FOOD TOURS IN NAPLES: THE MUST-TRY OF THE NEAPOLITAN CUISINE

Savoury Food

Neapolitan Pizza

There is a reason if the Neapolitan style pizza is known worldwide: it is a pleasure to the tongue!

One of the classics is the Margherita with buffalo mozzarella, tomato sauce and fresh basil. So tasty!

Neapolitan pizza is so good that since 2010 is recognised as TSG (Traditional Specialities Guaranteed) and since 2017 the “art” of the Neapolitan pizzaiolo has been declared World Heritage by UNESCO.

Definitely a must-try!

Fried Pizza

Obviously, we all know that one of the most known typical Neapolitan food is pizza. But FRIED pizza?!

One of my absolute favourite food of all time, fried pizza will be like nothing you have ever tried. I mean, pizza is too good already. But fried? Oh, yes.

Although it can be classified as street food, many restaurants sell it as well. And it’s huge! The typical fried pizza is filled with mozzarella, black pepper, ricotta cheese ad cicoli (pork lard). However, you can find many different options and even choose your own filling!

Pasta alla Genovese

That’s true, the “Pasta alla Genovese” is not from Genoa (as many people suppose) but from Naples. Weird, uhm?

It is actually one of the most famous Neapolitan dishes, available on almost every menu, and it basically is pasta served with stewed meat and onions. The onions are cooked for a very long time, thus creating a caramelised sauce full of flavour!

Pasta e Patate

A dish that can’t be missed from any respectful “trattoria”, pasta e patate was once reserved for the less wealthy of the society. Now, it’s known as a classic of Neapolitan cuisine.

You can find many versions of this dish, but the most diffused one is made with pasta mista (a type of pasta with different shapes), potatoes, caciocavallo cheese and black pepper. All served with a layer of delicious parmesan cheese or pecorino cheese.

Mozzarella di Bufala

Despite being mostly produced by the provinces of Caserta and Salerno, the Mozzarella di Bufala is largely sold in Naples and is considered one of the representative products of the city.

It can be eaten as a starter (accompanied by tomatoes or prosciutto), on pizza, on pasta… basically in any way! This mozzarella is a true delight and you really need to give it a try during your holiday!

Taralli

Made with lard, black pepper and toasted almonds, the taralli are one of the most addictive Neapolitan food. They are similar to crackers, but round and BIG.

Although they are usually sold in any food shop, you can buy the tastiest ones in the “panifici” (bakeries).

Crocche` e Frittatine

Another food to add to the list of addictive Neapolitan delights are the Crocche and the Frittatine.

They can usually be found in any pizzeria and are often served as a starter. I could eat these forever, and it usually ends up that I eat so many that I am then unable to eat my pizza!

The Crocche` is a deep fried potato croquette filled with mozzarella, black pepper and prosciutto, even though you can find many without meat.

The Frittatina is an omelette made with pasta, peas, mince, and basically anything you can find!

Cuoppo

The ultimate Neapolitan street food: the Cuoppo.

It’s a paper cone filled with fried fish which you can eat while walking around the city. Many “cuopperie” also have the meat option (as a substitute of seafood) or the veggie one.

It’s really tasty and definitely a must try!

Spaghetti alle Vongole

Well, the title speaks for itself: spaghetti with seafood. Clams, to be precise. All accompanied by garlic, parsley, white wine and olive oil, and possibly a beautiful view on the Lungomare Caracciolo.

Simple and incredibly tasty.

Fagioli e Cozze

As weird as it may sounds, this dish includes beans and mussels. And pasta, obviously.

It is a very typical meal in Naples and it’s more than just “delicious”. The secret is to not serve it as a soup but to create a thick cream thanks to the beans, which accompany the mussels perfectly.

Trust me, give it a chance and you will not be disappointed!

Ragu`Napoletano

The ragu ("o’ rrau`” in Neapolitan dialect) was (and still is) traditionally cooked every Sunday by my grandmother for lunch.

It is prepared with pieces of meat, not mince (as it is often believed) and made cooked for over 6 hours. A long time is really necessary to make it this exquisite!

Parmigiana di Melanzane

The original Neapolitan recipe of the Parmigiana di Melanzane (aubergines) requires these to be fried twice (the second time with flour and eggs). To the fried aubergines is then added tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmesan cheese and fresh basil, to create the perfect match.

It’s definitely not a light dish, but I assure you, your palate will be thankful for this!

Sweet Food

Struffoli

Little deep-fried dough balls covered with a lot of honey and sprinkles, the Struffoli are a typical Christmas dessert. However, you can now find them at any time of the year and they are really worth trying.

They are super sweet and believe me, you will not be able to stop eating them!

Sfogliatella

These amazing pastries are one of the most typical sweets in Naples and are basically sold in every cafe`!

You can actually find two different kinds of sfogliatella: the “riccia” (crispy and flaky from the outside) and the “frolla” (softer from the outside). Both are filled with ricotta cheese. I suggest you try them freshly made!

Pastiera

Typical Easter dessert (even though some people eat it at Christmas as well), the Pastiera is a base of shortcrust pastry filled with ricotta cheese, sugar, eggs and wheat. Its particular flavour is given especially by the candied fruit and aromas. I love to add some dark chocolate chips when I make my Pastiera at home!

It’s a super tasty dessert which you definitely have to try. My boyfriend tried it last year for the first time and it soon became his favourite sweet!

Baba`

Despite being one of the symbols of Naples, the Baba` has its origins in Poland and France. However, it became really famous when it arrived in the Italian city in the 19th century, and it has been considered a typical Neapolitan dessert ever since.

The baba` traditionally has the shape of a mushroom, and it is bathed in rum and covered with whipped cream and fresh fruit. However, you can now find many different versions of this sweet.

One of my favourites is the one served in a glass, making it a typical street food: layers of baba` and pistachio cream (or chocolate, or lemon). It’s so addictive that the last time I went back to Naples I really couldn’t stop eating it!

Caprese

As can be understood from its name, this dessert can be found especially on the island of Capri and it is one of my favourites: an almond cake with chocolate, butter, sugar and eggs.

If you like almonds and chocolate, then you will love this cake!

Food Tours

One of the best ways to get closer to the Neapolitan tradition is through its culinary heritage.

So, check out some of these tours to have a unique tasting experience of the best typical food in Naples!

Pizza Classes

If you have always wanted to learn the secrets to making the perfect Neapolitan style pizza, its homeland is probably the best place to do so, don’t you think?

There are plenty of classes held by famous Neapolitan pizza-makers which will make you become a pizzaiolo in no time!

Despite being so many classes out there, I think this one is one of the best. My friend took this class during her trip to Naples and she enjoyed it a lot. And now she makes pizza at home all the time!

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