Pizza isn’t just food it’s a cultural phenomenon. From humble beginnings as a street snack to becoming a worldwide favourite, pizza has morphed into countless forms, reflecting local ingredients, palates, and culinary traditions. Whether it’s the chewy crust of a New York slice, the indulgent depths of Chicago deep-dish, or a quirky paneer tikka-topped Indian pizza, this dish has found its way into every corner of the world. Let’s delve into the remarkable journey of pizza, from its ancient origins as flatbreads to its gourmet incarnations today.
The origin of pizzas
Pizza’s roots stretch back to the flatbreads enjoyed by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These early versions were basic yet hearty as a canvas for oils, herbs, and regional toppings. But the true ancestor of modern pizza emerged in Naples, Italy. There, the working class created simple, delicious flatbreads topped with tomato, cheese, and sometimes anchovies, sold affordably on the streets. This was the beginning of the pizza we know and love today.
How did pizzas first arrive in the US?
Pizza arrived in the U.S. with Italian immigrants and made its mark in 1905, when Gennaro Lombardi opened the first licensed pizzeria in New York City. What started in a Little Italy storefront soon exploded. By the 1980s, pizza had gone mainstream, with delivery boxes stacked in homes like daily mail. Chains, delivery culture, and evolving toppings transformed it into an American staple.
The many moods of a pizza
The pizza concept of flatbread with toppings has parallels around the world. Turkey has pide, Georgia offers Adjaruli Khachapuri, with a gooey cheese and egg centre, and France brings Flammekueche, with crème fraîche and onions. Even within the U.S., pizza takes many forms: thin and wide New York slices, cheesy Chicago deep-dish, and the caramelised crust of Detroit-style squares.
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The Indian Pizza we all love
India is no longer just a consumer of global pizza trends it’s setting them. In June 2025, two Indian pizzerias Da Susy in Gurugram and Leo’s Pizzeria in Delhi, made it to the prestigious World’s 100 Best Pizza list in Milan. Using high-quality ingredients and artisanal techniques, these pizzerias are making India a serious player in global pizza culture.
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We also have the desi Indian pizzas made at home by our friends and family, that we all swear by. Let us know in the comments about your favourite type of pizza!
