With the arrival of each new year, pizza aficionados witness the emergence of novel trends in the gastronomic world, and 2023 is no different. At SpiceHarbor, we diligently track what's captivating the palates of pizza aficionados across the globe. Below is our compilation of this year's most exhilarating and beloved pizza toppings.
1. Fermented Vegetables
Gut health-focused ingredients have invaded pizza kitchens, with fermented vegetables proving to be quite the topping sensation. Kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are layering intense and tangy nuances, harmonizing with the creamy cheese and robust sauce. These toppings are not only gut-friendly with their probiotic goodness but also bring a new textural aspect to classic pizza.
Our Probiotic Party pizza is a showcase of in-house sauerkraut, kimchi, and rich gorgonzola cheese, artfully drizzled with local honey for a balance of sweetness. This unique blend may seem bizarre, but it has quickly risen to become a sought-after option amongst our customers.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
As more consumers adopt plant-based diets, the demand for pizzas adorned with meat substitute innovation has soared. Far from the usual veggie toppings, the arrival of plant-based protein alternatives has been enough to win over even staunch carnivores.
Options such as plant-derived Italian sausage crumbles, flavorful tempeh, jackfruit masquerading as pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni are now staples in our kitchen. These toppings attract not only vegetarians but also those looking for distinctive taste and a less heavy meal.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Those with a penchant for heat are celebrating the embrace of specific regional chili varieties, moving beyond the standard red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies have stayed popular, newer entrants like Aleppo pepper, smoky Spanish ñora, fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and Korean gochujang have started gracing pizzas.
Our International Sizzle pizza boasts a variety of chilies from around the world, with each contributing a unique flavor to different portions of the pizza. It's become a journey of spice that's particularly popular among our daring diners.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The path from woodland to pizza has become more celebrated, thanks to the increasing allure of seasonally foraged ingredients. Leading the pack are wild mushrooms such as chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, which come in seasonally.
We're also experimenting with wild leeks known as ramps, sea greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These foraged treasures offer a connection to nature and bring irreplicable flavors to the table.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The interplay of sweet and savory brought by honey has secured its place beyond being merely a fleeting fad. Capitalizing on the momentum of hot honey in the recent past, 2023 has witnessed a surge in specialty honey varieties being drizzled onto pizzas just before serving.
Drizzles such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, aromatic mesquite honey, and CBD-infused honey have been making appearances, adding a layer of sophistication to gourmet pizza experiences.
Honorable Mentions
Some other toppings that have nearly made the primary list yet have notably influenced the current scene include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over the pizza for a radiant touch
- Pickled stone fruits, with a preference for peaches and plums
- Toppings derived from heritage grains, such as crispy farro or popped sorghum, for added texture
- Dollops of artisanal butter, in variations like cultured or mixed herb butters
Whether you're someone who holds tight to timeless classics or an explorer eager for novel tastes, pizza remains a versatile and beloved international favorite. Here at SpiceHarbor, we pay homage to traditional roots while also embracing the new—that's why our menu flaunts both tried-and-true Margherita and innovative specialty pies.
Have you sampled any of these current favorites? Maybe you have a distinctive personal blend you're hoping to see on our menu? We encourage your feedback in the comments or during your next visit!