Did you know that March 14th is National Pi Day? This nerdy holiday is meant to celebrate the mathematical constant Pi, or 3.14159… which goes on infinitely. However, since there’s no actual date that goes on forever and ever, March 14th will have to suffice. So, how do nerds and laymen alike celebrate this day? With pie, of course!
People will either celebrate with sweet or savory pie, or they might commemorate the day with a slice of pizza. Some people might be surprised at pizza being categorized as pie, but the centuries-old Italian dish has had many different forms and interpretations over the years by different cultures. To give you an idea of how many versions of pizza have been created since the dish first appeared in the 17th or 18th century, we put together a list of pizzas from around the world that you can eat on Pi Day (or any day)!
Plan your next tripPizza Bianca from Rome, Italy
In the United States, a “white pizza” refers to a pizza made without sauce or with Alfredo sauce, but in Italy, a pizza bianca means something different. Mainly eaten as a type of street food, this dish is a simply baked pizza dough flavored with olive oil, sea salt, and herbs.
Pizza Rustica from Southern Italy
Of all of the pizzas on this list, this is probably the one that comes closest to what we think of when we say “pie.” This pizza consists of a light, flaky crust base and another layer of crust on top. In between these two layers, there’s sausage, pepperoni, smoked ham, ricotta, mozzarella, and Romano cheese. This dish is often eaten in Southern Italy for Easter.
Deep Dish from Chicago, IL
If you’re in the mood for a thicker pizza, then a Chicago deep dish pizza will satisfy those cravings. First created in the 1940s in Chicago, IL, this pizza is made in, well, a deep dish that allows for the dough and crust to rise higher. It is also stuffed with cheese and then topped with tomato sauce to create a filling and irresistible meal.
New York Style from New York, NY
New York City is famous for having some of the best pizza in the United States, originally brought over by Neapolitan Italian immigrants in the early 20th century. As opposed to the heavy amount of dough on Chicago style pizza, this pie is thin and crispy and topped with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce. Additional popular toppings include pepperoni, olives, sausage, crushed red pepper flakes, and more.
Travel with HomeExchangeFugazza, from Argentina
Known for its light and airy texture similar to focaccia bread, this Argentine take on pizza uses an olive oil dough that is pressed into the pan rather than rolled out, and then fire-grilled. Fugazza is usually topped with caramelized sweet onions, oregano, and parmesan cheese.
Pissaladière from Provence, France
Coming from Provence, France, this take on pizza is usually not associated with a full meal, but is instead cut into small pieces and served as an appetizer. It consists of a flatbread crust topped with caramelized onions, anchovies, and marinated olives. Once the pizza comes out of the oven, even more anchovies and onions are added, contributing to the dish’s signature strong flavor.
Okonomiyaki from Japan
Full of rich Japanese flavors, this take on pizza starts with a base of a fried wheat flour crust that is comparable to a pancake. It’s topped with traditional savory toppings and sauces such as cabbage, seaweed, octopus, mayo, okonomiyaki sauce, and more.
What is HomeExchange?Zapiekanka from Poland
If you’re tired of flat pizzas, then try out one of Poland’s baguette-style pizzas, zapiekanka! This dish features mushrooms, cheese, and Polish ketchup is garnished with feta cheese or olives, and resembles an open-faced sandwich.
Tlayuda from Oaxaca, Mexico
If you’re in the mood of pizza with a Latin twist, then you’re going to want to head over to Mexico to try tlayuda. This Mexican street food favorite is made on a homemade tortilla and is topped with lard, refried beans, cheese, lettuce, chile, and proteins (which sometimes can include insects like crickets).
Discover HomeExchangeAfter reading about how other countries eat pizza, hopefully you’ve added some new must-try dishes to your vacation bucket list. Next time you’re visiting any of these destinations with HomeExchange, make sure to try them or better yet, see if you can make them yourself using your host’s kitchen! From all of us at HomeExchange, happy Pi Day!
