In the world of food, few dishes are as universally beloved as pizza. Whether it’s thin and crispy, deep-dish, or stuffed with a multitude of toppings, pizza has the ability to unite food lovers from all walks of life. At the heart of this iconic dish lies the birthplace of one of the most authentic styles—Neapolitan pizza. Characterized by its soft, chewy crust and simple, yet delicious toppings, Neapolitan pizza is a timeless classic. In Singapore, pizza aficionados can now experience this centuries-old culinary art form with the arrival of L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele.
L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele
Founded over 150 years ago, L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele has earned its status as one of the most renowned pizzerias in Naples, Italy, a city often hailed as the birthplace of pizza. The pizzeria, a family-operated business, began as a small roadside joint, focusing on perfecting a select few types of pizza, particularly the Marinara and Margherita. It rose to worldwide fame when Julia Roberts’ character declared her love for the pizza in the 2010 movie Eat Pray Love.
Since then, L’antica has expanded far beyond its humble beginnings, now operating in over 19 countries, while retaining the authentic techniques that have made it famous. Now, the legendary pizzeria has made its long-anticipated Southeast Asian debut, opening its doors in Singapore. With its arrival, L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele introduces Singaporeans to the craftsmanship behind a true Neapolitan pizza experience, offering handcrafted pies that pay homage to their Italian roots.
The Art of the Ruota di Carro
L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele’s signature offering is its pizza a ruota di carro, which translates to “wagon wheel pizza.” This distinct style of pizza is defined by its remarkably thin and wide dough that extends beyond the edge of the plate. Unlike many other pizza varieties, which may focus on a crunchy crust, Neapolitan pizza is renowned for its chewy texture, and L’antica’s rendition stays true to tradition.
Each pizza starts with carefully crafted dough, made fresh daily and allowed to rise slowly for the perfect texture. Once stretched to its iconic size, the dough is lightly charred in a high-temperature wood-fired oven, resulting in a delicate balance of soft, chewy bread with just a hint of smokiness. What truly sets the pizza apart is the simplicity of its toppings.
The classic Marinara, for instance, combines tomato, oregano, and garlic, creating a vegetarian delight that emphasizes freshness and purity of flavor. For those seeking a richer experience, the Margherita, topped with fresh mozzarella and basil, offers a quintessential taste of Naples.
Continuing the Tradition with a Fresh Twist
As L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele expands globally, the brand stays true to its roots while embracing innovation. In Singapore, diners can expect not only the traditional classics but also new, creative pizza offerings that reflect the same attention to quality ingredients. Every pizza made at L’antica uses ingredients sourced directly from Italy, ensuring that the authenticity of the original Naples experience is preserved. Whether it’s the tangy tomato base or the creamy mozzarella, every bite is a testament to the dedication to quality that has defined the pizzeria for generations.
Looking ahead, L’antica Pizzeria Da Michele aims to grow its presence in Southeast Asia, offering more people the chance to taste a piece of Italy’s culinary history. With plans to introduce even more menu variations and potentially open additional locations, L’antica is set to continue its legacy as one of the world’s most beloved pizzerias while remaining a true ambassador of Neapolitan pizza craftsmanship.
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