If you’re a pizza lover, finding the best pizza in Singapore should be at the top of your list. Singapore’s diverse food culture has given rise to some amazing pizza places in recent years, offering a wide variety of styles and flavours. Let’s take a look at the history of pizza in Singapore, the different types of pizza, the top pizzerias, and the must-try pizza flavours in the city.
A Brief History of Pizza in Singapore
The arrival of pizza in Singapore dates back to the 1980s when the first Pizza Hut and Shakey’s Pizza outlets opened. During that time, pizza was considered a Western food, and not many people were familiar with it. However, with the rise of fast food culture in Singapore, pizza soon became a popular choice among locals and expats alike. Today, you can find pizza places in every corner of Singapore, ranging from family-owned pizzerias to large chain restaurants.
The Arrival of Pizza in Singapore
The arrival of pizza in Singapore was an event that changed the local food scene forever. When the first Pizza Hut and Shakey’s Pizza outlets opened, they were among the few restaurants in Singapore that offered pizza. The Singaporeans were curious about this new food and wanted to try it. The pizza chains soon became popular and opened more outlets across the island.
As more people tried pizza, local entrepreneurs began to recognize the potential of this new food. They started to experiment with different toppings and crusts to cater to the local taste. Soon, new pizza places started to emerge, and the competition became fierce. This led to the birth of many new pizza styles that were unique to Singapore.
The Evolution of Pizza in the City
Singapore’s food culture is constantly evolving, and pizza has been no exception. Today, there are many pizza places in the city that offer a variety of styles and flavours. The types of pizza available in Singapore range from traditional Italian to New York-style and Chicago-style pizzas. There are also fusion pizzas that combine local flavours with other cuisines.
One of the most popular fusion pizzas in Singapore is the “Singaporean Pizza.” This pizza is topped with ingredients such as chilli crab, satay chicken, and laksa leaves. It is a perfect example of how local flavours can be incorporated into a global dish to create something unique and delicious.
Another unique pizza style that has emerged in Singapore is the “Mala Pizza.” This pizza is inspired by the popular Sichuan dish, Mala Xiang Guo, and is topped with spicy Sichuan sauce, vegetables, and meat. It is a perfect choice for those who love spicy food.
Overall, the evolution of pizza in Singapore has been a fascinating journey. From its humble beginnings as a Western food to its current status as a beloved local dish, pizza has come a long way. Today, pizza is not just a food, but a symbol of Singapore’s multiculturalism and its willingness to embrace new ideas and flavours.
The Different Types of Pizza in Singapore
Traditional Italian Pizza
Traditional Italian pizza is made with a thin, crispy crust and features a simple but tasty tomato sauce. It’s usually topped with mozzarella cheese and other ingredients like basil, prosciutto, olives, and mushrooms. Singapore has many pizzerias that specialize in traditional Italian pizza, serving authentic flavours inspired by the Italian countryside.
New York-Style Pizza
New York-style pizza is known for its thin, floppy slices that are typically folded in half to eat. The crust is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, and the pizza is generously topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings. Some of the best New York-style pizzas in Singapore can be found at pizzerias that use wood-fired ovens to prepare the pizza.
Chicago-Style Pizza
Chicago-style pizza is characterized by its deep-dish crust, which is thick and baked in a deep dish pan. The pizza is typically filled with tomato sauce, cheese, and other toppings, making it a heavy and hearty dish. While there aren’t many places in Singapore that specialize in Chicago-style pizza, some pizzerias do offer their versions of this classic dish.
Local Fusion Pizzas
As Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, it’s no surprise that some pizza places have fused local flavours with classic pizza toppings. Examples of local fusion pizzas include rendang pizza (topped with spicy rendang beef), chicken curry pizza (topped with chicken curry), and laksa pizza (topped with spicy laksa sauce and seafood).
Top Pizzerias in Singapore
Bella Pizza
Bella Pizza offers traditional pizza and has a variety of toppings, including buffalo mozzarella, speck, and truffle oil. If you want more from their menu, it’s about time you try their calamari and get a beautiful view of the river.
Peperoni Pizzeria
Peperoni Pizzeria offers a wide range of toppings, including spicy salami, anchovies, and artichokes. Their service crew is also top-notch! If you’re one of the best thin-crust pizzas, this is the parlour for your next pizza craving!
Spizza
Not many pizza parlours offer Chicago-style pizzas, so Spizza has created its own versions to give it a touch of it. Spizza’s Chicago Pizza is a deep-dish pizza filled with tomato sauce, cheese, and various meats.
PizzaExpress
PizzaExpress’s version features a crispy crust filled with tomato sauce, cheese, and vegetables. The thing is their menu is not limited to pizza and appropriate sides, you can also experience their desserts! Desserts? Well, a personal favourite would be the burrata! Yes, you need to try it out on your next visit!
Alt. Pizza
Have you ever tried pizza that you can really call a Singaporean speciality? Well, Alt. Pizza offers unique toppings like laksa leaf pesto and honey-glazed bacon. How Singaporean is that, right? Well, if you need another recommendation, this is it – their truffle mushroom pizza! You can share, but why not have it all for yourself?
Must-Try Pizza Flavors in Singapore
Classic Margherita
If you’re a pizza purist, you can’t go wrong with a classic Margherita pizza. This pizza features a thin crust topped with tomato sauce, buffalo mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. One of the best Margherita pizzas in Singapore can be found at Cicheti, an Italian restaurant that uses fresh, quality ingredients to prepare its food.
Pepperoni Lovers
Pepperoni pizza is a favourite among pizza lovers worldwide, and Singapore is no different. One of the best places in Singapore to get a pepperoni pizza is Peperoni Pizzeria, which uses high-quality pepperoni and fresh ingredients to make its pizzas.
Seafood Delight
Seafood lovers will enjoy the seafood pizza at Artichoke, which is topped with smoked salmon, mussels, and prawns. The pizza also features a unique smoked cream cheese sauce that complements the seafood perfectly.
Unique Local Flavors
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the rendang pizza at Spizza or the laksa pizza at Alt. Pizza. These unique pizzas feature local flavours that have been fused with classic pizza toppings, resulting in a delicious and surprising flavour combination.
Overall, Singapore is a great place for pizza lovers to explore different styles and flavours. Whether you prefer traditional Italian pizza or local fusion pizzas, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your pizza cravings in this city-state. Happy pizza eating!
