FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesOrdering GelatoCon la panna, per favore.
A1

Con la panna, per favore.

With whipped cream, please.

Pronunciation

PAN-na — two syllables, double 'n', stress on first.

When to use it

When you want whipped cream added to your gelato — usually offered as an option, especially on cones.

What it means

'Panna' = whipped cream. Italian gelateria cream ('panna montata') is usually lightly sweetened and freshly whipped. It is added on top of the last scoop, particularly on cones. You will often be asked 'con la panna?' by the gelatiere.

Variations

Senza panna, grazie.

Without cream, please.

Decline the cream — simple and clear

Un po' di panna.

A little cream.

If you want less cream than the standard portion

Panna montata fresca?

Is it freshly whipped cream?

Ask if the cream is made in-house — quality varies enormously

Mini Dialogue

— Con la panna? — Sì, con la panna, per favore. — È panna fresca montata qui — viene bene con il cioccolato. — Perfetto, grazie!

— With cream? — Yes, with cream, please. — It's freshly whipped cream made here — it goes well with the chocolate. — Perfect, thank you!

Cultural Note

Whipped cream on gelato is an Italian tradition, especially in summer and at tourist gelaterias. Purists at artisan gelaterias sometimes prefer their gelato without cream, to appreciate the pure flavour. In Sicily, the combination of pistachio gelato and freshly whipped cream in a brioche bun is a legendary breakfast.