Bruschetta: a word that has traveled the globe, gracing menus from New York and Tokyo, all the way to Sydney and Buenos Aires. This simple Italian dish has become an international icon, thanks to the universal appeal of its varied, but simple ingredients. Yet, as widespread as its culinary fame might be, the word “bruschetta” often presents a delightful puzzle for many.

As an Italian who has journeyed across continents, I’ve always been amused by the myriad interpretations of this seemingly straightforward term. From “bruscetta” to “brushetta,” “brusceta” to “brusketta,” the variations are as diverse as the cultures that embrace the dish. And when it comes to pronouncing it? Ah, that’s where the real adventure begins.