Italy

An Italian dish, the Neapolitan pizza, is a symbol of Italian cuisine worldwide. Originating from Naples, this traditional pizza is known for its thin crust and simple yet delicious toppings. It is made with bread dough, tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella, olive oil, and basil leaves, offering a combination of fresh and authentic flavors. The history of Neapolitan pizza dates back to the 18th century. At that time, Naples was a dynamic city, welcoming merchants and visitors from various regions of the world. The pizza was initially a modest dish, popular among the working class, as it was inexpensive to prepare and easily portable. However, it was in the 19th century that pizza gained fame, particularly thanks to Queen Margherita of Savoy. According to legend, in 1889, during her visit to Naples, the queen tasted a pizza made by the pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito. He created a special pizza for her with ingredients representing the colors of Italy: red from the tomato, white from the mozzarella, and green from the basil. This pizza has since been called pizza Margherita, in honor of the queen. Today, Neapolitan pizza is protected by a controlled designation of origin (AOC), meaning it must adhere to strict preparation and ingredient criteria to be authentic. Its history and worldwide popularity make it one of Italy’s most beloved dishes and a central element of the country’s culinary culture.