Neapolitan pizza (pizza napoletana) is the origin of all pizza styles — born in Naples, the southern Italian city, centuries ago. Over time it evolved from a simple street food into a globally recognised culinary tradition, now officially protected by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
"Neapolitan pizza is not just a product. It is a tradition."
The Origins of Neapolitan Pizza
In 18th century Naples, bakers began placing tomatoes — considered toxic by much of Europe at the time — on flat bread dough. This simple combination, built on local ingredients and a working-class tradition, evolved into what we now recognise as pizza. Naples is, without question, where pizza as we know it began.
In 1889, chef Raffaele Esposito created the Margherita pizza in honour of Queen Margherita of Italy — combining tomato (red), mozzarella (white), and basil (green) to mirror the Italian flag. A legend was born.
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 — traditionally folded to eat ("a libretto")
- Entirely handcrafted — no mechanical pressing
Contemporary Neapolitan Pizza: The Evolution
While traditional Neapolitan pizza remains strictly protected by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), a generation of progressive pizza makers — including Vincenzo Capuano — have developed the "contemporary Neapolitan" style.
Contemporary Neapolitan pizza retains the DNA of the original, but pushes the dough hydration, fermentation time, and crust expression further. The most striking feature is the dramatically pronounced cornicione — as light as a cloud, as airy as you can imagine, and unlike anything a traditional pizza wheel could survive.
Where to Get Authentic Neapolitan Pizza in Singapore
Vincenzo Capuano Singapore, located at 80 Mohamed Sultan Rd in Robertson Quay, is the city's leading destination for contemporary Neapolitan pizza. Every pizza is crafted using the techniques of 2022 World Pizza Champion Vincenzo Capuano — a direct lineage to the Naples tradition that created this art form.
If you want to understand what authentic Neapolitan pizza — in its contemporary form — actually tastes like, this is where you come.