Each new year introduces fresh foodie trends to pizza connoisseurs, and 2023 follows suit. At GlobalNarrative, keeping tabs on what's enticing pizza aficionados worldwide is our specialty. Allow us to present the most captivating and sought-after pizza toppings that are currently in vogue.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Pizzerias are now prioritizing gut health, with a surprising surge in fermented veggies as toppings. Flavors from kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending a complexity and tartness, perfectly mingling with the creamy cheese and savory sauce. Not just beneficial for gut health due to their probiotic properties, these fermented choices are also introducing a novel textural component to classic pizzas.
Our new Fermentation Fête pizza boasts in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and bleu cheese, with a finishing touch of local honey to counterbalance the sharpness. While it may seem unconventional, it’s swiftly ascending our list of most-pursued specialty pies.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The surge in plant-based diets isn't going unnoticed, bringing with it increased interest in meat-free pizza toppings. Surpassing the usual veggie toppings, plant-based protein innovations are turning heads and satisfying even staunch carnivores.
Toppings like savory crumbles mimicking Italian sausage, spiced tempeh, pulled pork from seasoned jackfruit, and pea protein resembling pepperoni are now staples on our menu. These inventive proteins cater to not only vegetarians but those looking for an interesting taste and an easier-to-digest pizza experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
For those who crave a spicy bite, 2023 has welcomed a preference for distinctive chili types over generic red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies continue to be beloved, other exotic varieties such as smoky ñora peppers from Spain, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang are also making their mark on pizzas.
Our Global Heat pizza is a swirl of four disparate chilies, each lending a distinct flavor to each quadrant of the pizza. It's a peppery odyssey that’s garnering attention, particularly among our braver clientele.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
What started as the farm-to-table concept has now transitioned to forest-to-pizza, with wild foraged produce experiencing a boost in popularity. Leading this trend are various species of wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and maitake, appearing abundantly within their harvest seasons.
Apart from wild fungi, our culinary experiments have included wild ramps, seaweeds such as dulse and nori, and even pine tips for a distinctive fragrant touch. These foraged additions deliver an experience that connects consumers back to nature and offers flavors that farmed produce can't replicate.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory character that honey introduces has long ceased to be a fleeting fad. As we move further into 2023, we're observing an influx of specialized honeys being applied to pizzas. Varieties like truffle-infused honey, honey laced with fermented garlic, mesquite-flavored honey, and CBD-enriched honey are turning up on menus, providing a final gourmet flourish.
Honorable Mentions
Some additional toppings that narrowly missed entering our top selections but are nonetheless generating excitement include:
- Cured egg yolks, delicately shaved over the pizza for a dusting of rich umami
- Quick-pickled fruits, particularly stone fruits such as peaches and apricots
- Ancient-grain embellishments, like crunchy farro or air-popped sorghum for added texture
- Expertly crafted butter swirls (like cultured or herb-infused butters)
Whether you lean towards the tried-and-true classics or yearn for bold new flavor matches, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes globally. At GlobalNarrative, we hold the torch for tradition as much as we lead the charge for innovation. It's why our menu includes both the time-honored Margherita and forward-thinking specialty pies.
Eager to sample one of these buzzworthy toppings or have a distinct combination in mind that you'd wish us to feature? Share with us in the comments or during your next visit!