Pizza is one of the most beloved dishes across the globe, with each region putting its own spin on the classic pie. Whether you're a pizza enthusiast or just getting into the pizza world, National Pizza Day 2025 is the perfect occasion to explore the diverse and unique pizza styles that different countries have to offer. From Neapolitan classics to innovative international variations, let’s take a trip around the world to discover unique pizza styles you should try!
1. Neapolitan Pizza – Italy: The Origin of Pizza
What Makes Neapolitan Pizza Special?
Neapolitan pizza is often regarded as the original pizza, and it hails from Naples, Italy. The iconic style features a thin crust with fresh, simple ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil.
What to Try
- Margherita: The most classic Neapolitan pizza, topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.
- Marinara: A pizza without cheese, featuring tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and olive oil.
Why Try It?
If you’ve never had pizza from the birthplace of pizza, Neapolitan pizza offers a light, airy crust with the freshest ingredients—an unforgettable experience for pizza lovers.
2. New York-Style Pizza – United States: The Foldable Slice
What Makes New York-Style Pizza Special?
New York-style pizza is known for its large, foldable slices and crispy crust. The pizza is typically topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and a variety of other toppings, making it a favorite for grab-and-go pizza.
What to Try
- Classic Pepperoni: The quintessential New York pizza with generous slices of pepperoni.
- Plain Cheese: For those who prefer a simple, cheese-packed slice.
Why Try It?
New York-style pizza is iconic for its size and versatility, making it perfect for a quick meal or a casual gathering.
3. Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza – United States: A Pizza Pie
What Makes Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza Special?
This pizza is essentially a pizza pie, known for its deep, buttery crust and an abundance of cheese. The pizza is more like a casserole, with layers of mozzarella, meat, vegetables, and tomato sauce baked deep inside.
What to Try
- The Classic Deep Dish: A hearty slice with layers of cheese, sausage, and tomato sauce.
- The Veggie Deep Dish: Perfect for vegetarians with an abundance of vegetables and a rich, gooey cheese filling.
Why Try It?
For those looking for a hearty, filling meal, Chicago deep-dish pizza provides a unique, indulgent experience that’s unlike any other style.
4. Sicilian Pizza – Italy: Thick and Square
What Makes Sicilian Pizza Special?
Sicilian pizza features a thick, rectangular crust, making it unique compared to round pizzas. This pizza is crispy on the bottom with a soft and airy interior. The crust is usually olive oil-based, giving it a rich flavor.
What to Try
- Sfincione: A traditional Sicilian pizza with a base of breadcrumbs, anchovies, onions, and a blend of cheeses.
- Classic Sicilian: A hearty square pizza with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and your choice of toppings.
Why Try It?
If you love a thicker crust with a satisfying crunch, Sicilian pizza is a great alternative to thinner crust styles.
5. Japan’s Mayo-Jaga Pizza – Japan: Unique and Unexpected
What Makes Mayo-Jaga Pizza Special?
In Japan, pizza takes on a whole new life with the mayo-jaga pizza, which is topped with mayonnaise and potatoes. This unusual combination is a fun twist on traditional pizza, combining creamy and starchy elements with a savory base.
What to Try
- Mayo-Jaga Pizza: Topped with thin slices of potato, creamy mayonnaise, and a dash of salt and pepper.
- Teriyaki Chicken Pizza: Featuring tender teriyaki chicken, vegetables, and a sweet sauce.
Why Try It?
For an adventurous pizza experience, the mayo-jaga pizza provides a fun, unexpected flavor combination that’ll intrigue your taste buds.
6. Brazilian Pizza – Brazil: Sweet Meets Savory
What Makes Brazilian Pizza Special?
Brazilian pizza has a unique flair with its combination of sweet and savory toppings. Often, pizzas come with unconventional toppings like tropical fruits, corn, and even coconut.
What to Try
- Frango com Catupiry: A pizza topped with chicken and catupiry cheese (a soft, creamy cheese).
