“There’s no better feeling in the world than a warm pizza box on your lap” – Kevin James. Seriously! Who in the world doesn’t like pizza!!? This irresistible dish is probably one of those very few cuisines in the world which is relished by children, adults & senior citizens alike. And probably one of the oldest dishes on earth.
The history of pizza dates back to the Neolithic age, and archaeologists say that food that looks like pizza was discovered during that time in 10,000BC. Genevieve Thiers’essay “History of Pizza” suggests that pizza was prepared by Persian king Darius’ army during 500 BC and that too it was baked on their shield, not in any oven!!
The word ‘Pizza’ had first appeared in 997AD in the Medieval Latin world. Modern day pizza took birth in Naples from a flatbread, like that of its predecessors, cooked in the 18th or early 19th century. However, cooked by Rafaelo Esposito, the prototypical cheese-burstyMargherita pizza was named after Queen Margherita from the Royal Palace of Capodimonte in 1889.
Pizza was brought to the US in the late 19th century. The first ever pizzeria in the US “Lombardi” was established in the year 1905, post-World War II. Since then the consumption started rising in the US, followed by establishment of pizza franchises such as Domino’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Papa John’s which sells readily available pizzas across the globe. It was interesting to learn that back in the 1900’s modern day pizza was sold ‘stufa’ containers that looked like tin circular boxes. The idea of selling pizza in a tin would be probably to keep the Italian delicacy hot as long as possible. A hot cheesy pizza topped with capsicum, corn or any other veggies is always yum yum!
One might think that the current craze of pizzas in India is probably post establishment of pizza chains like Domino’s or Pizza Hut alone. But that’s not the case. The carb-rich juicy diet was first aired in a famous cartoon show of the 80’s – the Teenage mutant Ninja Turtles. The protagonists’ cheesy diet had been tempting the kids since then, which explains its craze among the kids since the 90’s.
Don Giovanni’s in Calcutta is the first pizza delivery stop in the country, followed by the Nirula’s in South Delhi. Today with the advent and behemoth scope of food delivery in Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata and other cities one can order pizza online.If you are bored of eating the usual dal chaawal (which is fine by the way), then you can always try these authentic pizzerias or order pizza online and enjoy food delivery in Mumbai or any other city. Joey’s Pizza, Francesco’s Pizza, Eva’s, 1441 Pizzeria Fort, Pizza By The Bay, Celini, Prego, Pizza Express are some of the names that would give a delightful pizza experience.
Undoubtedly the relationship between Indians and pizza is stronger than what many can imagine. Especially if you order pizza online you can enjoy this delectable dish whenever and wherever you want. It can be an ideal lunch on a lazy Sunday afternoon. And in corporates it’s almost a tradition to have a pizza party at officeis a must every once a month.