Road meals in Italy is an absolute deal with. Regardless of the place you go, there’s one thing delicious (and infrequently fried) ready across the nook. On this particular episode, two iconic cities go head-to-head in a avenue meals showdown: Naples vs. Rome.

Each cities are identified for his or her distinctive flavors, native favorites, and severe meals tradition, however which one takes the crown in terms of avenue meals? I picked 5 must-try dishes from every metropolis, reviewed them one after the other, and scored them too.

Have you ever tried any of those?

Watch Finest Road Meals Naples Vs Rome

Problem 1: Road Meals Pizza

Nothing says avenue meals like a slice of scrumptious, tacky pizza, however in Italy, pizza isn’t simply pizza and in terms of avenue meals, Naples and Rome do it very in another way.

Pizza al Portafoglio – Naples

In Naples, the go-to avenue meals pizza is Pizza al Portafoglio. It’s a smaller, folded model of a Margherita pizza, served piping scorching with oozing mozzarella and wealthy tomato sauce. What makes it good for the road is that it’s folded in half so you may eat it on the go with out making a multitude — excellent for strolling by way of the previous metropolis.

Traditionally, these have been made with leftover dough from the day earlier than, which meant they have been tremendous reasonably priced. Easy, low-cost, however stuffed with taste, that’s the appeal of Pizza al Portafoglio.

Pizza al Taglio – Rome

Now let’s discuss Rome’s model: Pizza al Taglio, or pizza by the slice. I visited a spot on By way of Flavia known as Pomo, and their pizza was excellent. It’s made like an open-faced sandwich, with a lightweight and ethereal crust that’s crunchy on the underside and fluffy on the within. They slice it up into rectangular items, and you may combine and match completely different toppings. My suggestion is to seize a slice, pair it with a chilly beer or a glass of wine and luxuriate in it proper on the sidewalk, individuals watching – Rome at its most interesting.

Closing Rating:
Pizza al Portafoglio: 10/10
Pizza al Taglio: 10/10

Each are must-tries, but when I completely had to decide on a winner… Pizza al Portafoglio might win, however simply by a small margin!

Problem 2: Stuffed Panino

A panino would possibly seem to be a easy sandwich, however in Italy, it’s a lot extra particularly when it’s stuffed. What began as a intelligent option to carry stale bread again to life with a little bit of ragù has was one thing scrumptious and inventive. This model of panino may be full of eggplant parmigiana, meatballs, porchetta… principally something scrumptious and Italian.

Naples: Eggplant Parmigiana Panino

In Naples, I had a freshly made half loaf of bread filled with eggplant parmigiana. It was pleasantly heat and each chunk had me questioning why I hadn’t created this myself. My love for 2 issues merged so nicely, it’s a tough one to beat, and to withstand!

Rome: Panino alla Porchetta

Now, in the event you’re in Rome, panino alla porchetta is a should. This sandwich is full of juicy Italian pork roast, often cooked with garlic, herbs, and crackling pores and skin. I went to a porchetta store known as La Rinascita, and simply listening to the crackling as they sliced it was mouthwatering.

The bread had a crisp crust, pillowy inside, and loaded with thick, tender slices of porchetta. They heat it up simply earlier than serving, so every part melts collectively superbly. That is very near house for me as we take pleasure in it rather a lot in Abruzzo, however what you get on the road might not all the time be as scrumptious as what you create at house… select your avenue meals distributors properly!

Closing Rating:
Eggplant Parmigiana Panino: 10/10
Porchetta Panino: 8/10

As a lot as I like porchetta (and belief me, I actually do), the model I had this time wasn’t the perfect I’ve tried. A greater porchetta would possibly simply rating a ten. However the stuffed panino in Naples blew my thoughts. It was one thing new, distinctive, and a real avenue meals gem.

Problem 3: Fried Road Meals

No meals showdown is full with out one thing crispy and golden from the fryer. Each Naples and Rome ship, however in very alternative ways.

Frittatina Napoletana – Naples

Overlook every part you assume you already know about fritters. In Naples, I attempted frittatina at a spot known as Di Matteo on By way of dei Tribunali, and it utterly stunned me. This little pasta patty is filled with béchamel, peas, ham, meat, and cheese, then coated and fried till golden. Crispy on the surface, creamy on the within and sooo satisfying, it felt like happiness wrapped in a crispy shell.

Trapizzino – Rome

In Rome, I visited Mercato Centrale on the most important prepare station, the place they serve the perfect Trapizzino. Think about the nook of a fluffy focaccia, reduce right into a pocket and stuffed along with your selection of filling. It’s a cross between a pizza and a sandwich, and the choices are infinite.

