Each year introduces fresh gastronomic fads within the pizza realm, and 2023 is no different. Here at DriftWindow, we diligently track the flavors captivating pizza aficionados worldwide. Below is our compilation of the top trendy pizza toppings creating buzz this year.
1. Fermented Vegetables
The surge of interest in gut wellness has infiltrated pizza shops, with fermented vegetables emerging as an unexpected favorite atop pizzas this year. Ferments like kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickled onions are lending intricate zesty tastes that enrich the cheesy, saucy goodness. These toppings provide probiotic advantages while ushering in intriguing new textures to classic pizza profiles.
Our Fermentation Fest pizza dons house-crafted sauerkraut, kimchi, and gorgonzola, with a splash of local honey for taste harmony. It may appear odd at first, but it's fast gained traction as one of our highly sought-after signature offerings.
2. Plant-Based Proteins
The vegetarian movement's momentum has notably increased demand for pizzas topped with inventive meat substitutes. Far from the usual veggies, strides in plant-based protein have brought forth alternatives that have even staunch carnivores taking note.
Options like plant-origin Italian sausage bits, seasoned tempeh, jackfruit pulled pork, and pea protein pepperoni now proudly take their place on our menu. These toppings attract not solely vegetarians but also guests who seek distinctive tastes and a more gentle digestive experience.
3. Regional Chili Varieties
Fans of spiciness are celebrating! This year has seen a gravitation towards distinct regional chilies beyond the common red pepper flakes. While Calabrian chilies keep their status from past years, new entrants like the smoky spa ñora, the fruity Peruvian aji amarillo, and gochujang from Korea are now peppering pizzas.
Our Spice Voyage pizza presents an assortment of four different regional chilies, allowing each to showcase its unique taste attribute on portions of the pizza. It's been a fiery hit, especially with those who enjoy a culinary thrill.
4. Seasonal Foraged Ingredients
The locavore movement has now reached into the forest-to-table space with the rise of wild foraged toppings. Leading the charge are wild mushrooms, like chanterelles, morels, and hen of the woods, gracing pizzas in their peak seasons.
Apart from these fungi, we've been playing with wild spring ramps, oceanic greens such as dulse and nori, and even aromatic spruce tips. These natural elements offer consumers a taste of the wild and provide flavors that can't be replicated industrially.
5. Specialty Honey Drizzles
The contrasting tastes provided by various honeys has become a staple, not just a fleeting craze. Expanding on the hot honey wave of previous years, 2023 has witnessed a surge in the use of unique honey variations drizzled over pizzas pre-service.
Drizzles such as truffle honey, fermented garlic honey, and smoky mesquite honey have found their way onto national menus. These drizzles transform even the simplest pizzas into intricate gourmet creations.
Honorable Mentions
Some other noteworthy toppings that nearly made our list but are nonetheless significant include:
- Cured egg yolks, finely grated over pizzas for a luxurious finish
- Pickled fruits, with a preference for stone fruits such as peaches and plums
- Aged grains, like crunchy farro or puffed sorghum for added texture
- Artisanal butter dollops, in particular cultured or herbed varieties
Regardless of whether you favor timeless classics or are keen to explore daring new tastes, pizza remains one of the most versatile and cherished dishes worldwide. At DriftWindow, we honor timeless recipes while also welcoming novel creations—that's why our menu features both the timeless Margherita and avant-garde pies.
Have you sampled any of these avant-garde toppings? Or maybe you have a distinctive preference you'd wish to see us introduce? Drop us your thoughts in the comment section or state them during your subsequent visit!