Who can resist the mouthwatering aroma of a fresh, hot pizza, straight from the oven? Pizza is a culinary wonder that has won hearts and stomachs worldwide. Whether you’re a devoted pizza aficionado or just a casual fan, you’ve probably savored a slice or two (or a whole pie) at some point in your life. But which pizza is best? Paneer Tikka Pizza, Tandoori Chicken Pizza, and Masala Pizza are among the best and must-try pizza varieties in India. However, it all boils down to your tastes & preferences!
There’s so much more to explore beyond the classic cheese and pepperoni. And if you’re wondering which pizza is good, then in this blog post, we’re going to take you on a delightful pizza adventure and introduce you to some of the best pizza types you must know, especially those famous in India.
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Let’s have some fun before we dive into different pizza types! Watch this video of of a blindfold challenge played by our pizza lovers at GrabOn.
Which Are The Best Pizza Types You Must Know?
01. Paneer Tikka Pizza
Paneer Tikka Pizza is a delightful fusion of Italian and Indian flavors, making it one of the most beloved pizza types in India. This pizza seamlessly marries the creamy richness of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the smoky, spiced essence of traditional tikka.
Ingredients: Pizza dough, tomato sauce, paneer (Indian cottage cheese), tikka masala sauce, bell peppers, onions, and mozzarella cheese.
To create this mouthwatering delight, generous chunks of paneer are marinated in a blend of yogurt and aromatic Indian spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala. These marinated paneer pieces are then roasted to perfection in a tandoor, infusing them with a delectable smoky flavor.It’s typically accompanied by vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a tangy tomato sauce, delivering a satisfying combination of textures and tastes.
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Popular For: A fusion of Italian and Indian flavors, known for its spicy and flavorful paneer tikka topping. |
02. Tandoori Chicken Pizza
The next on the list is Tandoori Chicken Pizza, a delectable pizza variation that combines the best of Indian and Italian cuisines. This pizza features succulent pieces of chicken, marinated in a yogurt-based blend of spices and herbs, and then cooked to perfection in a tandoor (clay oven).
Ingredients: Pizza dough, tomato sauce, tandoori chicken, red onions, bell peppers, and mozzarella cheese.
The tandoori chicken, with its smoky and aromatic notes, is used as a flavorful pizza topping, creating a unique and satisfying experience. It is typically accompanied by ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and a zesty tomato sauce.
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Popular For: A blend of Italian and Indian cuisine, known for the marinated tandoori chicken. |
03. Masala Pizza
Among the best pizza types, Masala Pizza is a flavorful Indian twist on the classic Italian favorite. It incorporates a medley of aromatic spices that add a zing to every bite. This pizza variation takes the traditional pizza and infuses it with a dash of Indian masala, elevating it to a whole new level of spiciness and flavor.
The tomato sauce base is enhanced with a mix of Indian spices, including garam masala, cumin, and coriander, resulting in a rich and tangy flavor profile. Toppings can vary, but you’ll often find a combination of bell peppers, onions, and a choice of protein like chicken or paneer, all seasoned with the delectable masala blend.
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Popular For: A spicy and aromatic pizza inspired by Indian masala flavors. |
04. Uttapam Pizza
Uttapam Pizza is a creative blend of South Indian and Italian cuisines, where the traditional South Indian uttapam serves as the base for a unique pizza creation. Uttapam is a savory pancake-like dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter, traditionally topped with ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and green chilies.
Ingredients: Pizza dough, dosa batter, traditional uttapam toppings (e.g., onions, tomatoes, green chilies), and cheese.
To make this type of Pizza, the uttapam is used as a crust, and traditional pizza toppings such as tomato sauce, cheese, and vegetables are added. This fusion results in a delightful mix of textures and flavors, where the soft and spongy uttapam base complements the gooey cheese and tangy sauce.
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Popular For: Combining South Indian cuisine with Italian pizza, known for its unique taste. |
05. Keema Pizza
Keema Pizza features spiced minced meat as its key ingredient. Keema, typically made from lamb or chicken, is cooked with a blend of Indian spices, including cumin, coriander, and red chili powder, creating a flavorful and slightly spicy filling.
Ingredients: Pizza dough, tomato sauce, spiced minced meat, onions, and mozzarella cheese.
