Neverland Pizzeria, located in Budapest, Hungary, is enticing diners with a limited-edition pizza that draws inspiration from ancient Roman cuisine. This unique offering intentionally avoids ingredients like tomatoes and mozzarella, which are staples in today's pizzas, as they are products of the New World. Instead, the pizza features epityrum, an olive paste, and garum, a fermented fish sauce that was commonly used in ancient Roman cooking. The dough is made from ancient grains like einkorn and spelt, combined with fermented spinach juice for rising, creating a base that harkens back to Roman times.

The pizza is topped with several historical ingredients that would have been available during the Roman Empire, including confit duck leg, toasted pine nuts, ricotta cheese, and a reduction made from grapes. Josep Zara, the founder of Neverland Pizzeria, explained that the inspiration for this dish came from a fresco discovered in Pompeii earlier this year, which depicted what appeared to be a flatbread adorned with spices, pomegranate seeds, and dates. This creative interpretation allows diners to experience a taste of history, showcasing the flavors and culinary practices from the past.

By brewing a contemporary pizza that is rooted in ancient traditions, Neverland Pizzeria has sparked interest and intrigue in how food evolves over time. As people become more curious about historical diets and culinary heritage, this special pizza serves not only as a meal but as an educational experience. The unique combination of ancient ingredients reflects a growing trend within gastronomy to reconnect with the origins of various dishes and understand their evolution over centuries.