These may be crammed along with your selection of meatballs, hen cacciatore, coda alla vaccinara, and even zighini, a spicy Ethiopian stew. When you’re after one thing much less hearty, it’s also possible to go for one full of burrata or stracciatella. I attempted one with anchovies layered between cheese cream, and one other with eggplant parmigiana drizzled in olive oil, basil, and topped with grated Grana Padano cheese. The bread was mild; the components have been T-O-P high quality.

Closing Rating:
Fritatina Napoletana: 10/10
Trapizzino: 10/10

Each have been wonderful, and each deserve the highest rating. But when I needed to decide, Frittatina Napoletana wins it for me. It’s a kind of avenue meals you would eat repeatedly and by no means get bored with…heavy but in addition, heavenly. When you see it on a menu, attempt it.

Problem 4: Tacky Treats

You all know cheese is my weak spot, and one thing I may merely by no means dwell with out. It’s an vital ingredient in numerous Italian recipes and each Naples and Rome carry one thing critically scrumptious to the desk.

Buffalo Mozzarella – Naples

In a tiny old-school grocery retailer tucked away in Naples, I had one of the crucial unforgettable bites of cheese I’ve ever tasted. This place has been round for over 50 years, small however full of top-quality components.

We tried handmade buffalo mozzarella, made with 80% buffalo milk from Campania. It didn’t look overly creamy, however as a substitute had that barely agency texture that tells you it’s the true deal. Served alongside burrata, olive oil, cracked black pepper, and heat bread. Easy components, good steadiness. Pure heaven. Not historically “avenue meals” however undoubtedly unmissable Italian.

Supplì – Rome

In Rome, it’s all about supplì. These crispy, deep-fried morsels include completely different fillings, and I had two of the perfect: Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara (clearly).

The Cacio e Pepe model was like biting into the pasta dish itself. Creamy, tacky, and full of that sharp style of pecorino and black pepper. Golden on the surface with a gooey middle, it was spot on. Then there was the Carbonara one, full of egg, guanciale, and cheese. You can see the bits of pork and style the peppery richness in each morsel. Rome is aware of how one can do crunchy consolation meals.

Closing Rating:
Buffalo Mozzarella: 10/10
Supplì: 10/10

They’re each excellent, however for me, the winner is supplì. It’s the sort of avenue meals that’s crunchy, tacky, and completely addictive. When you love cheese, you’ve bought to do this if you’re in Rome.

Problem 5: Desserts

No avenue meals journey could be full with out dessert so for the ultimate problem, two Italian favourites are face to face: Sfogliatella from Naples and Tiramisu from Rome.

Sfogliatella – Naples

In Naples, we tried the basic sfogliatella— a crunchy, shell-shaped pastry full of candy ricotta and candied fruit. The layers shattered with each chunk, crisp, buttery, and superbly textured. A scrumptious option to begin your morning or end a day of exploring and by no means take as a right the work that goes into these treats.

Tiramisu – Rome

Though tiramisu is initially from the northern metropolis of Treviso, Rome has embraced it like one in all its personal. You’ll discover kiosks and cafes everywhere in the metropolis providing tiramisu to go, good for a fast pick-me-up between sightseeing stops!

I attempted a basic tiramisu from slightly stand close to Piazza Navona known as Two Sizes. It was made the normal means with mascarpone, eggs, savoiardi biscuits, and a dusting of cocoa powder on prime. It was creamy but agency, wealthy however not overly candy. Truthfully, it was higher than any caffeine hit and only one spoonful had me smiling from ear to ear.

Closing Rating:

Sfogliatella: 10/10
Tiramisu: 10/10

Sfogliatella is likely one of the most tough desserts to make. The method, the layers, the persistence, it takes true craftsmanship, and I’ve a lot respect for the individuals who create it. However tiramisu has all the time been my favourite dessert on the planet. It’s comforting, indulgent, and by no means fails to make me glad. So, for this spherical, my private winner is tiramisu.

Conclusion: Which Metropolis Has the Finest Road Meals?

After 5 scrumptious rounds, the present rating is:
Naples 3 – Rome 2

However right here’s the twist… you get to resolve the ultimate winner.
Within the feedback, inform me: Do you favor pizza or pasta?
When you select pizza, Naples will get another level and takes the win.
When you select pasta, Rome ties it up with a 3–3 rating.

So, what’s your decide? What’s your favourite Italian avenue meals? And is there a avenue meals I missed that have to be included subsequent time? Let me know within the feedback, I’d love to listen to your ideas or go to your favorite avenue meals gem once I’m in Italy subsequent.

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