When used as a pizza topping, the keema is accompanied by ingredients such as onions, bell peppers, and cheese, resulting in a rich and savory pizza. The combination of the tender, spiced meat, and the crispy crust offers a delightful contrast in textures. It is a fusion of Italian pizza and Indian keema, offering a unique and satisfying culinary experience that caters to meat lovers and fans of Indian spices alike.
Popular For: A fusion of Italian and Indian flavors, known for the savory keema topping. |
06. Onion Pizza
Onion Pizza presents a delicious twist to the classic Italian favorite, featuring the humble yet flavorful onion as its star ingredient. It gives a delectable twist with its key ingredient – thinly sliced onions. Crafted on a foundation of impeccable pizza dough, it harmoniously combines the sweetness and savory notes of caramelized onions with a zesty tomato sauce.
Ingredients: Pizza dough, Tomato sauce, Thinly sliced & caramelized onions, Mozzarella cheese (shredded).
Enhanced with customizable options such as bell peppers and olives, Onion Pizza is a symphony of tastes and textures. A marriage of simplicity and classic pizza charm, Onion Pizza promises a distinctive and satisfying culinary adventure for pizza enthusiasts and onion lovers alike.
Popular For: A simple yet delicious pizza focused on the sweet and savory flavors of caramelized onions. |
Other Pizza Types Popular In India
07. Neapolitan Pizza
The next on our list of best pizza types is Neapolitan Pizza. Born from the heart and history of Naples, this pie has been gracing tables since as far back as the 18th century. Its heritage is so rich that Italy’s Ministry for Cultural Heritage even declared it a safeguarded traditional food product.
Ingredients: Pizza dough, San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, olive oil, and sea salt.
The Neapolitan pizza falls under the best pizza types primarily due to its dough preparation; made from type 0 or 00 wheat flour, water, salt, and yeast. This combination makes an airy crust, charred with perfection on the outside but tender within. The authenticity lies not just in the dough but also in its toppings which are simple yet flavorful.
Popular For: Known for its simplicity, thin crust, and classic Italian flavors. |
08. Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
The Chicago-style Deep Dish, with its thick crust and generous amounts of toppings, it’s a marvel in every bite! This beloved pizza variety traces its origins back to 1943 when the inaugural Pizzeria Uno launched in Chicago. In contrast to typical pizzas, the dough employed in this style is frequently bolstered with cornmeal or semolina, enhancing its robust flavor and texture.
Ingredients: Thick, buttery pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various toppings.
This buttery base is then layered with heaps of cheese, followed by chunky tomato sauce, and finally topped off with an array of ingredient variations like pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, or bell peppers – all baked into one deliciously dense dish!
The baking techniques involved in making a true Chicago-style deep dish are intricate. With slow cooking times that allow flavors to mingle and develop fully, each slice weighs heavily not just on your plate but also on your taste buds.
Popular For: Famous for its thick, pie-like crust, and it’s often layered with cheese and toppings. |
09. New York-Style Pizza
Boasting a thin, foldable crust that is crisp on the outside and soft inside, the New York-style Pizza has an irresistible charm that has led to its widespread popularity, with over 3 billion pizzas sold in America each year. The slice thickness is a defining characteristic of this pizza type – it’s neither too thick nor too thin but just enough for you to easily fold your slice without all the toppings sliding off.
Ingredients: Thin and crispy pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various toppings.
One of the sauce secrets behind this iconic pizza lies in its tomato base which provides a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity, enhancing instead of overpowering the other ingredients.The cheese choices are most commonly mozzarella, due to its creamy texture and mild flavor which melts beautifully onto the pie without overwhelming other flavors.
Popular For: Iconic thin slices with foldable crust, commonly sold by the slice. |
10. Sicilian Pizza
Unfolding the story of Sicilian Pizza takes us on a delightful journey to its origins in the sun-drenched landscapes of Italy, where it was first baked on the hot stones of ancient ovens. The history of Sicilian pizza is deeply rooted in tradition and carries an aura of authenticity that reflects centuries-old culinary practices.
Ingredients: Thick, rectangular pizza dough, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sometimes toppings like pepperoni or olives.
The defining characteristic of Sicilian pizza lies in its dough thickness impact – resulting in a hefty square-shaped pie with a fluffy interior and crunchy exterior. This unique shape not only allows for more toppings but also pays homage to Sicily’s rich cultural heritage, embodying both practicality—fitting more pieces into rectangular baking trays—and symbolism—the square being considered divine by ancient civilizations.
Authentic Sicilian recipes call for fresh local ingredients like plump tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, aromatic basil leaves, succulent olives, and hearty anchovies – all harmoniously layered over thick dough generously doused with olive oil.
