Universally adored and undeniably tasty, pizza has transcended borders across the world. Its origins are deeply rooted in the motherland of Italy, but the global journey to Australia is an interesting one.
The history of pizza is as rich as its toppings. Dating back to ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt civilizations baked flatbreads (similar to today’s focaccia) topped with herbs, oils, and vegetables.
What we all love as the modern pizza, was first created in southwest Italy’s Campania district, and the city of Naples. In the early 1800s, Naples was a thriving waterfront settlement where street vendors sold the Pizza Margherita named after Queen Margherita of Savoy.
Pizza arrived in Australia post World War II. Credited as being the first pizza joint by the World Pizza Hall of Fame Toto’s Pizza House of Lygon Street, Carlton, Victoria, first began serving pizza in 1961. A small chain of these restaurants operates to this day. Another, and perhaps more rightful contender, for the first pizza in Australia is Lucia’s Pizza and Spaghetti Bar of Adelaide which first opened their doors before 1959. In any case, pizza first became popular in the 1960s and has remained a hit ever since. Nowadays you can order pizza across the country from a gluten-free pizza in Adelaide to a cosy Italian restaurant Surfers Paradise.
The popularity of pizza skyrocketed during the late half of the 20th century as an influx of Italian immigrants brought new recipes and pizza knowledge with them. The style of pizza widened beyond the classic Margherita with new toppings such as prosciutto, arugula, and truffle oils hitting the menus across the country. The Aussie Pizza, adorned with bacon, egg, and barbecue sauce was invented illustrating Australia’s quirky experimentation with hybrid international dishes.
There are several reasons why pizza has remained a popular dish.
- Versatility – Endless combinations of toppings, cheeses, and sauces.
- Accessibility – Dine-in, delivery – pizza travels well and stores well.
- Affordability – Majority of ingredients are cheap to purchase.
- Comfort food – Association with feelings of nostalgia.
- Shared Experience – Pizza is a communal food typically served in slices.
Today, pizza is an important aspect of Australian food culture and a go-to choice for social gatherings and family events. Pizza Fridays are a weekly event. The world’s most expensive pizza was created in a Sydney pizzeria in 2017. The $12,000 “Pizza Royale 007” featured caviar, lobster, and edible gold leaf.
Then there was the rise of the Superfood Pizza aimed at health-conscious Australians. Tasked with developing a healthy pizza experimentation with healthier crusts and topped and the so-called super vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower.
Confirmation that pizza had truly entered Australian culture arrived when visual artists became interested. Pizza has been adopted by Australian artists as a material. Intricate pizza designs transform pies into canvases and these creations have been showcased on social media platforms.
So here we have it. Pizza has travelled a long way from its humble Italian beginnings to become truly embedded in Australian culture. A snack for sharing and a wholesome meal. Whether you are savouring a classic Margherita or indulging in a quirky superfood pizza, remember that pizza’s journey is as diverse and delightful as its toppings.
