The quest for the perfect pizza is a culinary journey that has captivated foodies and pizza enthusiasts around the globe. With countless pizza shops, restaurants, and chefs vying for the top spot, it’s a challenge to determine who makes the best pizza in the world. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of pizza, exploring the history, techniques, and ingredients that make a great pie. We’ll also examine some of the top pizzerias and chefs who are pushing the boundaries of this beloved dish.
History of Pizza
Pizza has a rich and storied history that dates back to ancient times. The word “pizza” was first mentioned in a Latin text in 997 AD, and it’s believed to have originated in Naples, Italy. The original pizzas were cooked in wood-fired ovens and topped with simple ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and anchovies. Over time, pizza spread throughout Italy and eventually around the world, with different regions developing their own unique styles and toppings.
Neapolitan Pizza
Neapolitan pizza is often considered the gold standard of pizza. This style of pizza originated in Naples and is characterized by a thin crust, soft center, and fresh toppings like San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Neapolitan pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures for a short amount of time, giving it a distinctive char and smoky flavor. Some of the top pizzerias in Naples include Pizzeria Di Matteo, Pizzeria Brandi, and Pizzeria Starita.
Techniques and Ingredients
So, what makes a great Neapolitan pizza? It all starts with the dough, which is made from type “00” flour, water, salt, and yeast. The dough must be kneaded and risen for a long time to develop the right consistency and flavor. The sauce is made from San Marzano tomatoes, which are sweeter and less acidic than other tomatoes. The cheese is fresh mozzarella, which is made from the milk of water buffalo. Finally, the pizza is topped with fresh ingredients like basil and oregano, and cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures.
Top Pizzerias Around the World
While Naples is the birthplace of pizza, there are many other top pizzerias around the world that are worth visiting. Some of the top pizzerias include:
- Lucali in Brooklyn, New York: This classic Italian-American pizzeria serves up some of the best coal-fired pizzas in the city.
- Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles, California: This trendy pizzeria from celebrity chef Mario Batali serves up creative pizzas with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Rosemary’s in New York City, New York: This charming pizzeria in the West Village serves up wood-fired pizzas with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients.
International Pizza Styles
While Neapolitan pizza is the most well-known style, there are many other international pizza styles worth exploring. Some popular styles include:
Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is a thick-crusted pizza that’s cooked in a deep pan and topped with a thick layer of cheese, meats, and vegetables. This style of pizza is known for its hearty, comforting flavor and is a staple of Chicago cuisine. Some top spots for deep-dish pizza in Chicago include Lou Malnati’s, Pequod’s, and Gino’s East.
New York-Style Pizza
New York-style pizza is a thin-crusted pizza that’s known for its large, foldable slices and classic toppings like mozzarella, pepperoni, and mushrooms. This style of pizza is a staple of New York City cuisine and can be found at classic pizzerias like Lombardi’s, Joe’s Pizza, and Patsy’s Pizzeria.
The Art of Pizza Making
Making great pizza is an art that requires skill, patience, and practice. Pizza makers must have a deep understanding of the ingredients, techniques, and equipment used to make a great pie. From the type of flour used to make the dough to the temperature of the oven, every detail counts when it comes to making a great pizza. Some top pizza makers include:
Francesco Martucci, a Neapolitan pizzaiolo (pizza maker) who has won numerous awards for his pizzas. Martucci is known for his traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas, which are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven.
Anthony Mangieri, a pizza maker from New York who has gained a cult following for his unique, artisanal pizzas. Mangieri’s pizzas are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients and are cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures.
Pizza Competitions and Awards
There are many pizza competitions and awards around the world that recognize the best pizzerias and pizza makers. Some notable competitions include the World Pizza Championship, the International Pizza Expo, and the Pizza World Cup. These competitions bring together top pizzerias and pizza makers from around the world to compete for the title of best pizza.
Critics’ Choices
Food critics and writers also play a significant role in recognizing the best pizzerias and pizza makers. Critics like Pete Wells of The New York Times and Jonathan Gold of the Los Angeles Times have written extensively about the best pizzerias in the world. Their reviews and recommendations can make or break a pizzeria, and are highly influential in the culinary world.
In conclusion, the quest for the best pizza in the world is a delicious journey that takes us to different parts of the globe. From the classic Neapolitan-style pizzas of Naples to the innovative, artisanal pizzas of New York and Los Angeles, there are many top pizzerias and pizza makers worth exploring. Whether you’re a foodie, a pizza enthusiast, or just someone who loves a great pie, the world of pizza has something for everyone. So, who makes the best pizza in the world? The answer is subjective, but one thing is for sure: with so many talented pizzerias and pizza makers out there, the world of pizza is a delicious and exciting place to explore.
What makes a great pizza?
A great pizza is a combination of several factors, including the quality of the ingredients, the skill of the pizzaiolo (pizza maker), and the type of oven used to cook the pizza. The ingredients should be fresh and of high quality, with a focus on using traditional ingredients such as San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella di bufala, and fresh basil. The pizzaiolo should have a deep understanding of the pizza-making process, including the importance of temperature, timing, and technique. A great pizza should have a crispy crust, a flavorful sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses that are perfectly balanced.
