Pizza, a culinary icon recognized and adored worldwide, has effortlessly conquered global palates. From bustling city centers to remote corners of the earth, this Italian delight has become a universal staple. Its irresistible combination of simple yet harmonious ingredients – bread, tomato sauce, and cheese – has cemented its place in countless cultures for generations. But amidst its global reign, a fundamental question lingers: Where Was Pizza Founded?
In this exploration, we embark on a flavorful journey through time to uncover the true origins of pizza, answering the burning question about its birthplace and evolution. And for those whose appetites are piqued by this historical exploration, and crave an authentic taste of Neapolitan pizza, Cinquecento Pizzeria in the heart of London awaits, ready to transport your taste buds to pizza paradise.
From Ancient Flatbreads to Neapolitan Innovation
While the precise answer to “where was pizza founded” points to a specific Italian city, the story of pizza’s origin actually begins in antiquity. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks, all enjoyed forms of flatbreads baked on hot stones, often seasoned with herbs, spices, and oil. These ancient flatbreads, while not pizza as we know it today, represent the earliest ancestors of this beloved dish. These flatbreads were simple, nourishing, and adaptable to local ingredients, demonstrating a universal appeal that echoes in pizza’s modern popularity.
Ancient flatbreads may be considered early forms of pizza
However, the narrative of modern pizza, the kind with tomato sauce and melted cheese that captivates millions, takes a definitive turn towards Southern Italy. Specifically, to the vibrant city of Naples. When considering where was pizza founded in its contemporary form, Naples stands unchallenged as its birthplace.
Naples: The Undisputed Birthplace of Modern Pizza
The 18th century in Naples witnessed the emergence of what we recognize today as pizza. In this bustling port city, flatbread, known locally as “Pizzaiola,” became a popular and affordable food for the working class. Initially, these early Neapolitan pizzas were remarkably simple, often topped with just garlic, lard, and salt. The introduction of tomatoes from the New World in the 17th century, initially met with skepticism, eventually revolutionized Italian cuisine and, crucially, pizza. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, tomato sauce became a staple topping, leading to the creation of pizzas like “Pomodoro e Mozzarella,” a precursor to the modern Margherita.
The burgeoning popularity of pizza in Naples during this period led to the opening of the first pizzerias. Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba in Naples, established in 1738, is often cited as the world’s first pizzeria and still operates today, a testament to the enduring legacy of Neapolitan pizza. These early pizzerias served as social hubs, offering delicious, inexpensive food to the Neapolitan populace.
The Royal Seal of Approval: The Margherita Pizza Story
The late 19th century marked a pivotal moment in pizza history, forever linking Naples with its most iconic creation: the Margherita pizza. In 1889, during a visit to Naples, Queen Margherita of Savoy, the Queen consort of Italy, grew tired of the elaborate French cuisine typically served to royalty. Seeking a taste of local fare, she requested a selection of pizzas from the renowned Pizzeria Brandi.
Legend has it that pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito and his wife Maria Giovanna Brandi created three pizzas for the Queen. However, it was the pizza adorned with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil – representing the red, white, and green of the Italian flag – that captured Queen Margherita’s heart. In her honor, this patriotic and delicious creation was named “Pizza Margherita.”
Ancient flatbreads may be considered early forms of pizza
While the story of Queen Margherita and the pizza named after her might be embellished over time, it undeniably contributed to the popularization of pizza, particularly the Margherita, both in Italy and internationally. It elevated pizza from a humble street food to a dish with royal endorsement.
Pizza’s Global Expansion: From Naples to the World
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, pizza remained primarily a regional specialty of Naples and Southern Italy. However, the tide began to turn in the aftermath of World War II. Returning soldiers, having experienced pizza in Italy during their service, brought their newfound appreciation for this flavorful dish back home.
Simultaneously, waves of Italian immigrants, particularly from Southern Italy, emigrated to various parts of the world, including the United States, the UK, and other European nations. These Italian families carried with them their culinary traditions, including cherished pizza recipes. Pizzerias began to emerge in immigrant communities, introducing pizza to new audiences and gradually expanding its reach beyond Italian enclaves.
In the United States, cities like New York and Chicago became early hubs for pizza culture, developing distinct regional styles like New York-style and deep-dish pizza, further contributing to pizza’s global diversification.
Who Can Claim to Have “Invented” Pizza? A Culinary Evolution
While we can confidently answer “Naples, Italy” to the question “where was pizza founded,” attributing the invention of pizza to a single individual is an oversimplification. Pizza, like many culinary staples, is a product of gradual evolution and collective innovation.
Instead of pinpointing a sole inventor, it’s more accurate to acknowledge the Neapolitan bakers of the 18th and 19th centuries as the collective creators of modern pizza. They took ancient flatbread traditions, incorporated new ingredients like tomatoes, and refined techniques to create the dish we know and love today. Raffaele Esposito, while credited with the Margherita, was part of this larger Neapolitan pizza-making tradition.
Pizza: Undeniably Italian, Universally Loved
Pizza is unequivocally Italian in origin, a cornerstone of Italian culinary heritage. Italy boasts a rich tapestry of pizza styles, from Neapolitan to Roman, Sicilian to Ligurian, each region offering unique variations in crust, toppings, and cooking methods.
Yet, pizza’s appeal transcends national borders. It has become a global food, adapted and reimagined in countless cultures, incorporating local ingredients and flavors. From Japanese teriyaki chicken pizza to Indian paneer tikka pizza, the possibilities are endless. This adaptability is a testament to pizza’s enduring popularity and its ability to resonate with diverse palates worldwide.
Experience Authentic Neapolitan Pizza
To truly appreciate the origins of pizza, one must experience authentic Neapolitan pizza. Characterized by its thin, soft crust with a puffy, charred edge (cornicione), Neapolitan pizza prioritizes simple, high-quality ingredients and a fast, hot bake in a wood-fired oven.
At Cinquecento Pizzeria, we are passionate about preserving the traditions of Neapolitan pizza. Our pizzas are crafted by skilled chefs using 100% Italian ingredients, imported directly from the Mediterranean, ensuring an authentic taste of Naples right here in London.
Conclusion: A Culinary Journey Back to Naples
From its ancient flatbread precursors to its modern global dominance, pizza’s story is a captivating culinary journey. And at the heart of this journey lies Naples, Italy, the undisputed answer to “where was pizza founded.” It is in this vibrant Italian city that humble flatbread evolved into the iconic dish that has captured hearts and stomachs worldwide.
Pizza’s enduring popularity stems from its simple pleasures: delicious bread, flavorful sauce, and melting cheese. Whether you favor a classic Margherita, a spicy Diavola, or a customized creation, exploring the world of pizza is a rewarding culinary adventure. And for a taste of pizza’s true origins, we invite you to experience the authentic Neapolitan pizzas at Cinquecento Pizzeria in London – a delicious homage to pizza’s birthplace.