Popular For: Known for its square shape and thick, fluffy crust. |
11. Stuffed Crust Pizza
Now, let’s take a closer look at Stuffed Crust Pizza, where things get exciting with crusts that are more than just edges – filled with oozy, gooey cheese! Among the best pizza types, this one is essentially an innovative take on traditional pies. When it comes to crust varieties for this type, you’ll typically find options ranging from classic wheat dough to more modern interpretations like pretzels or even bacon-infused creations.
Ingredients: Pizza dough with cheese or other fillings (e.g., pepperoni, vegetables) stuffed into the crust.
The secret behind its alluring appeal lies in the careful selection and stuffing technique of cheese into the crust. Provolone, mozzarella, cheddar – these are just some cheeses commonly used due to their melt-in-your-mouth consistency when heated. As for sauce preferences, while classics such as marinara remain a popular choice, one can also opt for richer alternatives like alfredo or pesto which compliment the cheesy goodness seeping from each slice beautifully.
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Popular For: Notable for the surprise of cheese or other fillings inside the crust, adding extra flavor. |
12. Detroit-Style Pizza
Detroit-Style Pizza, a pizza that’s all about crispy edges, soft insides, and loads of cheese, baked perfectly in every square corner, is a real treat! Distinguished by its distinctive square shape – a nod to its origins as an industrial parts tray pizza from Motor City’s automotive factories – it defies tradition with alluring panache.
Ingredients: Thick rectangular pizza dough, a layer of cheese, tomato sauce on top, and toppings.
The crust is reminiscent of focaccia; light yet firm enough to hold the heavy weight of gooey melted cheese and toppings without becoming soggy. It’s this perfect balance between a crunchy crust and a fluffy interior that makes every bite of this pizza an unforgettable experience.
Explore the joyous layers of Detroit-style pizza with its caramelized Wisconsin brick cheese edges and post-bake tomato toppings, adding a delightful balance of sweet and tart notes to the savory ensemble.
Popular For: Characterized by its thick, crunchy crust and reverse layering of cheese and sauce. |
13. California Pizza
Imagine a sunny vineyard, bursting with plump, ready-to-pick grapes – that’s what California Pizza is like. It’s a fun twist on the classic pizza, originating in the 1980s when Californians decided to get creative with their toppings and sauces.
Instead of the usual thick crust, California Pizza goes for a thin and crispy base, and they even swap out traditional marinara sauce for options like BBQ or salsa. It’s a whole new pizza adventure!
Ingredients: Varied and often unconventional ingredients, including gourmet toppings like arugula, goat cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Topping variations are practically endless on a California pizza; from smoked salmon, avocado, and goat cheese to Thai-inspired chicken with peanut sauce – it’s all about pushing boundaries while maintaining a perfect balance between flavors.
So whether you’re looking for something familiar yet different or simply want to treat your taste buds to an explosion of flavor, make sure a slice (or two) of a well-crafted California-style pizza graces your plate next time!
Popular For: Known for its creativity and the use of fresh, local, and diverse ingredients. |
14. Greek Pizza
Greek Pizza is a mix that’s been pleasing taste buds for ages, with a history going way back. This popular type of pizza combines Mediterranean and Italian goodies into one pie, making yummy fusion recipes.
Ingredients: Pizza dough, olive oil, tomato sauce, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, red onions, and oregano.
You’ll find delicious toppings like feta cheese, Kalamata olives, tomatoes, red onions, bell peppers, and sometimes herbs like oregano or basil on this pizza. In addition to its delicious taste profile, Greek pizza boasts health benefits that make it more than just another tasty treat. Loaded with nutritious ingredients native to the Mediterranean region such as spinach, artichokes, and lean proteins like chicken or seafood.
Whether you’re seeking an adventurous culinary journey into new flavors or simply looking for a healthier alternative to the usual fast-food options, Greek Pizza serves up an enticing blend of gourmet style and nutritional value.
Popular For: Highlighting Mediterranean flavors, especially the briny and tangy taste of feta and olives. |
15. Flatbread Pizza
Lastly, let’s talk about flatbread pizzas, one of the best types out there. These pizzas have thin, super crispy crusts that are like a canvas for all the tasty toppings and bold flavors. And the secret to making them just right? It begins with a simple mix of flour, water, salt, and yeast, gently kneaded into a smooth dough and left to rise.
