ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | FOOD
Article Published on: 19TH OCT 2023 | www.demodemagazine.com
The world of pizza is a global culinary adventure, with each region offering its unique take on this beloved dish. From the classic New York slice to the traditional Neapolitan pie, let's explore five of the best pizza places around the world.
1. New York, USA - Joe's Pizza: A Slice of the Big Apple New York City is renowned for its iconic thin-crust pizza, often enjoyed as a quick and delicious meal on the go. One of the most celebrated establishments in the heart of the city is Joe's Pizza, a classic pizzeria located in Greenwich Village. For over 40 years, Joe's Pizza has been serving up simple yet exceptional slices that have made it a beloved institution. The Pizza: Joe's Pizza offers a quintessential New York slice: a thin, foldable, and slightly crispy crust, with just the right balance of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. It's a testament to the art of keeping it simple yet delicious. A classic plain slice at Joe's is an absolute must-try.
2. Naples, Italy - L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele: Birthplace of the Margherita When it comes to pizza, Naples holds a special place in the hearts of pizza enthusiasts worldwide. After all, it is the birthplace of pizza as we know it today. L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele is an iconic pizzeria in Naples that has been serving up traditional Neapolitan pizzas since 1870. The Pizza: The Margherita pizza at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele is a legend in its own right. With a thin and soft crust, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, it's the essence of simplicity and flavor. The Margherita pizza was even named after Queen Margherita of Savoy when she visited in 1889, and it remains a timeless Neapolitan classic.
3. Chicago, USA - Lou Malnati's Pizzeria: The Deep-Dish Delight In the pizza world, Chicago has made a name for itself with a unique and indulgent style of pizza: the deep-dish pizza. And when it comes to deep-dish, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is an institution in the Windy City. The Pizza: Lou Malnati's deep-dish pizza is a hearty and indulgent delight. The crust is a buttery and flaky pastry-like dough that lines a deep pan. The pizza is constructed with layers of cheese, various toppings, and a generous amount of chunky tomato sauce. The result is a satisfying and filling pizza that stands in stark contrast to the thin-crust styles found in other parts of the world. Lou Malnati's "The Malnati Chicago Classic" deep-dish pizza, with its sausage patty, extra cheese, and vine-ripened tomato sauce, is a must-try for deep-dish aficionados.
4. Rome, Italy - Pizzarium Bonci: Gourmet Al Taglio While Naples is the birthplace of the traditional Neapolitan pizza, Rome has its own pizza tradition known as "pizza al taglio" or pizza by the slice. Pizzarium Bonci, founded by Gabriele Bonci, is a celebrated pizzeria in Rome that has elevated this style of pizza to gourmet heights. The Pizza: At Pizzarium Bonci, you won't find traditional round pizzas but rather rectangular slices of pizza al taglio. The dough is prepared with a high-hydration technique, resulting in a light and airy crumb. The variety of toppings is staggering, with inventive combinations that include fresh and seasonal ingredients. You can choose your preferred slices, and they will be cut and weighed, ensuring you get the perfect mix of flavors. From classics like the Margherita to inventive creations with unique ingredients, Pizzarium Bonci offers an unforgettable pizza experience.
5. Istanbul, Turkey - Ciya Sofrasi: Lahmacun, the Turkish Pizza Lahmacun, often referred to as "Turkish pizza," is a distinct variation that has gained international recognition for its delicious flavors. Ciya Sofrasi in Istanbul is celebrated for its traditional and authentic take on lahmacun. The Pizza: Lahmacun is characterized by a thin, unleavened dough topped with a mixture of minced meat (usually lamb or beef), tomatoes, peppers, onions, and a blend of spices. The dough is rolled out, and the mixture is spread thinly over the surface before baking in a hot oven. Once baked, it is often garnished with fresh herbs, lemon, and a drizzle of pomegranate molasses. The result is a delightful combination of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. Ciya Sofrasi's lahmacun is widely regarded as some of the best in Istanbul, offering a taste of Turkish cuisine that's not to be missed.
Conclusion: The world of pizza is a vast and diverse landscape, with each region putting its own unique spin on this beloved dish. From the iconic New York slice at Joe's Pizza to the traditional Neapolitan Margherita at L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele, the hearty deep-dish pizzas of Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Chicago, the gourmet pizza al taglio at Pizzarium Bonci in Rome, and the savory and spicy lahmacun of Ciya Sofrasi in Istanbul, these pizzerias represent some of the best that the global pizza scene has to offer. No matter where you find yourself in the world, there's a local pizza tradition waiting to be discovered and enjoyed.