After opening three restaurants in Suzhou and two in Shanghai in the span of six years, Neapolitan cuisine specialist Mammamia decided to make a move into southern China. With enough Italian attitude to give Berlusconi a run for his money, it’s maintained by manager Federico Appiano, who has been trying to bring about friendly vibes by offering discounts or small gifts to first-timers.
Chinese and expat clientele at Mammamia will find its food different – mamma-mia-this-pizza-is-so-good kind of different – because most ingredients and cookers in the kitchen (except for the vegetables) are imported from Italy, no expense spared. The oven shipped from Naples, for instance, cost RMB160,000.
Created by experienced Italian chef Carmine D’Arienzo, Mammamia’s menu features time-honored, homemade Neapolitan dishes that boast authenticity in every bite. For starters, try the crispy fried mozzarella with anchovies (RMB88), a cheese-filled morsel with a golden, fried dough coat.
Mozzarella is the trattoria’s secret weapon, made in-store with traditional techniques to guarantee its taste. It’s what makes the humble margherita pizza (RMB98) so popular among customers – that, and the abundance of tomato sauce.
Speaking of popular, the pasta Genovese (RMB88) has also been causing cries of ‘delizioso!’ The secret is the impeccable homemade sauce created from braised beef, onions, carrots and Parmesan cheese, a combination perfected over time. Skip the booze and play healthy with a bottle of Sorgesana (RMB28), a natural sparkling water from Italy.
For those with an eye for a bargain, Mammamia’s set lunch deal (RMB78) comes with a chicken soup, mixed salad, rice timbale and bruschetta. Order a bottle of pale lager Birra Moretti (RMB38) and feel the Mediterranean breeze blowing against your face.
Price: RMB120
Good for: a real taste of Napoli, a tomato-charged margherita
Who’s coming: the 1,000 Italians in Guangzhou, curious IFC office workers
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