Discover the real wallet pizza: the 5 things you need to know about this iconic Neapolitan street food

The wallet pizza is much more than a simple dish: it is a symbol of a culinary tradition that has its roots in the beating heart of Naples. This specialty, loved by both Neapolitans and visitors, represents a unique way of enjoying pizza, combining convenience and flavor in a format that lends itself perfectly to the frenetic life of the Neapolitan streets. When we talk about wallet pizza, we are referring to a pizza folded on itself, served in such a way as to be easily consumed on the move, just like real street food.

In the following article, we will explore five fundamental aspects that every lover of good food and every tourist should know to fully appreciate this delight. From the origin of the wallet pizza, which has its roots in popular tradition, to the ingredients that make it unique, up to the preparation technique that guarantees its freshness and goodness, each point will be a journey through the culture and history of Naples.

We will also discover the differences between wallet pizza and traditional Neapolitan pizza, as well as the best places to taste it in the city. The affordable price of this dish makes it even more attractive, allowing everyone to enjoy a piece of Naples without emptying their wallet. Furthermore, we will take a look at modern variations of this iconic street food, and share useful tips for tourists who wish to immerse themselves in the true Neapolitan gastronomic experience. Get ready to discover a side of Naples that you won’t easily forget!

Origin of the wallet pizza

History and tradition

The wallet pizza, also called "pizza a libretto" or "pizza a wallet", is a typical Neapolitan street food born in the 19th century. Its origin is closely linked to the need of workers to be able to have a quick meal during their lunch break, without having to sit in a restaurant. This pizza is prepared so that it can be folded in half and eaten comfortably while walking through the streets of the city.

The wallet pizza has become a symbol of Neapolitan cuisine and the city's street food culture, so much so that it is considered a real must for those who visit Naples.

Its original recipe involves the use of simple but high quality ingredients, which give this dish a unique and unmistakable flavour.

Main ingredients

The wallet pizza is an icon of Neapolitan street food, and is loved by locals and tourists for its simplicity and goodness. The main ingredients that make up this delicacy are few but of high quality:

1. Dough: The base of the wallet pizza is made with a leavened and crunchy dough, typical of the Neapolitan tradition. The dough is worked with flour, water, yeast and salt, and is left to rest for several hours to ensure a perfect consistency.

2. Tomato: The tomato used to season the wallet pizza is always fresh and seasonal. Tomato puree is often used to guarantee an intense and authentic flavour.

3. Mozzarella: Mozzarella is a fundamental ingredient for Neapolitan pizza and cannot be missing on wallet pizza. Buffalo mozzarella from Campania is the preferred choice to guarantee a delicate and creamy flavour.

4. Extra virgin olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is poured onto freshly baked pizza, to give a unique aroma and a note of freshness.

5. Basil: Fresh basil is added as a finishing touch to the pizza, to give it an unmistakable aroma and an authentic flavour.

These simple but genuine ingredients are the basis for a perfect wallet pizza, to be enjoyed hot and fragrant on the street or in one of the numerous places that offer it in Naples.

Preparation technique

The wallet pizza, or pizza a libretto, is a typical Neapolitan specialty which differs from the classic pizza due to its particular wallet shape. The preparation technique for this type of pizza is a little different than traditional pizza.

Dough

To prepare wallet pizza, the same dough as traditional Neapolitan pizza is used, made up of flour, water, yeast and salt. The dough is kneaded and left to rise for a few hours, then it is rolled out and cut into two equal parts.

Stuffing

Once the dough has been divided into two parts, the filling is added to the center of one of the two parts. The typical filling of wallet pizza is made up of tomato, mozzarella, oil and oregano, but there are also variations with other ingredients such as ham, mushrooms or aubergines.

Closing

After adding the filling, the pizza is closed by overlapping the other half of the dough. The edge is sealed well to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking. The wallet pizza is finally cooked in the oven until it is golden and crunchy.

The wallet pizza preparation technique requires a certain skill and mastery on the part of the pizza chef, in order to obtain a perfectly closed and well-cooked pizza. This type of pizza is an excellent alternative to traditional pizza and represents a tasty and practical solution for a quick snack to eat on the road.

Differences from traditional pizza

The wallet pizza, a typical Neapolitan street food, differs from traditional pizza in several aspects.

The main difference lies in the shape and cooking method. The wallet pizza, in fact, is a pizza folded in half, similar to a calzone but thinner and lighter. It is cooked in traditional wood-fired ovens, but the peculiarity is that it is folded on itself before being baked, thus creating a sort of pocket that contains the seasoning inside. In this way, pizza is more practical to consume on the go, just as the tradition of Neapolitan street food dictates.

Another important difference is the ingredients used. While traditional Neapolitan pizza involves the use of tomato, mozzarella, basil and extra virgin olive oil, wallet pizza can be stuffed with a greater variety of ingredients, such as cured meats, cheeses, vegetables and even seafood. This versatility makes it an ideal option to satisfy all tastes.

