guide you. Patient, and intentional, you honour the calm and quieter, showing people how the right techniques, and simple flavours often speak louder than words.
6. The Go-Getter Granny
Like 101-year-old Marietta who chops wood when she’s not in the kitchen, cooking is just one of many strings to your bow. DIY? Weeknight dinners? Sports? Salsa? Sugo? None of it is a problem for you. You pack leftovers for the family while taking phone calls with friends. You’ll swing by the market, head to a dance class, then fix a leaking pipe, all before pasta is put on the table. Multi-tasking is your superpower, and your dishes are shaped by all your many hobbies and influences.
You blend modern life with culinary expertise, showing that a busy schedule is no barrier to creating delicious, satisfying meals. To you, good food doesn’t always need eight hours; it just needs lived experience.
7. Granny Green-Fingers
You grow it, you cook it. Like Nonna Nella who grew zucchini and made us tagliatelle with the fruits of her garden, you have an extensive herb collection, and fresh vegetables picked and ready to turn into something delicious. To you, ingredients are crucial. Fresh is always best and you believe food begins with the soil.
You blend your love of fresh, tasty ingredients with eco-consciousness. Every dish you make reflects your values: deeply rooted in the local community and in caring for the natural world. And once they’ve tasted one of your tomatoes, they’ll never feel the same again.
8. The Glamour Granny
If music be the food of love, play on. You’re never seen without a stylish apron, or a sparkle in your eye. Your kitchen is your stage, and you treat cooking like an act of theatre. Even the way you roll pasta looks fabulously effortless. Guests are dazzled by your flair, and confidence. Like Nonna Maria Concetta you not only have wonderful recipes, you have the stylish kitchen and clothes to match: chic, vibrant, and definitely Instagram-worthy.
You make meals visually stunning, delicious, and unforgettable. The joy and delight you bring to cooking far outweigh everything else. And when they taste your food, everyone is happy to be seated in the audience at your table too.
9. The Gossip Column Grandmother
Like the animated Nonna Giuseppa Raia (lovingly known as Pina), your kitchen is never quiet. People don’t just come to your kitchen for the food; they come for the conversation. Stories, whispers, and juicy tales flow as freely as the wine around your table. You’re warm, social, and endlessly curious. Your table encourages laughter, connection, and maybe a few surprises. You’re the local agony aunt, the keeper of secrets, and the giver of wisdom.
People leave your table full, and up-to-date on the latest goings on. You remind people that food is as much about community, conversation, and sharing stories as it is about taste.
10. The Truthsayer
You’re fearless in the kitchen, not to mention in life. Like our oldest Grandmother Irma who has reached the glorious age of 104; you’re sharp, you speak your mind, and never sugar-coat your firm opinions. Your no-nonsense ways have a warmth to them; you pair your observations and with wit and useful guidance.
You teach through understanding, making sure everyone knows exactly what’s expected— and why. Bold, confident, and unapologetically authentic, you prove that speaking the truth with kindness can be just as nourishing as the delicious meals you plate up for everyone.