Ingredients: Thin and crisp flatbread, a variety of toppings such as vegetables, meats, and cheeses.
This basic base becomes the canvas for a mouthwatering masterpiece. And when it’s time to bake, these flatbread pizzas love the heat – high temperatures make the edges wonderfully crispy while keeping the center nice and tender. Flatbread toppings are vast and varied with options ranging from traditional favorites like fresh tomatoes, basil leaves, and mozzarella cheese to more adventurous combinations such as figs with prosciutto or pear with gorgonzola.
Popular For: Versatility and adaptability, allowing for diverse and customizable toppings. |
Types of Pizza Flavors
Some of the most popular types of pizza flavors include:
- Margherita: A classic with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and olive oil.
- Pepperoni: Topped with pepperoni slices and cheese, a beloved choice.
- Hawaiian: Combines ham and pineapple for a sweet and savory flavor.
- Vegetarian: Loaded with a variety of vegetables like peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives.
- Meat Lovers: Packed with various meat toppings such as sausage, bacon, pepperoni, and ground beef.
- BBQ Chicken: Features barbecue sauce, chicken, red onions, and cheese for a tangy twist.
- Buffalo Chicken: Spicy chicken, buffalo sauce, and blue cheese or ranch dressing.
- Supreme: A combination of multiple toppings, including pepperoni, sausage, peppers, onions, and olives.
- White Pizza: No tomato sauce, but typically includes ricotta cheese, garlic, and herbs.
- Mediterranean: Incorporates ingredients like feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, and Greek seasoning.
- Pesto: Pesto sauce, often with ingredients like chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichoke hearts.
- Taco Pizza: Features taco-seasoned meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and often a drizzle of sour cream.
- BBQ Pulled Pork: Slow-cooked pulled pork with barbecue sauce and cheese.
- Breakfast Pizza: Usually has eggs, bacon or sausage, and cheese, ideal for morning cravings.
- Dessert Pizza: A sweet treat with toppings like Nutella, fruit, or chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the nutritional differences among pizza types?
The nutritional differences among pizza types depend on factors like crust thickness, sauce used, cheese varieties, and toppings. A thin-crust veggie pizza has fewer calories compared to a thick-crust pizza due to the calorie comparison. Different sauces can also affect nutrition; for instance, tomato-based sauces usually have fewer calories than cream-based ones. The type of cheese changes the fat content – mozzarella is lower in fat than cheddar.
2. Which type of pizza is considered the most traditional?
The Margherita pizza is considered the most traditional type. Originating from Naples, Italy, it’s a simple yet flavorful variety characterized by its round shape, thin crust variation, authentic ingredients of fresh basil, mozzarella cheese selection impact, and tomato sauce option.
3. How does the baking process differ among these pizza types?
The baking process differs among pizza types based on crust variations, ingredient ratios, oven type, and timing differences. For example, thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas bake quickly at high temperatures in a wood-fired oven whereas deep-dish Chicago-style pizzas require a longer cooking time at lower temperatures in regular ovens. The variation of ingredients also impacts the baking temperature and duration.
4. Are there any unique or unusual toppings associated with each type of pizza?
Yes, different types of pizzas often have unique toppings associated with them. For example, Chicago-style pizza typically features a chunky tomato sauce and lots of cheese, while New York-style pizza is known for its thin crust topped with traditional ingredients like mozzarella and tomatoes.
5. How many types of pizza are there in India?
India offers a wide variety of pizza flavors, including regional and fusion options. Some common types include Margherita, Veggie Supreme, and more. The exact number of varieties can be extensive.
6. What is the best pizza flavor in India?
In India, pizza flavors like Paneer Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, and Butter Chicken are popular. The “best” flavor is subjective, so try different options to discover your favorite.
7. Which pizza is best and budget-friendly?
The best budget-friendly pizza is known to be Margherita, however, it depends on your choice and varies from person to person. Some other popular options include Pepperoni, Supreme, and Pesto among others.
Conclusion
Like an art lover appreciating Picasso, exploring the best pizza types is a journey of culinary delight. The golden crusts and tantalizing toppings offer a symphony of flavors that make each bite an experience to savor. From the classic Neapolitan to the innovative California style, these pizzas represent diverse cuisines across the globe.
Whether it’s the deep-filled joy of Chicago style or the rustic charm of Flatbread pizza, every type brings its unique taste and presentation into play. It’s high time you embarked on this delicious voyage through some of history’s finest creations.