Finally, the wallet pizza stands out for its practicality and convenience. Thanks to its compact shape and affordable price, it has become a popular choice among residents and tourists who want to savor an authentic Neapolitan street food experience without sacrificing the quality and tradition of local cuisine.

Where find it in Naples

Typical places to enjoy wallet pizza

The wallet pizza is one of the symbols of Neapolitan street food and can be enjoyed in different places in the city. Among the most famous places where you can savor this delight there is certainly the Spaccanapoli district, in the heart of the historic center. Here, among the narrow and picturesque streets, it is possible to find numerous kiosks and pizzerias offering wallet pizza in all its variations. Another area renowned for enjoying this specialty is the Vomero district, where you can find numerous places offering wallet pizza as quality street food. Finally, even along the seafront of Naples it is possible to find kiosks and pizzerias offering pizza by the wallet, allowing tourists to savor this delicacy with a breathtaking view of the sea.

The affordable price

Wallet pizza prices in Naples are generally very affordable, making it a popular choice among residents and tourists looking for a quick, tasty meal at an affordable price.

A single portion of wallet pizza can range from €1.50 to €3 depending on where you buy it. In the more touristy neighborhoods the prices may be slightly higher, but they still remain very affordable compared to other meals.

This feature makes wallet pizza an ideal choice for those who want to savor the genuine Neapolitan culinary tradition without spending too much. Furthermore, thanks to its portability, it is perfect to consume on the street while exploring the city or during a break between one visit and another.

For tourists who want to save money without giving up the authentic taste of Neapolitan cuisine, the wallet pizza is certainly one of the best options available in Naples.

The tradition of Neapolitan street food

The wallet pizza is part of the tradition of Neapolitan street food, a culinary heritage rich in flavors and traditions that have been handed down for generations.

The streets of Naples are full of small kiosks and stalls offering local delicacies, including the famous wallet pizza. This type of pizza, also called fried pizza, was born as a street food for workers and workers who needed a quick and substantial meal during their lunch break.

The wallet pizza is prepared with simple but high quality ingredients, such as mozzarella, tomato and basil, and is fried in boiling oil to make it crunchy and tasty. This dish has become a symbol of Neapolitan cuisine and is appreciated by locals and tourists for its goodness and practicality.

The tradition of Neapolitan street food is based on the idea of ​​sharing convivial and tasty moments with friends and family, and wallet pizza perfectly represents this concept. Eating a fried pizza on the street in Naples is a unique and unforgettable experience that allows you to completely immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the city.

If you want to savor the true taste of wallet pizza and live an authentic experience in Naples, I recommend you visit the kiosks and historic places that offer this delicious street food. You will discover the true heart of Neapolitan cuisine and you will let yourself be won over by the intense and genuine flavors of this traditional dish.

How to eat wallet pizza

Tradition and gestures

The wallet pizza is a dish that requires particular gestures to be consumed in the traditional way. Once purchased from one of the numerous street pizzerias in Naples, it is folded in half and wrapped in a sheet of greaseproof paper, so you can eat it comfortably with just one hand. This technique allows you to keep the filling inside and prevent it from dispersing during consumption. The gesture of folding the pizza into a wallet has a long tradition in Neapolitan culture and represents a convivial and informal moment, typical of the city's street food.

Once folded, the pizza can be enjoyed while walking through the streets of Naples, or you can opt to eat it sitting in one of the numerous restaurants or stalls that offer this type of product. The wallet pizza therefore represents an authentic and characteristic culinary experience of the Neapolitan tradition, to be absolutely tried during a visit to the city.

Modern variations of the wallet pizza

Gourmet wallet pizza

One of the modern variations of wallet pizza is the gourmet version, which involves the use of high quality ingredients and particular combinations. For example, it is possible to find wallet pizzas with truffles, Parma ham, fine cheeses and seasonal vegetables. These variations are often offered by high-class pizzerias or gastronomic restaurants that try to revisit the classic Neapolitan street food in a more refined way.

Vegetarian wallet pizza

To meet the needs of a public that is increasingly attentive to health and the environment, many pizzerias offer vegetarian variations of the wallet pizza. These pizzas are made with fresh, plant-based ingredients, such as tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, aubergines, courgettes and mushrooms. In some cases, it is also possible to find vegan variants, which exclude the use of cheeses and dairy products.

Gourmet wallet pizza

For those who want to try something different, there are also exotic variations of wallet pizza, which involve the use of unusual ingredients and particular combinations of flavours. For example, it is possible to find wallet pizzas with oriental ingredients, such as chicken curry or tofu, or pizzas inspired by fusion cuisine, which combine Italian elements with influences from other culinary traditions.