by Beverly Bochenek

Created on: May 05, 2009   Last Updated: May 08, 2009

The whole world makes pizza. The whole world. There's not a continent that doesn't have some form of pizza as a part of their food lifestyle. But here's the thing: every country make theirs differently. Not a big surprise considering if you were to cross the United States you would find different kinds of pizza depending upon where you were. Even in Italy pizza vary by region, so it should be no surprise to find that there are Non-Italian pizzas when you're in a Non-Italian place. What might be something of a surprise is just how different those pizzas can be and still be called a pizza.

A pizza is a pie. In Italian, pizza means 'peak' so roughly translated you have a crust and you pile toppings on it. And while there's a running debate on whether the Italian or the Greeks actually came up with it first, it's worldwide appeal is unquestioned. It is a convenient food. It can be fast and inexpensive and it can be a way to feed many folks all at once without too much trouble. It lends itself to interpretation by any country or individual inclined to make of it what they will. So, just how different are pizzas from those made in Italy?

United States

There's the Chicago style pizza which is also called deep dish because it is made in a taller pan and laden with ingredients.

When you get to LA for some California pizza, you will find a thinner crust and with some very untraditional toppings - anything goes on top of a California pizza.

The New York pizza is designed to be folded, carried and eaten on the run.

None of these pizzas look like the regional Italian pizzas which are lighter on the cheese and ingredients.

And even Italian pizzas made in Italy, have their own regional flare and identity from Lazio to Neapolitan, pizza in the homeland of pizza is every bit as varied as in the States. It should come as no surprise then that pizza from countries other than Italy and the United States place their own flavor on the dish they call pizza.

AFRICA

It isn't unusual to find the crust made from a thin dough cooked quickly on a nearby heat source, whether it be some kind of oven or even a rock or stone in the sun, on top of the thin bread goes spiced, minced meats, some tomatoes, even a little octopus stew.

AUSTRALIA

: Bacon and eggs are not uncommon on the top of a pizza down under. It also isn't unusual to have a little kangaroo and crocodile, either. I think they draw the line at Koalas and if they don't; I do.

GERMANY:

You would almost call Germany's pizza traditional because they do cheese and sausage. The cheese is smokier than what the US citizen is used to and it's also not mozzarella. The sausage is wurstels - which is kind of a hot dog, and of course, they put pickles on their pizza. Well, pickles go on hot dogs, don't they?

INDIA

Got a hankering for some lamb and gravy on your pizza? Not only can you get that in India, you can get your pizza in a cone and take it with you. It's called Conizza. Take that New York!

Like I said - the whole world makes pizza and even though it may not be the way you and I usually think of it, you have to love how something so universal still manages to be so unique. So visit your local pizzeria, wherever it may be, and enjoy a slice!

Learn more about this author, Beverly Bochenek.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.