If there’s one dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people around the world, it’s pizza. Whether you prefer it with a thin crust, loaded with toppings, or simply a classic Margherita, pizza holds a special place in the hearts of food lovers everywhere. But do you know where it all began?
The origins of pizza can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, who first baked flatbreads topped with olive oil and local spices. However, it was in Naples, a bustling port city in southern Italy, where pizza as we know it today truly took shape.
During the 18th century, Naples was a crowded city with a large population of working-class people. These locals needed a quick and affordable meal, and pizza provided the perfect solution. Street vendors called “pizzaioli” started selling these delicious flatbreads, topped with simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and cheese.
As the popularity of pizza grew, it slowly made its way beyond the borders of Naples. In the late 19th century, Italian immigrants brought their beloved dish to America, specifically New York City and Chicago, where it quickly gained popularity among the working-class communities. Pizza parlors started popping up, serving their own unique variations of the Neapolitan style pizza.
In the early 20th century, pizza underwent a transformation in America. The introduction of new toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage, along with the development of a thicker crust, gave birth to what is known today as “American pizza.” This version became wildly successful, and soon enough, franchises like Domino’s and Pizza Hut were born.
Meanwhile, back in Italy, Neapolitan pizza retained its authenticity and was recognized as an important part of Italian culture. In fact, the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN) was founded in 1984 to protect and promote the traditional Neapolitan pizza. To this day, they uphold strict standards for the ingredients, preparation, and baking methods required for a pizza to be considered “verace” or authentic.
The popularity of pizza continued to grow globally, with different countries putting their own spin on the dish. In Italy, regional variations such as the Roman-style pizza al taglio, which is baked in rectangular trays and cut into squares, and the Sicilian-style pizza, known for its thick, doughy crust, emerged.
Today, pizza has truly become a global phenomenon. It has transcended cultural boundaries, appearing in countless variations in various cuisines. From the classic Neapolitan Margherita to the innovative Chicago deep-dish, pizza continues to evolve and adapt to different tastes and preferences worldwide.