When you look at pizza from around the world, you will notice consistent themes (crust and sauce) but find different variations in toppings, including meat styles and types of cheese. There is no doubt on the versatility of pizza, and worldwide pizza displays this thoroughly. Here are eight variations on pizza from around the globe:
- Australia: We love our pizza here in the U.S., but Australians eat an estimated one ounce of pizza per day. They resemble what we consume here, but common ingredients go beyond pepperoni and include prawns, chicken, ham, barbecue sauce and pineapple. You can even find more exotic meats on pizza, including kangaroo, emu and crocodile.
- India: Bold Indian flavors did not disappear with Domino’s and Pizza Hut showing up in India. The primary cheese is paneer, which has a texture similar to cottage cheese. Meat is also prominent, and often includes minced mutton and chicken tikka.
- Japan: You can find American versions of pizza in Japan, but you will pay more than you do here. This is due to the cost of ingredients, most of which need to be imported. Japanese pizzas often include creamy mayo, pimiento, cooked potatoes and corn.
- France: Less seems to be more when it comes to eating pizza in France. French pizzas feature tasty artisan cheeses topped on thin crust that resembles a crepe more than traditional pizza crust. Other unique ingredients include garlic, parsley and fried egg.
- Italy: History experts believe that pizza was invented in Naples in the 16th century. Here you will find the simple variations that definitely do not lack flavor. One type, best known as pizza margherita, is a light crust topped with tomato sauce, basil, fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil. You can find this variety at many authentic Italian restaurants. Another popular development in Naples is pizza marinara, with toppings of oregano, extra virgin olive oil, garlic and tomato. It does not have cheese, although some people sprinkle a little bit of parmesan on top before enjoying.
- Turkey: The Turkish version of pizza is known as lahmacun. It contains seasoned beef, lamb or a combination of both on a light and chewy crust. Lahmacun does not have cheese, but it does offer parsley and red onion. You eat it by rolling it up and adding a squeeze of lemon to create a uniquely Turkish flavor.
- Sweden: To no one’s surprise, Swedish meatballs are a primary ingredient in this variety. Other ingredients include peanuts, banana, curry powder, duck, chicken and black currants. Béarnaise sauce replaces the traditional marinara sauce.
- Lebanon: The pizza variety you find in Lebanon as well as Syria is called manakish. It is a popular dish found primarily in food carts, making it a favorite among street foods. Ingredients are wrapped in a soft dough, and include kashkwan and akawi, which are regional cheese types. For meat, you will find ground lamb or chicken, with other favorite toppings including thyme, onions, cumin, yogurt and olive oil.
Giovanni’s Frozen Pizza is a wholesale frozen pizza manufacturer serving clients throughout the Midwest. If any of these of these worldwide pizza variations appeal to you, we can customize pizzas to match your desires. Contact us today to learn how variations on pizza from around the world can enhance your business or fundraiser.