Pancetta is a type of salami made of cured pork belly meat. Originating in Italy, pancetta is traditionally found in soups and pasta dishes, which helps add more flavor and depth to the recipes. Pancetta is closely related to bacon and can be substituted in most recipes. For cooking, it is often cut into cubes (cubetti di pancetta).In Italy, pancetta is commonly served as a cold cut, sliced thin and eaten raw. It can also be used in carbonara pasta although guanciale is generally regarded as more traditional.