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Wan Chai’s Ship Street has gained a new culinary landmark: POCOFINO, the sole pizzeria in Hong Kong to hold dual accreditation from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), has launched two city-exclusive creations—an egg tart fried pizza and a durian fried sweet pizza. Crafted under the supervision of Italian chef Matteo Minante, whose Cebu-based pizzeria ranked 48th on the “50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific 2025” list, these hybrid snacks blend Hong Kong’s most beloved flavours with centuries-old Neapolitan street food traditions. The shop opened in August 2026 and is already drawing queues from local food enthusiasts.
A First for Hong Kong: AVPN’s Double Seal of Approval
POCOFINO is the only outlet in the territory authorised by the AVPN to produce both classic Neapolitan pizza and pizza fritta (fried pizza). This distinction means every base—baked or fried—adheres to strict Italian standards: fine Italian “00” flour, a minimum 24-hour slow fermentation, and high-heat cooking at 430°C for oven-baked pies. The dough’s characteristic airy, crisp-yet-soft texture is a direct result of this rigorous process.
Chef Matteo Minante, who previously helmed a top-ranked pizzeria in the Philippines, returned to Hong Kong specifically to oversee these limited-edition items. His approach marries Neapolitan heritage with local palates, resulting in daring combinations rarely seen in traditional Italian kitchens.
Breaking Down the Two Hong Kong-Exclusive Flavours
Egg Tart Fried Pizza (HK$25 per piece)
Inspired by the classic pairing of egg tarts with milk tea—Hong Kong’s equivalent of pizza and espresso—the chef folds the slow-fermented dough around a custard-like egg filling, then deep-fries it until golden. The result is a paradox: a shatteringly crisp shell encasing a silky, warm centre. Each bite collapses the boundary between dessert and street snack, offering a flavour profile that feels both nostalgic and innovative.
Durian Fried Sweet Pizza (HK$25 per piece)
Capitalising on Hong Kong’s fervent love for durian, this version uses premium Philippine durian pulp with a creamy, aromatic profile. The fruit is melted into the fried dough alongside stretchy mozzarella, creating a sweet-savoury fusion that lingers on the palate. Served hot, it pairs especially well with a shot of espresso, echoing the Neapolitan habit of grabbing fried pizza with coffee on the go.
Beyond the Novelty: The Full Menu and Pricing
While the two new flavours are grabbing headlines, POCOFINO’s permanent lineup remains faithful to AVPN standards. Classic options include:
- Margherita – tomato, mozzarella, basil
- Quattro Formaggi (HK$178) – four-cheese blend
- Pepperoni pizza (HK$138)
- Traditional fried pizza variations with savoury fillings
All pizzas are made to order, and the grab-and-go concept mirrors Naples’ street-side culture. The shop opens from 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM, catering to early commuters and late-evening snackers alike.
Coffee Pairings: A Nod to Hong Kong’s Milk Tea Culture
POCOFINO also introduces two exclusive coffee blends tailored to local tastes. The Pocofino Latte (HK$45) incorporates vanilla and condensed milk, while the Tre Latte (HK$42) combines fresh milk, evaporated milk, and condensed milk for an extra creamy finish. Both use dark-roast beans to counterbalance the richness of fried dough, creating a harmony reminiscent of Hong Kong’s tea-and-tart ritual.
Broader Impact and What Comes Next
This launch signals a growing willingness among Italian culinary professionals to experiment with Asian ingredients in authentic formats—without sacrificing certification standards. For Hong Kong diners, it offers a rare chance to taste officially recognised Neapolitan fried pizza, reimagined with local icons. The limited run of both exclusive flavours suggests that availability may be short, making early visits worthwhile.
Those interested in exploring further can compare POCOFINO’s offerings with other AVPN-certified pizzerias in the region or dive into the history of pizza fritta as a street-food staple in southern Italy. For now, Ship Street has become a destination where two food cultures finally collide—on a single, golden, deep-fried plate.
POCOFINO is located at 8 Ship Street, Wan Chai. Prices are subject to change; check the restaurant for the latest updates.