A Brief History of Pizza

Pizza is a universally loved dish that has spread throughout the world, and you can find this Italian dish in almost every place you choose to travel to. Its simple but tasty combination of bread, tomato sauce, and cheese has become a staple in many countries. But where does pizza originate from? 

Earliest origins of Pizza.

The origins of pizza can be traced back to the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans who baked flatbreads with various toppings, such as herbs, spices, and cheese. However, the modern pizza was developed from the humble flatbread in Naples, Italy. The original Neapolitan flatbread is known as ‘Pizzaiola’ and was invented in the 1800s. It was originally made with tomato sauce, garlic and mozzarella cheese on a flatbread base, and became known as the ‘Pomodoro e Mozzarella’ pizza.

Pizza spreads worldwide.

Probably the most famous pizza today, made with a base of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese toppings, was first created in 1889 by Raffaele Esposito, a Neapolitan baker. This pizza became known asthe Margherita in honour of Queen Margherita of Savoy. It was originally topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil to represent the colours of the Italian flag. The first pizzeria opened in the 1800s in Naples and this restaurant is still open and serving pizza to this day. Pizza quickly became popular in Naples and spread throughout Italy in the late 1800s. It became popular worldwide after World War II when Italian families emigrated to other countries in Europe and brought their family recipes with them. Today, pizza is enjoyed worldwide and is made with different toppings and styles. You can even find a great Italian restaurant in Surfers Paradise in Australia.

The two most famous styles of Italian Pizza.

The most famous regional variations of pizza are probably Neapolitan, Roman, and Sicilian and are named after the location which made them famous. The Neopolitan pizza, for example, is made with a thin crispy-edged base, which allows the inside of the pizza to be soft and delicate. The Romana pizza on the other hand has a thicker base and is the inspiration for the style of pizza on offer at many high street food outlets today. Nowadays, of course, you don’t have to travel to Naples or Rome to taste a delicious Neopolitan or Romana pizza as chefs worldwide can make pizza just like the Italian chefs do back home in Italy. 

Pizza today.

Nowadays Pizza is a universally loved dish that has become a part of many people’s regular diet and is often a top choice when dining out. You can find pizza restaurants on almost every High Street now, whether you prefer to experience a classic Margherita, a modern vegan version of a classic, a loaded meat lover, or a Hawaiian with pineapple (which would make some purists shudder). Whether you prefer Neopolitan style, Romana style or even the Siciliana style, it is easy to find pizza to suit your taste buds wherever you may be. There is no denying that pizza is one of the world’s most delicious and versatile foods, so step out and try it if you haven’t already.