Napoli Pizza vs. Roma Pizza

Attribute	Napoli Pizza	Roma Pizza
Origin	Naples, Italy	Rome, Italy
Dough	Soft and chewy	Thin and crispy
Cheese	Buffalo mozzarella	Fior di latte
Tomato Sauce	San Marzano tomatoes	Roma tomatoes
Toppings	Traditionally limited	Varied and abundant

History

Napoli Pizza, also known as Neapolitan pizza, originated in Naples, Italy. It is considered the original pizza and is known for its thin crust, simple toppings, and use of fresh ingredients. Roma Pizza, on the other hand, hails from Rome, Italy. It is characterized by a thicker crust and a wider variety of toppings compared to Napoli Pizza.

Crust

One of the key differences between Napoli Pizza and Roma Pizza is the crust. Napoli Pizza has a thin crust that is soft and chewy, with a slightly charred and blistered exterior from being cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures. This results in a light and airy crust that is easy to fold. In contrast, Roma Pizza has a thicker crust that is more bread-like in texture. It is often crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a more substantial base for the toppings.

Toppings

When it comes to toppings, Napoli Pizza follows strict guidelines set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (True Neapolitan Pizza Association). These guidelines dictate that only certain ingredients can be used, such as San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Roma Pizza, on the other hand, offers a wider variety of toppings, including meats, vegetables, and cheeses. This allows for more customization and creativity in the pizza-making process.

Cooking Method

Both Napoli Pizza and Roma Pizza are traditionally cooked in wood-fired ovens, but there are slight differences in the cooking method. Napoli Pizza is cooked at a very high temperature (around 900°F) for a short period of time (usually less than 90 seconds). This quick cooking process results in a blistered crust and perfectly cooked toppings. Roma Pizza, on the other hand, is cooked at a lower temperature for a longer period of time, allowing the toppings to cook more thoroughly and develop richer flavors.

Flavor Profile

The flavor profile of Napoli Pizza is characterized by the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. The sweet San Marzano tomatoes, creamy mozzarella di bufala, and fragrant basil combine to create a harmonious and balanced taste. In contrast, Roma Pizza offers a more complex flavor profile due to the wider variety of toppings available. The combination of different meats, cheeses, and vegetables can result in a pizza that is savory, salty, spicy, or tangy, depending on the toppings chosen.

Popularity

Both Napoli Pizza and Roma Pizza have gained popularity outside of Italy, but Napoli Pizza has a stronger international presence. This is due in part to the strict regulations set by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which aim to preserve the authenticity of Napoli Pizza. As a result, many pizzerias around the world strive to achieve the standards set by the association in order to be certified as serving true Neapolitan pizza. Roma Pizza, on the other hand, has a more relaxed approach to pizza-making, allowing for more variation in the style and toppings of the pizza.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Napoli Pizza and Roma Pizza each have their own unique attributes that set them apart from one another. Napoli Pizza is known for its thin crust, simple toppings, and strict adherence to tradition, while Roma Pizza offers a thicker crust, a wider variety of toppings, and more room for creativity. Whether you prefer the classic simplicity of Napoli Pizza or the customizable options of Roma Pizza, both styles of pizza offer a delicious and satisfying dining experience.