Neapolitan pizza (pizza napoletana) comes from Naples in southern Italy. It began as simple street food and became one of the world's most recognised pizza styles.
"Neapolitan pizza is a tradition from Naples."
The Origins of Neapolitan Pizza
In 18th century Naples, bakers began placing tomatoes on flat bread dough. This simple combination, built on local ingredients, became the base of pizza as we know it today.
In 1889, chef Raffaele Esposito created the Margherita pizza in honour of Queen Margherita of Italy, using tomato, mozzarella, and basil to match the Italian flag.
What Defines Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
- Soft, elastic dough baked at extremely high temperatures in a wood-fired oven
- A characteristically raised crust edge (cornicione) with natural leopard-spot charring
- Premium Italian ingredients: San Marzano tomatoes, fresh buffalo mozzarella
- A thin, soft centre that can be folded to eat
- Handmade, with no mechanical pressing
Contemporary Neapolitan Pizza: The Evolution
Traditional Neapolitan pizza remains protected by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN). Newer pizza makers, including Vincenzo Capuano, have developed the contemporary Neapolitan style.
Contemporary Neapolitan pizza keeps the base of the original but uses higher hydration, longer fermentation, and a taller crust. The result is a light, airy cornicione.
Where to Get Authentic Neapolitan Pizza in Mumbai
Vincenzo Capuano Mumbai, located at 80 Senapati Bapat Marg in Lower Parel, serves contemporary Neapolitan pizza using the techniques of 2022 World Pizza Champion Vincenzo Capuano.
If you want to try authentic Neapolitan pizza in its contemporary form, visit us in Lower Parel.