TalentINK Group
Silvia Colloca is in a constant state of juggling. Even in an industry filled with multi-hyphenate talents, she’s as well-rounded as they come. Italian-Australian, cook and opera singer, TV host and actress. It seems there’s nothing she can’t do. But no matter how busy life gets, Silvia slows it down in her authentic Italian home and kitchen. And she wants you to find that easy paced sense of joy for cooking, too.
What is Silvia Colloca known for?
Silvia Colloca is an Italian-Australian actress, opera singer and cook. Born in Milan, she underwent opera training in Italy and began her singing career there, before moving to Australia in 2009 with her Australian husband, actor Richard Roxburgh. The pair had met on the set of the movie Van Helsing, which they both appeeared in.
Now Silvia has made it her mission to share the joy of cooking like an Italian with the world. She has seven cookbooks under her belt and has starred in six cooking shows, two of which she co-created and co-produced.
We sat down with Silvia Colloca to find out exactly how to cook like an Italian (and why we should all want to).
What are you top tips on how to cook like an Italian?
Silvia Colloca: “If you want to cook like an Italian, start with good ingredients. That’s always the secret. Italian food is simple, so the ingredients have to do the talking. And then, don’t rush. Cooking in Italy is never about getting dinner on the table as fast as possible. It’s about slowing down, tasting as you go, letting the sauce simmer until it smells irresistible. It’s also about instinct.”
“We learn from tradition, of course, but we cook with our hearts” – Silvia Colloca
“And finally, you share it. That’s the most important part. Food in Italy is never just about what’s on the plate. it’s about the people around the table, the conversation, the laughter. That’s what makes it truly Italian.”
There’s been a lot of discussion in recent years about “authenticity” in cuisines. With heritage from Southern Italy, do you aim for authenticity or do you prefer a different approach?
“For me, authenticity isn’t about following a recipe to the letter; it’s about being true to the spirit of Italian cooking: generosity, using what’s in season, and sharing it with others. That’s what Italian food really is.
So yes, I stay connected to my heritage, but I also cook with freedom. I might swap an ingredient because it’s what I can find at the market that day, or because it suits the Australian climate better.”
“To me, that’s not losing authenticity, it’s keeping it alive and accessible” – Silvia Colloca
What ingredients can you save on and which ones are worth splurging on?
“I think cooking well isn’t about how much you spend, but how you use what you have. Some of the best meals come from really simple, everyday ingredients, like dried pasta, tinned tomatoes, onions, and beans. If you treat them with care and cook them properly, they can be just as comforting and delicious as anything fancy.
That said, there are a few ingredients I like to choose thoughtfully, because it really makes a world of difference: a good extra virgin olive oil, a nice wedge of Parmigiano and really good anchovies.”
What do cooking and musical theatre have in common?
“Here’s a question I have never been asked before! I think both are about timing, rhythm, and emotion. In the kitchen, you’re juggling different ingredients, temperatures, and textures , just like in a performance, where you have music, movement, and storytelling all happening at once. Both demand attention and presence.”
“You can’t just go through the motions; you need to feel it, respond to what’s happening in the moment, and give it your heart” – Silvia Colloca
“And in the end, both are about sharing joy with other people.”
You’ve just released a line of cookware with Essteele. What’s your favourite feature?
“I wanted these pans to feel as good to cook with as they look. They’re made with a strong, diamond-coated nonstick surface and a recycled aluminium body, so they heat evenly and last beautifully. You can use them on any cooktop.”
“I’ve added my signature on the base just to remind you that I’m there with you, encouraging you to cook delicious food” – Silvia Colloca
What’s the benefit of the diamond-coated interior?
“The diamond coating on these pans isn’t just for show, it’s what makes them such a joy to cook with. Diamond is one of the hardest materials in the world, so the surface is extra durable and resists scratches beautifully. It also conducts heat really well, which means your food cooks evenly without hot spots. I love that nothing sticks. Even eggs just slide right off, and cleaning up is as simple as a quick rinse.”
What are your favourite dishes to make in each skillet and saucepan?
“Pasta sauces like bolognese or a classic sugo are always bubbling away.”
Shop Silvia Colloca’s cookware range
Shop the range and enjoy HB’s exclusive discount code.
Every piece in this cookware range has a diamond-coated nonstick interior and recycled aluminium body. They are durable, with even heat distribution and are induction-suitable, plus dishwasher- and oven-safe.
01
Essteele Per Silvia nonstick induction 4-piece cookware set
$699.95, Essteele
This four-piece cookware set is perfect for anyone looking to update (or start!) their cookware collection. It has all the cookware essentials: a 24cm open French skillet, 28cm open French skillet, 20c,/2.4L covered saucepan with borosilicate glass lid and 28cm/3.8L covered sauteuse with borosilicate glass lid. We can practically smell the bolognese bubbling away already.
See all the best Silvia Colloca & Essteele discount codes and deals.
02
Essteele Per Silvia nonstick induction skillet twin pack
$299.95, Essteele
Take it back to basics and update your skillets. After all, skillets are one of the most versatile forms of cookware, ideal for whipping up all sorts of meals, from breakfast omelettes to dinner-time meals. This twin pack comes with a 20cm open French skillet and a 28cm open French skillet.
See all the best Silvia Colloca & Essteele discount codes and deals.
