Why Neapolitan pizzas are the best - Naples' finest
Discreet streets lined with artistic walls and embellished with flowery lamp posts, small streets opening into colossal piazzas laced with animated vendors, and the sun shining graciously on walkers immersed in ardent conversations is just another day in Italy.
"Italy is the land of passionate pleasure - primarily known for tempting and savoury pizzas."
Like most students pursuing the arts, Italy’s towering contribution in the arenas of literature, fashion, music, and philosophy has held a mysterious fascination to me. However, no list singing praises of Italy is ever complete without speaking about the original Neapolitan pizzas.
The origin story -
Born in the city of Naples, Italy’s Neapolitan pizza is revered by chefs and food lovers alike.
However, the peasants of Naples explored tomatoes as a topping only in the late 18th century. As the local speciality rose to popularity, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples in 1889 and Esposito baked them a pizza mirroring the colours of the Italian flag: red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (basil leaves) known today the classic Neapolitan pizza.
Neapolitan pizza has gained the “Traditional Speciality Guaranteed” status and has to be prepared in a specific manner.
The stand-out identity is its pillowy, chewy, yet very thin crust. It also has a light flavour, enhancing the flavour of tomatoes, bufala, mozzarella and other topics you may desire.
Where in Italy can You Enjoy the Best Neapolitan Pizza?
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele Forcella
This pizza stalwart that is more than 150 years old might initially seem like a tourist trap with the long wait seeming discouraging, but rest assured, it truly is worth your time, patience, and hunger. A simple whiff will promise that the distinct aromas never leave your heart and the cheese melting in your mouth will leave you wanting for more even with your last bite. It will be your ‘Mamma Mia’ moment.
Carminiello, Secondigliano
If you prefer a selection of treats as toppings, this dine-in nestled in the northern outskirts of the city is sure to entice you with its diverse options. Just beyond the airport, it is the perfect pizzeria for those who wish to relish in the distinctive taste of the Neapolitan Pizza one last time before their return home.
Pizzeria Napoli Tutino, Porta Nolana
If you are looking to enjoy your pizza on-the-go you might want to try this wallet-shaped pizza folded into quarters to satiate your hunger. This flavour-packed treat will hypnotise your palate with its aromatic flavours.
Tips to bring Naple’s pizzerias home
The pizza lover closer to home need not fret as they can experience the pleasure of Italy even in their humble kitchen. Here’s how:-
Combine water, salt, yeast, and flour and allow it to ferment.
Knead the dough and roll out the base with the characteristic raised edges ("cornicione").
Top it with peeled and chunky tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, grated cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil before baking it.
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