Which city is known as the Pizza Capital of the World?

Pizza fixes almost everything. It is a food that needs no introduction.

Late-night hunger? Pizza. Movie night at home? Pizza. A quick meal with friends? Pizza again.

Today, pizza is one of the world's most popular foods.

But while pizza is now a global phenomenon, its story began in one city.

Just like Ethiopia is the birthplace of coffee and Bihar is known as the litchi capital of the world, there is one place that holds a special title in the world of pizza.

So, which city is known as the Pizza Capital of the World?

If Italy came to mind, you're on the right track. But the answer is not the entire country. It is one historic city that shaped the pizza we know and love today.

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The answer is Naples.

The birthplace of modern pizza

Many people know that pizza comes from Italy. What fewer people know is that the pizza we eat today has its roots in the city of Naples.

According to several historical accounts, the poorer communities of Naples were among the first to eat pizza during the 18th century. It was an affordable and filling food made from simple ingredients.

The version of pizza most people recognise today developed towards the end of the 18th century, when tomatoes and mozzarella became widely available and inexpensive. Dough made from flour, water, yeast and salt was topped with tomato, mozzarella and basil, creating the foundation of modern pizza.

The story behind Pizza Margherita

One of the most famous moments in pizza history came in 1889.

A Neapolitan pizzaiolo, Raffaele Esposito, is said to have prepared a special pizza for Queen Margherita of Savoy. He topped it with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, representing the colours of the Italian flag.

This pizza later became known as Pizza Margherita and remains one of the most popular pizza varieties in the world.

Why Naples is called the Pizza Capital of the World

Naples reputation as the pizza capital comes from generations of skilled pizza makers and their dedication to what locals call the "white art" or the art of kneading dough.

Making authentic Neapolitan pizza may sound simple because it uses only a few ingredients. However, achieving the right texture, flavour and consistency requires years of practice and skill.

The traditional art of the Neapolitan pizza maker has even been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017.

Today, Naples continues to be regarded as the global capital of pizza.

Not all Neapolitan pizzas are the same

Even within Naples, there is no single style of pizza.

The city is known for at least three popular varieties:

Despite their differences, all three styles follow the principles of authentic Neapolitan pizza making.

What makes Neapolitan pizza unique?

Unlike many thicker or crispier pizzas found around the world, authentic Neapolitan pizza has a soft and chewy crust with lightly charred edges.

It features a thin centre, airy borders and a small number of fresh toppings. The pizza is traditionally baked in a wood-fired oven at extremely high temperatures and can cook in less than 90 seconds.

The style, preparation technique and ingredient standards are strictly controlled.

Pizza's journey around the world

While Italy gave the world pizza, the dish quickly spread far beyond its borders.

Italian immigrants introduced pizza to the United States, where it became hugely popular and evolved into regional styles such as New York-style pizza and Chicago-style pizza.

Today, the United States is among the world's largest consumers of pizza. Countries including Brazil, France and Germany also have thriving pizza industries.

In the United States, Connecticut is often called the "Pizza Capital of the U.S." thanks to its famous coal-fired "apizza" with thin, charred crusts. The state even has an official Connecticut Pizza Trail connecting many of its best-known pizzerias.

From the streets of Naples to restaurants across the globe, pizza has travelled a long way. But no matter how many styles exist today, Naples remains the city where the world's favourite pizza story began.