Is Pizza From Chinese? – How Pizza From China Compares to the Italian Version

There is no denying that pizza has become one of the most popular comfort foods all around the world. Every corner you turn, there’s a pizza shop with delicious aromas and plenty of toppings to choose from. But do you hear about Chinese pizza? Is pizza from China? As heretical as it may sound, there are now pizzerias in cities across China offering up these round slices of cheesy heaven. 

So just what does Chinese-style pizza look like, and do they try to put a unique spin on this beloved Italian classic? In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth dive into these mouthwatering morsels so that next time you’re out for lunch or dinner you won’t be afraid to give Chinese-style pizzas a try!

What is Pizza?

Pizza is an oven-baked, flat, round bread that is baked in an oven and typically topped with tomato sauce, and cheese. It can also be made with a variety of other ingredients such as peppers, sausage, olives, mushrooms, onions, anchovies, and various toppings. 

The modern pizza as we know it today originated in Naples, Italy in the late 18th century. It quickly became popular across Europe before making its way to the United States. Since then, it has become one of the most popular dishes across the world.

Is Pizza From China?

Chinese-style pizza generally features a thin and crispy crust. The pies are often topped with ingredients such as pork, cabbage, onions and mushrooms. Some restaurants have even taken to adding their own unique Chinese spin on classic toppings like pepperoni and sausage, substituting them for local delicacies such as squid and duck.

History of Chinese Pizza

So how did pizza end up in China? It is believed that pizza first made its way to China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) when Chinese explorers and traders traveled to Italy and brought back this new food with them. 

Pizza remained a relatively obscure dish in China until 1949 when the Communist Party came to power and established the People’s Republic of China. With the country now closed off from the rest of the world, foreign food items like pizza were no longer able to enter the country. 

This all changed in the late 1970s when China began to open up its economy and establish relations with other countries once again. During this time, a number of Italian restaurants opened up in major Chinese cities, introducing locals to the delicious Italian version of pizza.

This foreign dish quickly became popular among Chinese diners and soon enough, local chefs began putting their own spin on this classic dish. Thus, the unique and delicious Chinese-style pizza we know today was born!

Different Types of Chinese Pizza

There are now a number of different types of Chinese-style pizza to try. From the classic pork and cabbage topping to more unique options like squid and duck, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here are just a few of the most popular types of Chinese pizza:

– The most popular type of pizza is the Beijing-style flatbread pizza. This type of pizza comes in two sizes – small or large – and is usually topped with a variety of ingredients such as pork, cabbage, mushrooms, onions, and garlic. 

– Another popular option is the Jianbing Pizza, which originates from Shandong province. This pizza is made with a special type of crepe dough that’s rolled out before being filled with vegetables, eggs, and pork floss.

– Next, there is the Guizhou-style pizza. This type of pizza is made with a thicker crust and is topped with spicy chili sauce, pork, mushrooms, and onions.

– Xian Bing is another type of Chinese pizza that is gaining popularity. This pizza is made with a thin, crispy crust and is typically topped with pork, peppers, mushrooms, and scallions.

– For something a little different, there is the Hunan-style pizza. This pizza is made with a very thin and crispy crust that is then topped with a variety of meats and vegetables.

– Try another one on the Sichuan-style pizza. This type of pizza is made with a thick crust that is filled with chili sauce, pork, garlic, and green onions.

– Shanghai Pork Steamed Bun Pizza is a unique type of Chinese pizza that is made with a steamed bun as the crust and filled with pork, cabbage, and soy sauce

– Shanghai Xiao Long Bao Pizza is a type of pizza that features the traditional Shanghai Xiao Long Bao filling. This Shanghainese specialty is similar to Xian Bing but includes the addition of pork belly and red bean paste. And with a twist – instead of being wrapped in dough and steamed, it’s baked in a pizza crust.

– Chongqing Hot Pot Pizza is a type of pizza that is made with a spicy chili sauce, pork belly, and vegetables. This type of pizza is especially popular in the Chongqing region of China.  

Don’t be scared to try out the tantalizing flavors of Chinese-style pizzas next time you’re dining out! No matter what type of pizza it is, rest assured that your taste buds will thank you later. Who knows – maybe this savory dish from China will become one of your favorites before you know it!

How to make Chinese-style pizza

Making your own Chinese-style pizza can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you have access to the right ingredients. Here is a simple recipe for making your own Beijing-style flatbread pizza:

Ingredients:

– 1 cup of all-purpose flour

– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

– ½ cup of warm water

– 1 teaspoon of sugar

– 2 tablespoons of baking soda

– Toppings (pork, cabbage, mushrooms, onions, garlic, etc.)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, vegetable oil, warm water, and sugar until it is a smooth dough.

2. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, or until it is soft and elastic.

3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

4. Divide the dough into four equal parts and roll out each part into a circle using a rolling pin.

5. Heat a skillet over medium heat and place one of the pizza circles onto it. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the bottom is lightly browned.

6. Flip the pizza over and add desired toppings. Cook for another 1-2 minutes or until the bottom is lightly browned again.

7. Repeat with the remaining three dough circles.

8. Enjoy your homemade Chinese-style pizza! 

You can also use the same recipe to make Xian Bing, Hunan-style, or any other type of Chinese pizza. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and enjoy the unique flavors that Chinese pizzas offer!

Ingredients Used in Chinese Pizza

When it comes to making Chinese-style pizzas, there are a few key ingredients that you should always have on hand. These include pork, Chinese cabbage, mushrooms, garlic, onions, chili sauce, and red bean paste. You can also use other vegetables like peppers and scallions as well as meats such as duck or squid if desired. Additionally, it’s important to have a good dough recipe in order to make your pizza crust.

Nutritional Value of Chinese Pizza

While Chinese-style pizzas may be delicious, they are usually higher in calories and fat than traditional Italian pizza. This is due to the use of pork and cabbage as well as the addition of chili sauces and red bean paste. 

Additionally, some types of Chinese pizza also contain MSG, which can be unhealthy if consumed in large amounts. However, when eaten in moderation, Chinese-style pizzas can be an excellent source of protein and provide a variety of vitamins and minerals. 

When ordering Chinese-style pizza, be sure to check the ingredients for MSG and other unhealthy additives. Additionally, try not to overindulge in order to keep your calorie intake in check. With just a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy all of the flavors of this delicious dish without compromising your health. 

How Do Chinese Pizzas Compare to the Italian Version?

Chinese pizzas are similar to Italian pizzas in that they both require a dough base and can be topped with a variety of ingredients. However, there are some key differences between the two.

– The first difference is in the type of crust used. Chinese pizzas have a thinner, crispier crust than Italian pizzas. Furthermore, Chinese-style pizzas often use chili sauces for added flavor.

On the other hand, Italian-style pizzas typically use a thicker crust with more cheese, meat, and vegetable toppings.

– The second difference is in the type of ingredients used. Chinese-style pizzas tend to feature pork and cabbage as well as chili sauces and red bean paste for added flavor. On the other hand, Italian pizzas often feature more traditional toppings such as mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, sausage, and bell peppers.

– Finally, Chinese-style pizzas are usually higher in calories and fat than traditional Italian pizzas due to the addition of chili sauces and pork. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of your portions when eating Chinese-style pizzas.

Chinese and Italian pizzas have some key differences that make them unique. However, both versions can be a tasty and enjoyable way to enjoy pizza. Just be sure to watch your portion sizes and ingredients to ensure you are making the healthiest choices possible.

The price of Chinese pizza

Chinese pizza typically costs more than traditional Italian pizzas due to the additional ingredients and flavors. Depending on the type of Chinese-style pizza you order, prices can range from $10 to $20 per pizza.

These prices may be higher or lower depending on your location and the type of restaurant you are ordering from. Some restaurants will offer discounts or promotions, so be sure to check for those before placing your order.

Be aware that Chinese-style pizzas may not always include popular toppings such as pepperoni and sausage, so you may need to ask about specific ingredients in order to get the pizza you desire.

If you’re looking to enjoy a tasty meal without breaking your budget, Chinese pizza is the perfect option. Not only is it affordable but its delicious flavors make it an ideal choice for those seeking something new and exciting!

Pizza Delivery Services

If you’re craving a Chinese-style pizza but don’t want to make it at home, there are plenty of delivery services that will bring one right to your door. 

Many pizza delivery services offer a variety of Chinese-style pizzas that can be delivered right to your door from the classic Shanghai Xiao Long Bao Pizza to the spicy Chongqing Hot Pot Pizza, these companies have got you covered! 

Moreover, several pizza delivery services have discounts and promotions throughout the year. Make sure to check for any potential valuable deals that may be available in your locality!

FAQs

Conclusion

The answer to the question ‘Is pizza from China?’ is no. Pizza originated in Italy and has spread to much of the world since then. While there are versions of pizza that have been adopted in different countries around the world, including China, it most likely did not originate there.

Furthermore, ordering an ‘authentic’ pizza from a Chinese restaurant is not likely to be similar to traditional Italian pizzas as Chinese chefs may have created their own take on pizza with different ingredients or toppings. In any case, it can be said with certainty that pizza is not from China. So before you decide where to order your next delicious slice of pizza, consider what the origin of this dish truly is and remember: Italy!

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