Did you know – you can try authentic Neapolitan pizza in Old Spitalfields Market? Well, now you do. It’s from a charming little blue van, Sud Italia. An absolute must visit when in this market or even in this area. When hungry or even when completely full. You have to visit this place to try their amazing pizza.
Neapolitan pizza is the famous pizza from the Italian city of Naples, regarded as the home of pizza. Before the 1700s tomato on pizza was unheard of, until it was imported from Peru and peasants started using it in Naples and it even became somewhat of a local delicacy. And then born was pizza as we know it today i.e. cheese and tomato. The Neapolitan specifically, is defined by specific characteristics, characteristics that are actually governed by an organisation – Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (VPN). They go round giving out certificates to those that meet all the requirements for an authentic Neapolitan pizza. Yes, they take it that seriously. The dough must be made a certain way with certain ingredients. Particular ingredients must be used (specific varieties of tomato, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and virgin olive oil). I wonder if the resultant Italian flag colours are coincidental? And then it must be baked at a certain temperature for a specific time in a stone oven with a wood fire. Quite specific? Yeah, pizza is a big deal in Italy and an even bigger deal in Naples.
Sud Italia
Not everyone will have the pleasure of experiencing authentic Neapolitan pizza in Naples, so step up this vibrant cute blue van in the Old Spitalfield Market. Sud Italia is a charming concept that you cannot not be taken aback by. A small blue van at the back end of the Old Spitalfields Market is quite possibly one of the most popular spots there and rightfully so. They have brought authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza straight from the heart of Naples to one of the most popular English markets in London. Sud Italia were also recognised as being one of the best 3 food trucks in London! Have I not tempted you enough to try it out?
Our experience
I love that you can watch them make your pizza in front of you. A simple dough, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil. Simple, fresh and high quality ingredients resulting in… a super delicious pizza. We loved it. Because it is made to order and right in front of you, the pizza comes out hot and fresh – the best time and way to consume any pizza. The base was nice and smoky due to some charred bits and the topping was more cheesy than tomato (the way I like it). I mean the tomato was prominent, but the particular tomato they use is sweet as opposed to the normal tart tomato, which I’m not a fan of. The cheese was slightly gooey, slightly soggy, it worked really well with the smoky base. All in all, everything complimented each other perfectly and considering we had this pizza after a full day of eating at the market it shows how good this is when we finished it within minutes. So good! Quite possibly the best eat at Old Spitalfields Market. I was never a pizza fan before, but slowly slowly I am becoming a convert…
The Neapolitan pizza is suitable for vegetarians, you just have to tell them to not include Parmesan.
Getting there
Nearest station: Liverpool Street
Nearest mosque: East London Mosque
Parking: Most if not all the roads behind the East London Mosque are free evenings and weekends, but there is literally a competition for parking spaces. So, be prepared to drive around in circles and wait till you find something to pounce on.
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