Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world. It’s a beloved dish that originated in Italy and has since spread to every corner of the globe. But have you ever wondered what Italians actually call pizza? Is it the same name we use, or is there a more authentic term for this iconic dish?
Well, the answer might surprise you. Italians actually do call it pizza, but with a slight variation in pronunciation. The word is pronounced “peet-sa” in Italian, with the emphasis on the first syllable. So, next time you’re enjoying a delicious slice of pizza, you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of the authentic Italian name for this beloved dish.
Italians call pizza, well, “pizza”! The dish originated in Naples, Italy and has since become a beloved staple around the world. However, there are regional variations of pizza in Italy, such as the Neapolitan pizza, which is made with San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella di bufala. Regardless of the type, pizza is a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone can enjoy.
What Do Italians Call Pizza?
Pizza is a popular dish worldwide, but it originated in Italy. When it comes to pizza, Italy has a rich history and culture that has contributed to the way they refer to it. So what do Italians call pizza? Let’s take a closer look.
1. Pizza Margherita
Pizza Margherita is a classic Neapolitan pizza named after the Queen of Italy, Margherita of Savoy. The pizza is made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. In Italy, this pizza is simply called “Margherita,” and it is considered the most basic and traditional pizza.
Benefits:
- Healthy ingredients
- Low calorie
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
Vs:
| Pizza Margherita | Regular Pizza |
|---|---|
| Less calories | More calories |
| Healthy ingredients | Less healthy ingredients |
| Simple and traditional | Various toppings |
Pizza Margherita is a popular choice in Italy, especially in Naples, where it originated. It is considered a staple of Italian cuisine and is often used as a benchmark to judge the quality of a pizzeria.
2. Pizza Bianca
Pizza Bianca is a type of pizza that does not have tomato sauce. It is made with mozzarella cheese, extra virgin olive oil, and salt. The pizza is often topped with fresh rosemary or other herbs. In Italy, this pizza is simply called “Bianca,” which means white.
Benefits:
- Low in cholesterol
- High in protein
- Good source of calcium
Vs:
| Pizza Bianca | Regular Pizza |
|---|---|
| No tomato sauce | Tomato sauce |
| Simple and light | More filling |
| Great with herbs | Various toppings |
Pizza Bianca is a popular choice in Rome, Italy, where it originated. It is often eaten as a snack or appetizer and is sometimes served with prosciutto or other cured meats.
3. Pizza Napoletana
Pizza Napoletana is a type of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It is made with San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and extra virgin olive oil. The pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven at high temperatures for a short time, creating a crispy crust and a soft center.
Benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants
- Low in fat
- Good source of vitamin C
Vs:
| Pizza Napoletana | Regular Pizza |
|---|---|
| Wood-fired oven | Regular oven |
| Short cooking time | Long cooking time |
| Crispy crust, soft center | Consistent texture |
Pizza Napoletana is a protected product in Italy, meaning that the ingredients and the way it is made are subject to specific regulations. This pizza is considered a symbol of Neapolitan cuisine.
4. Pizza Quattro Stagioni
Pizza Quattro Stagioni is a type of pizza that is divided into four sections, each representing a season of the year. The sections are usually topped with different ingredients, such as mushrooms, olives, artichokes, and ham. In Italy, this pizza is simply called “Quattro Stagioni,” which means four seasons.
Benefits:
- Various toppings
- Can accommodate different tastes
- Good source of protein and fiber
Vs:
| Pizza Quattro Stagioni | Regular Pizza |
|---|---|
| Four sections, four toppings | One or two toppings |
| Can be customized | Less variety |
| Rich in nutrients | Depends on toppings |
Pizza Quattro Stagioni is a popular choice in Italy, especially in the northern regions. It is often served in pizzerias and restaurants and is considered a more sophisticated pizza.
5. Pizza Marinara
Pizza Marinara is a type of pizza that does not have cheese. It is made with San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil. In Italy, this pizza is simply called “Marinara,” which means sailor’s style.
Benefits:
- No cheese, less fat
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
- Good for digestion
Vs:
| Pizza Marinara | Regular Pizza |
|---|---|
| No cheese | Cheese |
| Garlic and oregano | Various toppings |
| Light and healthy | More filling |
Pizza Marinara is a traditional pizza from Naples, Italy. It is often eaten as a light and healthy meal and is considered a staple of Neapolitan cuisine.
6. Pizza Capricciosa
Pizza Capricciosa is a type of pizza that is topped with ham, mushrooms, artichokes, olives, and tomato sauce. In Italy, this pizza is simply called “Capricciosa,” which means whimsical.
Benefits:
- Rich in protein and fiber
- Various toppings
- Can be customized
Vs:
| Pizza Capricciosa | Regular Pizza |
|---|---|
| More toppings | One or two toppings |
| Can be customized | Less variety |
| Rich in nutrients | Depends on toppings |
Pizza Capricciosa is a popular choice in Italy, especially in the southern regions. It is often served in pizzerias and restaurants and is considered a more elaborate pizza.
7. Pizza Fritta
Pizza Fritta is a type of fried pizza that is popular in Naples, Italy. It is made with pizza dough, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese, then deep-fried in oil. In Italy, this pizza is simply called “Fritta,” which means fried.
