Each year presents fresh culinary waves in the realm of pizza, and 2023 is no different. At ExploringCultureWorld, we are constantly observing the flavors that captivate pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Here is our curated list of the top pizza toppings that have been making a splash in 2023.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are now highlighting gut health, and fermented vegetables have emerged as a surprising favorite on pizza menus. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions infuse pizzas with robust, tangy tastes that pair nicely with the creamy cheese and tomato sauce. These toppings not only offer probiotic goodness but also add new textures to a classic pizza.
The Fermentation Fest pizza we offer includes our own sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola cheese, with a honey drizzle from local sources to offset the sourness. It's an uncommon combo, but it's swiftly turning into one of our most sought-after specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets has led to an upswing in demand for pizzas topped with imaginative meat substitutes. More than typical veggie toppings, advancements in plant-based proteins have provided options that even the staunchest carnivores enjoy.
Items like plant-based crumbles that mimic Italian sausage, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit prepared as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni have found a permanent spot on our menu. These plant-based choices are loved not purely by vegetarians but also by patrons who appreciate their distinct tastes and easier digestion.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who relish spiciness, 2023 has been a celebration with pizza lovers opting for specific regional chili types instead of the ubiquitous crushed red pepper. While Calabrian chilies continue their hot streak, varieties like smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are beginning to feature on pizzas.
The Spice Tour pizza offers a quartet of diverse regional chilies, with each one lending its distinctive fiery taste to a different section of the pizza, catering to our patrons who prefer a daring culinary experience.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
Foraged ingredients that adhere to the seasons are increasingly being favored as toppings, with the farm-to-pizza trend growing in popularity. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which show up seasonally.
We're also using wild spring ramps, various sea greens, including dulse and nori, and aromatic spruce tips. These natural elements tie the dining experience to the wilderness while providing tastes that cannot be found in conventionally farmed produce.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
Honey drizzles on pizza create a delightful sweet-savory essence that has proven to be much more than a fad. Expanding from the popular spicy honey of recent times, 2023 has introduced a variety of specialty honey drizzles right before serving.
We're seeing a rise in gourmet honey types like truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite, which bring a layer of complexity to every pizza they touch.
Honorable Mentions
There are other toppings worth mentioning that didn't make the top five list but are still causing a buzz:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated atop the pizza for a touch of opulence
- Pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as cherries and apricots
- Whole-grain flourishes for added texture, like crispy spelt or popped amaranth
- Gourmet butter dots, especially those that are cultured or blended with herbs
Pizza, whether for a traditionalist who holds to classic flavors or a culinary adventurer ready to explore bold new mixtures, continues to be an infinitely customisable and cherished dish. At ExploringCultureWorld, we respect time-honored practices even as we advocate for culinary creativity—that's the rationale for having both the iconic Margherita and pioneering pizzas on our menu.
Have you had the chance to taste any of these in-demand toppings? Or perhaps you have a distinctive combination in mind that you'd like us to create? Share your thoughts in the comments or on your next visit!