The Secret Behind Si Nonna’s True Neapolitan Pizza
Si Nonna’s sets a benchmark by earning Italy’s coveted AVPN certification, and becomes the first pizzeria in India to be globally recognised for authentic Neapolitan pizza-making traditions.
By Rachna Virdi
Si Nonna’s has long been known for bringing the authentic flavours of Naples to India’s vibrant culinary scene. In a historic milestone, the much-loved pizzeria has become the first in India to earn the prestigious AVPN (Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana) certification — a recognition that places it among an elite global community committed to preserving the centuries-old art of Neapolitan sourdough pizza making.
What is AVPN certfication?
Founded in Naples in 1984, the AVPN is an internationally recognised seal of authenticity that protects and promotes the tradition of true Neapolitan pizza. With fewer than one thousand certified pizzerias across more than sixty countries, it represents the gold standard in artisanal pizza.
Antonio Pace, President of AVPN, who recently visited Si Nonna’s in Mumbai for the certification event, explains: “This certification ensures that the industry remains authentic and respects the consumer. With this, you know the pizzeria follows every process correctly — so you can eat the same pizza my grandfather made in Naples 20 years ago.”
He adds, “Si Nonna’s achievement represents a remarkable step in the global story of true Neapolitan sourdough pizza.”
Si Nonna’s is the first pizzeria in India to be certified by the AVPN.
The road to recognition
For Si Nonna’s, the certification is a validation of its precision and authenticity in Italian sourdough craftsmanship. It proves that every stage of their pizza-making process follows AVPN guidelines with dedication.
“It confirms that each pizza is crafted using a twenty-four-hour sourdough fermentation process that ensures a light, airy, and flavourful crust. From using specific flours and natural yeast to maintaining the precise conditions in custom-built ovens lined with tiles made from Vesuvian lava, each pizza reflects the art and science behind true Neapolitan craftsmanship,” says Executive Chef Massimo Verzini, who’s proud to have perfected every step of the process.
Earning this badge of authenticity wasn’t easy, adds globally renowned Italian chef. “The AVPN doesn’t judge pizza on taste — it judges tradition. We had to ensure every detail reflected true Neapolitan craftsmanship. It took almost six months to master the process. The smallest tweaks made the biggest difference. The real difference is in the process: fermentation, resting, and baking. Once we followed the rules — simple ingredients like flour, water, sourdough, and salt — the magic happened.”
And while every pizza might look the same — round, red, white, and green — Chef Massimo insists that the real difference lies in the first bite: “When you taste it, you’ll feel the difference. That’s the only real test,” he says.
Massimo Verzini, globally renowned Italian chef and Executive Chef, Si Nonna's.
The AVPN doesn’t judge pizza on taste — it judges tradition. We had to ensure every detail reflected true Neapolitan craftsmanship
Executive Chef Massimo Verzini
Shaping the future of pizza in India
From humble beginnings in Kamala Mills, Mumbai, where Si Nonna’s first introduced sourdough pizzas, to now standing as a certified ambassador of Italy’s culinary heritage, the journey has been transformative. With 31 out of 33 outlets now ready for certification, the pizzeria has set a new benchmark for quality and authenticity, strengthening its position in India’s evolving gourmet landscape.
Looking ahead, the pizzeria plans to preserve its authenticity by training the next generation of chefs in the art of Neapolitan pizza-making. “Education has been the key — and now, with AVPN certification, we’re proud to show India what real Neapolitan pizza tastes like,” adds Chef Verzini.
For the AVPN, this certification marks the beginning of a bigger movement in India. “India is an exciting market. Neapolitan pizza is one of the world’s finest culinary traditions. We’re curious to see how authentic Neapolitan pizza evolves with Indian ingredients. That’s the next big challenge,” concludes Pace.
Si Nonna’s achievement represents a remarkable step in the global story of true Neapolitan sourdough pizza.