Benefits:
- Crunchy and delicious
- Can be filled with various ingredients
- Great as a snack or appetizer
Vs:
| Pizza Fritta | Regular Pizza |
|---|---|
| Deep-fried | Baked |
| Crunchy texture | Soft texture |
| Can be filled with ingredients | Various toppings |
Pizza Fritta is a popular street food in Naples, Italy, and is often sold in small stands and food trucks. It is considered a guilty pleasure and is often eaten as a snack or appetizer.
8. Pizza Siciliana
Pizza Siciliana is a type of pizza that originated in Sicily, Italy. It is made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, anchovies, onions, and olives. In Italy, this pizza is simply called “Siciliana,” which means Sicilian.
Benefits:
- High in protein and fiber
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Good for heart health
Vs:
| Pizza Siciliana | Regular Pizza |
|---|---|
| Anchovies and olives | Various toppings |
| Rich in nutrients | Depends on toppings |
| Great for heart health | Depends on toppings |
Pizza Siciliana is a popular choice in Sicily, Italy, and is often served in pizzerias and restaurants. It is considered a more savory pizza and is often paired with a glass of red wine.
9. Pizza Romana
Pizza Romana is a type of pizza that originated in Rome, Italy. It is made with a thin and crispy crust, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and various toppings. In Italy, this pizza is simply called “Romana,” which means Roman.
Benefits:
- Thin and crispy crust
- Various toppings
- Can be customized
Vs:
| Pizza Romana | Regular Pizza |
|---|---|
| Thin and crispy crust | Thick and soft crust |
| Various toppings | Depends on toppings |
| Can be customized | Less variety |
Pizza Romana is a popular choice in Rome, Italy, and is often served in pizzerias and restaurants. It is considered a more refined pizza and is often paired with a glass of white wine.
10. Pizza al Taglio
Pizza al Taglio is a type of pizza that is sold by weight and is often served as a snack or a quick meal. It is made with a thick and rectangular crust, tomato sauce, and various toppings. In Italy, this pizza is simply called “al Taglio,” which means by the cut.
Benefits:
- Quick and easy
- Various toppings
- Can be customized
Vs:
| Pizza al Taglio | Regular Pizza |
|---|---|
| Thick and rectangular crust | Round and soft crust |
| Sold by weight | Sold by the whole pizza |
| Quick and easy | Takes longer to cook |
Pizza al Taglio is a popular choice in Italy, especially in Rome, where it originated. It is often sold in small shops and street markets and is considered a more affordable and convenient option compared to regular pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do Italians call pizza?
The word “pizza” actually comes from the Italian language, so it’s no surprise that the Italians have a specific name for it. In Italy, pizza is called “pizza” just like it is in many other countries. However, the style of pizza that is most commonly associated with Italy is the Neapolitan pizza.
Neapolitan pizza is a specific type of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It is made with fresh, simple ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. The crust is thin and crispy, and the pizza is typically cooked in a wood-fired oven. Neapolitan pizza is so beloved in Italy that it has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.
How is pizza different in Italy compared to other countries?
Pizza in Italy is typically very different from pizza in other countries. For one thing, the toppings are often much simpler. In Italy, you’re more likely to find pizzas topped with just a few high-quality ingredients, like fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomato sauce.
Additionally, the crust is usually thinner and crispier than in other countries. This is because the traditional Italian pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven at a very high temperature, which creates a crispy crust with a slightly charred flavor. Finally, Italian pizzas are often served uncut and eaten with a knife and fork, rather than sliced into individual pieces like in many other countries.
What is the history of pizza in Italy?
The origins of pizza can be traced back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and the Egyptians, who ate flatbreads topped with various ingredients. However, the modern pizza as we know it today originated in Naples, Italy in the 18th century.
At the time, pizza was a simple, affordable food that was popular among the working class. It was typically sold by street vendors who would cook the pizzas in wood-fired ovens and then sell them by the slice. Over time, pizza became more popular throughout Italy and eventually spread to other parts of the world. Today, pizza is one of the most beloved and widely consumed foods in the world.
What are some popular pizza toppings in Italy?
While there are many different toppings that can be used on pizza in Italy, there are a few that are particularly popular. One of the most classic pizza toppings in Italy is margherita, which is made with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Another popular topping is prosciutto e funghi, which includes tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, and mushrooms.
Other popular toppings in Italy include anchovies, olives, artichokes, and eggplant. In general, Italian pizzas tend to have fewer toppings than pizzas in other countries, and the focus is on high-quality, fresh ingredients.
What is the best way to eat pizza like an Italian?
If you want to eat pizza like an Italian, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it’s important to eat pizza with a knife and fork, rather than your hands. This is because Italian pizzas are often served uncut and can be quite messy to eat.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to pair your pizza with a glass of wine or a cold beer, which can help cut through the richness of the cheese and sauce. Finally, be sure to savor each bite and appreciate the simple, delicious flavors of the pizza. After all, that’s what Italian pizza is all about!
In conclusion, it’s fascinating to learn that Italians refer to pizza as “pizza” just like the rest of the world. Although, it’s important to note that there are many variations of pizza in Italy that are not as well-known outside of the country. From the classic Margherita to the unconventional seafood pizza, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
One thing is for sure, pizza has become a global sensation, and it’s not hard to see why. The combination of delicious toppings, crispy crust, and gooey cheese is a winning formula that has captured the hearts of people all over the world.
So, whether you’re in Italy or anywhere else in the world, you can always count on a delicious slice of pizza to satisfy your cravings. And now that you know what Italians call pizza, you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge and love for this beloved dish.