- Pizza de Chocolate: For dessert, try a pizza topped with chocolate, bananas, and other sweet toppings.
Why Try It?
Brazilian pizza offers a bold mix of flavors, ideal for those who want to experience a fusion of sweet and savory tastes on a pizza crust.
7. Turkish Pide – Turkey: The Boat-Shaped Pizza
What Makes Turkish Pide Special?
Turkish pide is often referred to as Turkish pizza, but its shape and flavor are distinct. The dough is elongated and shaped like a boat, and it is typically topped with ground lamb, spinach, or cheese.
What to Try
- Lahmacun: A thin flatbread topped with minced meat, onions, tomatoes, and herbs.
- Spinach and Cheese Pide: A vegetarian version loaded with fresh spinach and melted cheese.
Why Try It?
Pide offers a lighter, crispier alternative to traditional pizza, and its unique shape and diverse topping options make it a must-try.
8. Australian Pizza – Australia: A Pizza Adventure
What Makes Australian Pizza Special?
In Australia, pizza is often topped with eggs, making for a breakfast-style pizza. This unique topping is popular across many pizzerias in the country.
What to Try
- The Aussie Pizza: Topped with bacon, cheese, and a cracked egg in the center.
- BBQ Chicken Pizza: A classic with barbecue sauce, grilled chicken, and vegetables.
Why Try It?
For a breakfast-inspired pizza, the Aussie pizza offers a unique twist with an egg on top for a fulfilling and savory flavor.
9. Indian Tandoori Pizza – India: Bold and Spicy
What Makes Indian Tandoori Pizza Special?
Indian pizzas often feature spicy tandoori meats as the main topping. This pizza style incorporates flavors from the traditional tandoori oven, with spices that give the pizza a distinct, smoky flavor.
What to Try
- Tandoori Chicken Pizza: Marinated tandoori chicken with vegetables and a fiery sauce.
- Paneer Tikka Pizza: A vegetarian option featuring paneer (Indian cheese) and tandoori spices.
Why Try It?
Indian pizzas are packed with bold flavors and spicy ingredients, perfect for those who crave heat and depth of flavor in every bite.
10. French Pizza – France: Gourmet and Elegant
What Makes French Pizza Special?
In France, pizza is often treated like a gourmet dish, with fresh ingredients and high-quality cheeses. The French pizza style is typically more refined, with a thinner, crispier crust and a selection of fine toppings.
What to Try
- La Savoyarde: A pizza with sautéed potatoes, onions, cheese, and bacon.
- Pizza au Fromage: A simple yet delicious pizza topped with a variety of French cheeses like brie and camembert.
Why Try It?
French pizzas combine the refined culinary techniques of French cuisine with the beloved pizza, resulting in an elegant and satisfying meal.
FAQ: Unique Pizza Styles Around the World
Which pizza is the most unique in the world?
- Mayo-Jaga pizza from Japan is considered one of the most unique, featuring mayonnaise and potatoes as toppings.
What is the most popular pizza in Italy?
- The Margherita pizza is the most popular and classic pizza in Italy, known for its simple toppings and Neapolitan roots.
What’s the difference between New York and Chicago pizza?
- New York pizza is thin and foldable, while Chicago deep-dish pizza has a thick, buttery crust with a casserole-like filling of cheese and sauce.
Conclusion: Explore Global Pizza Styles on National Pizza Day 2025
On National Pizza Day 2025, why not celebrate by trying unique pizza styles from around the world? Whether you're craving the light and fresh Neapolitan pizza from Italy, the hearty Chicago deep-dish, or the unexpected Japanese mayo-jaga pizza, there's something for everyone. Embrace the diversity of flavors and discover a new favorite style from another part of the world.
Indulging in international pizzas not only expands your pizza horizon but also makes this special day one to remember. So, gather your friends, pick a few new styles to try, and make National Pizza Day a true celebration of flavor! 🍕
