9 Different Styles of Pizza Around the World

Pizza is a beloved food worldwide, and each region has its unique style that reflects local tastes and traditions. In this article, we will explore nine different styles of pizza from around the world, including their distinct characteristics and toppings.

Neapolitan Pizza

Neapolitan pizza is one of the most popular and traditional pizza styles in the world. Originating in Naples, Italy, this pizza style features a thin crust, simple toppings, and the use of San Marzano tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese. The pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures for a short amount of time, resulting in a soft and chewy crust with a slightly charred flavor. The classic Neapolitan toppings include tomato sauce, fresh basil, and extra-virgin olive oil.

New York-style Pizza

New York-style pizza is an iconic pizza style that originated in New York City. This pizza style is characterized by its large, foldable slices, crispy thin crust, and a generous amount of tomato sauce and cheese. The pizza is typically hand-tossed and cooked in a deck oven, resulting in a crust that is slightly crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The classic New York-style toppings include pepperoni, sausage, and mushrooms.

Chicago-style Pizza

Chicago-style pizza is a deep-dish pizza that is more like a savory pie than a traditional pizza. The pizza is layered with cheese, toppings, and tomato sauce in a specific order and then baked in a deep dish pan for a long time, resulting in a thick and hearty pizza that is often eaten with a knife and fork. The crust is buttery and flaky, and the toppings are piled high. The classic Chicago-style toppings include sausage, onions, and green peppers.

Sicilian Pizza

Sicilian pizza is similar to Chicago-style pizza but with a thicker and spongier crust. The pizza is typically rectangular in shape and has a generous amount of tomato sauce, cheese, and toppings. The crust is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and the toppings are evenly distributed. The classic Sicilian toppings include anchovies, olives, and capers.

California-style Pizza

California-style pizza is a creative and unconventional pizza style that originated in California. This pizza style is characterized by its unique and creative toppings, such as arugula, goat cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. The pizza often has a thin and crispy crust and is cooked in a wood-fired oven. The classic California-style toppings include artichokes, prosciutto, and pesto.

Detroit-style Pizza

Detroit-style pizza is similar to Sicilian pizza but with a thicker and more buttery crust. The pizza is typically square in shape and has a crispy outer crust with a chewy and soft inside. The cheese is often layered on top of the toppings, which include sausage, onions, and green peppers. The classic Detroit-style toppings include bacon, pepperoni, and mushrooms.

Greek-style Pizza

Greek-style pizza is known for its thick and chewy crust, which is often brushed with olive oil and seasoned with herbs. The pizza is typically topped with feta cheese, onions, and green peppers. The cheese is often melted on top of the toppings, which include spinach, tomatoes, and olives. The classic Greek-style toppings include gyro meat, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce.

Turkish-style Pizza

Turkish-style Pizza, also known as "pide," is a traditional pizza style that is popular in Turkey and surrounding areas. The pizza is typically boat-shaped with a slightly thicker crust compared to other styles of pizza. The crust is usually brushed with olive oil and topped with ground meat, onions, and tomatoes. However, there are various types of pide that are available with different toppings.

Japanese-style pizza

Japanese-style pizza, also known as "okonomiyaki," is a unique and delicious twist on traditional pizza. While it may not look like your typical pizza, it is just as satisfying and full of flavor. The base of Japanese-style pizza is made from a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage. This mixture is then cooked on a griddle until it becomes a savory pancake. The pancake is topped with various ingredients, including bacon, shrimp, squid, octopus, cheese, and even mayonnaise.

Most Popular Pizza Toppings Around the World

Pizza is one of the most beloved and versatile dishes in the world, and the toppings used can vary greatly depending on the country and region. Here are the 15 most popular pizza toppings around the world:

Cheese - Whether it's mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of multiple cheeses, cheese is the most popular pizza topping in the world.

Pepperoni - This spicy and savory cured meat is a staple topping for American-style pizza.

Mushrooms - These earthy and savory fungi are a popular topping in many parts of the world.

Sausage - This savory meat is often sliced or crumbled onto pizza for added flavor.

Onions - Whether caramelized, sliced, or diced, onions are a popular pizza topping that adds a sweet and savory flavor.

Ham - Often used in Hawaiian-style pizza, ham is a popular topping for its salty and savory flavor.

Pineapple - A controversial topping, pineapple is a popular addition to pizza in many parts of the world for its sweet and tangy flavor.

Peppers - Whether it's bell peppers, jalapeños, or banana peppers, peppers are a popular pizza topping for their crunch and spicy flavor.

Olives - Black or green olives are a popular pizza topping that adds a salty and briny flavor.

Ground beef - This savory meat is a popular pizza topping in many parts of the world, often used in combination with other toppings.

Bacon - This salty and smoky meat is a popular addition to pizza in many parts of the world.

Tomatoes - Whether it's sliced, diced, or pureed into sauce, tomatoes are a staple pizza topping for their sweet and tangy flavor.

Anchovies - A divisive topping, anchovies are a popular addition to pizza in many parts of the world for their salty and savory flavor.

Spinach - A popular topping for vegetarian pizza, spinach adds a fresh and earthy flavor.

Garlic - Whether it's sliced or minced, garlic is a popular pizza topping for its pungent and savory flavor.

Conclusion

Pizza is a beloved dish around the world, with various styles and toppings that reflect the unique culinary traditions of different regions. From the classic Neapolitan pizza to the unconventional California-style pizza, each pizza style has its own distinct characteristics and flavors that have made it popular in its respective region and beyond. Whether you prefer a thin and crispy crust or a thick and hearty one, there is a pizza style out there for everyone to enjoy. So the next time you are craving pizza, why not try a new style and expand your culinary horizons?

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