Pizza in Argentina is a subject of both tourism and national pride. Many unsuspecting tourists ask, “Why should I try it if all pizzas are the same?”.
Prepare yourself to delve into its rich local history, discover the different types of Argentine pizza, and gather valuable information for your next trip.
Argentina is known for its asado, Malbec wine, and dulce de leche, but it’s also a country with a unique and authentic pizza scene, unlike any other pizza you’ve tried before – and many travelers overlook this, thinking pizza is the same everywhere!
My Story with Pizza…
Naturally, upon arriving in Buenos Aires, I went in search of the city’s best pizzeria and was surprised to find that this concept is relative, as each establishment contributes to the unique flavor of Porteño pizza in its own way.
A “slice” of pizza?
Pizzeria La Mezzetta (@pizzerialamezzetta)
First, the passion for pizza is a family legacy. My grandmother, mother, and aunts always made their homemade versions weekly, always accompanied by beer and a game of buraco.
During my adolescence, fun turned into business, and my parents ran a factory of frozen and semi-prepared pizzas. My mother would say, “let him eat all he wants, he’ll get tired someday”…
Today, the pizza tradition continues and is taught to the next generation, as it’s now my turn to make pizza at home with my daughters and enjoy it with friends and family.
Who knows, maybe one day I’ll share the recipe here on ArgentinaGuia.com?
But, as a way to kill the nostalgia of Buenos Aires, I learned to make Argentine pizzas Fugazzetta and Ramón and Morrón, prepared with Astor Piazzolla music in the background, a cold beer or a glass of red wine to accompany, it’s a delicious way to remember The City of Fury.
Historical Roots of Pizza in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, a vibrant city of encounter and fusion of cultures, has evolved over the centuries to become a rich melting pot of traditions and flavors. The city’s gastronomy vividly reflects this mix and perhaps there’s no better example than the intriguing history of pizza in Buenos Aires.
Italian Influence on Argentine Pizza
The city’s cuisine has a strong Italian influence, observable not only in language, surnames, and architecture but in a deliciously appetizing way in food. The earliest records of pizzerias in Buenos Aires date back to the 19th century, when the city saw a wave of Italian immigration.
The immigrants, in addition to hope and work, brought the art of pizza: a simple, affordable, and satisfying dish that quickly found a permanent place in Porteño cuisine.
A clear example of this Italian influence is the adoption of the gesture ???? “Che vuoi?” by the Porteños.
Spanish Transformation
In Argentine lands, pizza did not limit itself to replicating its Italian roots. It adapted and transformed to suit the local palate.
In the early 20th century, Argentine pizza transformed once more with the arrival of more immigrant families from Spain, who opened their own pizzerias and added their unique ingredients, such as bell peppers and sausages.
With this new influence, in addition to the generosity in fillings, pizza in Buenos Aires also incorporated the idea of being sold in smaller portions, ???? in slices, in this way, becoming a quick and cheap meal for workers at any time of the day that needed it.
Two generous pizzas that I ate at Kentucky (@kentuckypizzeria).
In summary, pizza has become a crucial pillar of Buenos Aires’ gastronomic culture, serving as a bridge between the past and the present and an expression of the city’s innovative and welcoming spirit. However, to truly understand Buenos Aires…
The Boom and Types of Pizza in Buenos Aires
The boom in pizzerias in Buenos Aires reflects Argentina’s passion for pizza, as well as the constant desire for experimentation and innovation.
From modest neighborhood pizzerias to sophisticated gourmet houses, love for this dish is manifested on every corner of the city.
That’s why the topic of Pizza is so important in Buenos Aires, that it is promoted by the local government as a matter of tourist interest.
Types of Pizza in Argentina
According to the Porteño government, the types of pizza present in the city are:
- Mold pizza (Al molde): This is the most common variety found in Porteño pizzerias. It is characterized by having a quite high and fluffy dough;
- Stone pizza (A la piedra): This widely used technique results in a pizza with thin and extremely crispy dough;
- Grilled pizza (A la parrilla): This is a more recent version, which began to emerge in the 90s and is made on the grill. Its dough is crispy and thin;
- Medium dough pizza (Media masa): As the name suggests, this variety has a dough that is neither as high as the “al molde” nor as thin as the “a la piedra”.
Over time, the mold pizza – characterized by its thick base and generous cheese topping – has established itself as the predominant local version of the Italian pizza.
Mold pizza that I ate at Pizzería Güerrín (@pizzeriaguerrin)
How Many Pizzerias Are There in Argentina and Buenos Aires?
According to information provided by Apyce, there are 6,100 pizzerias in Argentina, of which 3,250 are in Buenos Aires.
There are approximately 30% more pizzerias than parrillas (grills) in Buenos Aires, according to the Government’s Control Agency.
Finally, new generations of pizza makers are rethinking pizza, incorporating unusual ingredients and
Read more at https://www.clarin.com/gourmet/vino-neuquen-consagro-campeon_0_uPhTCcbh0w.html
The Argentine Specialty: Pizza on Your Next Trip!
In conclusion, the boom in pizzerias in Buenos Aires is testament to how the city has become a paradise for pizza lovers.
Here, pizza is not just a dish, but an expression of the city’s cultural identity.
Therefore, each slice tells a story of immigration, adaptation, innovation, and love, making the experience of tasting a pizza in Argentina truly unique.
