Mastino’s vegan pizza is worth the detour (even if you’re not vegan!)
Recently, someone tipped me off. Had I ever been to Mastino? Nope, I had heard of it; it was the first plant-based pizzeria in the Netherlands, but why on earth would I eat a pizza that wasn’t dripping with cheese? Because it’s so delicious that you don’t miss the cheese, was the promise. So I went.
Just to be safe, I brought my friend along under false pretenses. Her love for mozzarella and burrata is grotesque, so I thought it would be better not to tell her we were going to a vegan pizzeria. As I said, I had my doubts about the idea of vegan pizza too. Would it really be tasty?
Lentil mozzarella
Yes, it was. Just look at that crust: perfection! And there was ‘mozzarella’ on it, but made from lentils or almonds. Don’t ask me how you make mozzarella from lentils, but it was creamy and soft and really delicious. Novella, the Italian owner, notices our amazement. The credit goes to her good friend Mariluz, a Spanish artisanal vegan cheesemaker who, like Novella herself, is based in Amsterdam.
A Dutchman in Rome
Novella ended up in the Netherlands because of love, she tells us. That handsome Dutch photographer stood out in Rome; he invited her to Amsterdam, she fell in love again and said yes after six months – to him and to his city. In 2015, she founded Mastino. First came a location in Amsterdam’s De Pijp, followed by one in Amsterdam-West, where gluten-free pizzas were also sold. The latter establishment didn’t survive the coronavirus pandemic. But Mastino on Eerste van der Helststraat has reopened with a new look. And I recommend it: go! Even if, like me, you’re not vegan. The pizzas are colorful and airy, with a thin base and crunchy crust, and full of flavor.
Bella Ciao: highly recommended
You should definitely order the ‘Bella Ciao’: a delicious pizza with San Marzano tomato sauce, lentil mozzarella, roasted eggplant, basil cream and crunchy ‘Parmesan’ flakes.
Striking building
Mastino in Amsterdam’s De Pijp is open seven days a week. The aubergine-colored building that houses Mastino is hard to miss. Claim one of the roughly eight seats inside, and if you’re lucky, the table by the large window will still be free—perfect for people-watching. Nice weather? Then there are large outdoor picnic tables where you can join in.
They also offer takeaway and are affiliated with the well-known delivery platforms. You can also order in advance through Mastino’s website; all you have to do then is pick it up. While you’re there, be sure to browse the shelves of delicious high-end Italian vegan products, from wine to desserts. Bet you’ll walk out with more than just pizza?
Mastino, Eerste van der Helststraat 78h, Amsterdam
Read also:
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- Pizza makers really want you to stop doing this
