Although exactly where pizza actually originated is hotly debated, there is no question that it is one of the most popular dishes in the world. Most historians believe, however, that today’s modern pizza is based on those created in the Italian city of Naples and brought to the United States by immigrants in that town. The first modern pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port’Alba, in Naples opened in 1830. However, as the popularity of pizza grew worldwide, styles and types evolved until today, pizza around the world has as many different styles as it does toppings.
Japanese Pizza
American-style pizza is available in Japan, but it is often topped with ingredients far different than those found in America. Popular pizza toppings in the country include cod roe, sweet corn, potatoes, hard-boiled eggs, octopus, seaweed, or tuna. One very popular specialty pizza is a Squid Ink pizza where the tomato sauce normally found on pizza is replaced with black squid ink. Okonomiyaki, a Japanese-style pizza, has a pancake-type crust made of water, flour, eggs, and chopped cabbage. The crust is cooked on a griddle, not baked in an oven, and topped with a sauce similar to teriyaki called okonomiyaki, mayonnaise, and dried bonito flakes called katsuobushi. The katsuobushi is sliced extremely thin, giving it the appearance of movement on top of the pizza, as the heat from the crust makes it wave.
Indian Pizza
Naan, an unleavened bread much like a pizza crust, is served with a brushing of butter and garlic in India. However, there is American pizza in the country as well, and popular toppings are tandoori chicken, chicken tikka, minced mutton, pickled ginger, and tofu. Pizza is also topped with plenty of condiments including ketchup and chili flakes. Because a large majority of Indians are vegetarians, pizza shops have two separate areas to prepare the dish. Muslim pizza shops do not have pepperoni on the menu, while in areas with a high concentration of those who follow the Jains religion, onions and garlic are not on the menu as those items are forbidden due to religious beliefs.
Brazilian Pizza
There is a very large Italian population in Brazil and pizza is very popular there. The crust in Brazil is thin and topped with a very thin layer of tomato sauce. Popular toppings include corn, quail eggs, beets, raisins, bananas, chocolate, and a type of cream cheese called catupiry cheese. It is not uncommon for Brazilians to use ketchup or mustard on their pizza as well.
Romanian Pizza
Also served on a thin crust, pizza in Romania is topped with minimal sauce and cheese. However, pizza normally has a significant amount of toppings which include plenty of vegetables, even corn. Pizza is often served with two types of ketchup on the side, dulce, which is sweet or Picante, which is hot.
In most countries, pizza shops serve what has come to be known as “American-style” pizza, but in actuality is the version that came to America with immigrants from the Naples region of Italy. A flat, round crust topped with tomatoes, cheese, and a variety of toppings has become renowned worldwide, despite the differences in topping choices of Winnipeg pizza.
References:
http://www.amazingribs.com/recipes/pizza_and_flatbreads_on_the_grill/different_pizza_styles.html
http://www.yourguidetopizza.com/TheWorldofPizza/Pizzasaroundtheworld.aspx