The type of oven used to cook the pizza can also make a big difference in the final product. Wood-fired ovens are often preferred by pizza enthusiasts, as they impart a smoky flavor and a crispy crust that is hard to replicate with other types of ovens. The temperature of the oven is also critical, with most pizzaiolos agreeing that a temperature of around 500-600 degrees Celsius is ideal for cooking a perfect pizza. When all of these factors come together, the result is a pizza that is truly delicious and memorable. Whether you are a pizza aficionado or just a casual fan, there is no denying the joy and satisfaction of biting into a perfectly made pizza.
Who are some of the top pizzaiolos in the world?
Some of the top pizzaiolos in the world include Enzo Coccia, Franco Pepe, and Stefano Ferrara, all of whom are from Italy and have gained international recognition for their pizza-making skills. Enzo Coccia is known for his creative toppings and flavor combinations, while Franco Pepe is famous for his traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas. Stefano Ferrara is a third-generation pizzaiolo who has won numerous awards for his pizzas, including the prestigious “Best Pizza in the World” award. These pizzaiolos, along with many others, have helped to elevate the art of pizza-making to new heights and have inspired a new generation of pizzaiolos around the world.
These top pizzaiolos have a deep understanding of the traditional techniques and ingredients that are used to make great pizzas, but they are also not afraid to innovate and experiment with new flavors and toppings. They use only the freshest ingredients, sourced from local farmers and producers whenever possible, and are committed to preserving the traditional methods and techniques that have been passed down through generations of pizzaiolos. By combining traditional techniques with modern flavors and ingredients, these pizzaiolos are able to create pizzas that are both authentic and innovative, and that showcase the diversity and richness of pizza-making around the world.
What are some of the most popular types of pizza in the world?
Some of the most popular types of pizza in the world include Neapolitan-style pizza, New York-style pizza, and Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. Neapolitan-style pizza is known for its thin crust, soft center, and fresh toppings such as tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. New York-style pizza is famous for its large, thin slices and foldable crust, and is often topped with classic combinations such as pepperoni and mushroom. Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, on the other hand, features a thick crust, thick layers of cheese and toppings, and a thick tomato sauce on top.
Each of these styles of pizza has its own unique history and cultural context, and they are all widely enjoyed around the world. Neapolitan-style pizza, for example, is deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of Naples, Italy, where it has been made for centuries. New York-style pizza, on the other hand, was popularized by Italian immigrants who came to the United States in the early 20th century and adapted their traditional pizza-making techniques to local tastes and ingredients. Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, meanwhile, was invented in the 1940s by a Italian immigrant named Pizzeria Uno, and has since become a staple of American cuisine.
How do you evaluate the quality of a pizza?
Evaluating the quality of a pizza involves considering several factors, including the flavor, texture, and appearance of the crust, sauce, and toppings. A good pizza should have a crust that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a flavor that is slightly smoky and slightly sweet. The sauce should be made from high-quality tomatoes and should have a rich, tangy flavor. The toppings should be fresh and generously portioned, and should be balanced in terms of flavor and texture.
When evaluating a pizza, it’s also important to consider the overall balance and harmony of the ingredients. A great pizza should have a combination of flavors and textures that work together in perfect harmony, with no single ingredient overpowering the others. The pizza should also be visually appealing, with a nicely browned crust and a generous portion of toppings. By considering these factors, you can get a sense of whether a pizza is truly great, or just ordinary. Whether you are a pizza aficionado or just a casual fan, evaluating the quality of a pizza can be a fun and rewarding experience that enhances your appreciation and enjoyment of this delicious food.
What are some of the best pizza toppings?
Some of the best pizza toppings include traditional ingredients such as pepperoni, mushroom, and onion, as well as more adventurous options such as prosciutto, arugula, and truffle oil. The key to choosing great pizza toppings is to select ingredients that are flavorful, textured, and balanced, and that complement the flavor of the crust and sauce. Pepperoni, for example, is a classic topping that adds a spicy kick and a meaty flavor to the pizza. Mushroom and onion, meanwhile, add an earthy flavor and a touch of sweetness.
Other popular pizza toppings include seafood options such as shrimp and anchovies, as well as vegetarian options such as roasted vegetables and pesto. Some pizzaiolos also offer more unusual toppings, such as foie gras, caviar, and truffle oil, which can add a luxurious and sophisticated touch to the pizza. Ultimately, the best pizza toppings are the ones that you enjoy the most, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try new combinations to find your perfect pizza. Whether you are a traditionalist or an adventurer, there are countless delicious pizza toppings to choose from, and the possibilities are endless.
Can you make great pizza at home?
Yes, you can make great pizza at home with a little practice and patience. The key to making great pizza at home is to use high-quality ingredients, including a good type of flour, San Marzano tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella cheese. You will also need a pizza stone or a domestic oven that can reach high temperatures, as well as a pizza peel or a piece of parchment paper to transfer the pizza to the oven. With these tools and ingredients, you can make a delicious and authentic pizza at home that rivals the best pizzerias.
To get started, you can try making a simple Neapolitan-style pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. You can also experiment with different toppings and flavor combinations to find your favorite. Some tips for making great pizza at home include using a high-protein flour to create a crispy crust, cooking the pizza at a high temperature to achieve a smoky flavor, and not overloading the pizza with too many toppings. With a little practice and experimentation, you can create delicious and authentic pizzas at home that will impress your family and friends. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pizza enthusiast, making pizza at home can be a fun and rewarding experience.