Here in the Garden State, we’re known around the globe for countless things. From our state’s beautiful beaches to the airwaves of reality TV, our small but mighty state has garnered quite the reputation both here and abroad. Of all the things are state is known for, however, the top of that list for many is New Jersey’s one of a kind pizza offerings. Argued by countless connoisseurs to be the very best in the world, countless visitors descend to our state each year to get a slice of the action. While New Jersey as a whole has built quite the culinary reputation, Trenton is the epicenter for the tomato pie, a unique twist on the traditional pizza that’s taken the region by storm. Today, let’s explore the history of Trenton tomato pie and take a look at why thousands have developed the taste for this regional delicacy.
First and foremost – what is a tomato pie, and what makes it different from your average slice of pizza? Trenton tomato pie is a distinct take on the traditional pizza featuring thin crust, mozzarella cheese, and of course, the tomato sauce. Rather than spreading the sauce around, however, tomato pies typically feature dollops of sauce scattered over the pie. This unbeatable combo creates an explosion of flavor, inviting its enjoyers to savor each individual component. Each pizzeria has their own take on this staple, but one thing’s for certain: once you’ve had a taste of Trenton tomato pie, you’ll never go back to your plain pizza ways of the past.
The Trenton tomato pie took its inspiration from the NYC tomato pie, which first hit the scene in the early 1900s. The very first Trenton-style pizza pie is credited to Joe’s Tomato Pie, who first opened their doors in 1910. Joe’s, which opened its doors on Trenton’s South Clinton Ave., was the first to patent the crispy-crusted cheesy goodness that we know and love today. While Joe’s unfortunately has since closed its doors, the legacy of the tomato pie lives on at a number of establishments who are still serving up Trenton tomato pies today. Some local eateries still serving up old-school pies includes Palermo’s, Delorenzo’s, and Papa’s Tomato Pies, which currently holds the crown of the oldest operating tomato pie restaurant in the United States. A beloved part of the Capital City’s history, a piece of tomato pie is a piece of Trenton history.
While we all have our pizza preferences, we all can agree that there’s nothing in the world quite like an old-fashioned Trenton tomato pie. The next time you get a hankering for a slice, look no further than our beloved city for some of the world’s very finest eats.
