As we have already said, street food leads every year thousands of gluttonous visitors to take trips to our country. Every city comes with its features and its local dishes to enjoy during a walk, but it cannot be denied that the region that more than any other evokes the term street food is Campania. Today, we will explore Naples’ street food, that among pizzas, fried foods and desserts will leave our mouths watering.
Here is the premise: one cannot go to Naples without diving in its street food. It is something inherent and indispensable, as if a law of physics that cannot be ignored. Naples, in addition to hospitality, vitality, and kindness, is also about – and most of all – amazing food. It is no surprise that many people opt for street food oriented weekends in Naples.
We of Italian Traditions have selectedthe best and most traditional street foods of Naples and are ready to share them with you, hoping to give you some tips as to what to try during your stay in Naples!
Pizza
Of course, she is the queen of Naples. The pizza napoletana is one of those things that the world envies us but that only the best pizzaioli (pizza makers) can create and master. The crust is traditionally very thick but – if the dough is proofed correctly – not heavy at all to process.
Of course, in addition to the classic pizza from Naples, in town there are many other kinds. Pizza a portafoglio, for example, is a great street food. It is a pizza, slightly smaller and with less condiment, folded in for, that you will be able to enjoy easily while walking. Also, there is pizza fritta (fried pizza), seasoned with tomato, Parmesan, and basil and to be divoured as you take a walk on the promenade by the sea.
‘O cuoppo di frittura (fried food)
After pizza, you have to have some fried food. Or perhaps before, your choice. The cuoppo di frittura is a paper come to take with you, filled with anything you can think of exclusively fried. In the typical cuoppo we can find tater tots, fried polenta, small savory zeppolas, but there is also the seafood version, filled wi the fried fish.
The frittatina of pasta
Another evergreen of Naples street food is pasta frittatina. A dish, this, born from the peasant and poor traditions, where the leftovers of the pasta were combined with the egg and fried in order to obtain a substantial meal, complete and especially without waste.
Today the pasta frittata attracts thousands of street food lovers every year and never leaves anyone dissatisfied… In fact, almost everyone always does the encore!
‘O cuzzetiello
Another street food with a rural background, the cuzzetiello is the last bit of the baguette or similar kinds of bread, with its soft sort removed and replaced with meat and tomato sauce. This popular street food too comes to be from the necessity to have one meal but all inclusive, especially for farmers who everyday spent hours and hours of their time working the lands and needed energy.
Sfogliatella: riccia or frolla?
From savoury to sweet, let us move on to another symbol of Naples’ street food: the sfogliatella. The sfogliatella can be found in two versions: riccia (which means it is made with puff pastry) and frolla (made with short pastry). Both versions are filled with ricotta and semolina and are a gift to anyone who tries a bite.
The snowflake
The snowflake is a type of small brioche with ricotta filling, it has a round shape and it is white which is the reason behind its name. Now there are many versions of fillings and shapes, but ricotta remains the traditional one, being the staple of Campanian patisserie.
O’ babà
Last but not least, one of Naples’ most popular symbols: ‘o babà. The traditional mushroom shaped dessert dipped in rum or limoncello, whose recipe remains a secret of each bakery that makes it, is one of the staples of Campania alla round the world and stands out for its intense flavor – due to sugar and alcohol. Great to be enjoyed as a dessert, walking around in the old town center or seating down admiring the beautiful gulf of Naples.
