Around the World in 8 Pizzas: Exploring Different Types of Pizza

Let’s kick things off where it all began. The birthplace of pizza—Naples, Italy. When you think of different types of pizza, this is the one that started it all. Neapolitan pizza is simple yet incredibly flavorful. It’s all about balance: the thin, chewy crust, a light tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and a sprinkle of basil. Nothing more, nothing less.

What makes Neapolitan pizza stand out is the dough. It’s made with just four ingredients—flour, water, salt, and yeast—and it’s cooked in a wood-fired oven at a scorching 900 degrees Fahrenheit. This gives the crust a slightly charred, smoky flavor that’s to die for.

Pro Tip: If you’re making this at home with a 7-Eleven cheese pizza as your base, try adding fresh mozzarella and a drizzle of olive oil for that true Italian touch.

Now, let's hop across the pond to the Big Apple. New York-style pizza is iconic, and for good reason. It's known for its wide, foldable slices and thin, chewy crust. Unlike its Neapolitan cousin, New York pizza is all about convenience and speed - you grab a slice, fold it in half, and you're out the door.

The key here is the crust - it's thin but sturdy enough to hold a mountain of toppings without falling apart. Traditional toppings include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage, but you can get as creative as you want. If you want a taste of New York at home, start with a 7-Eleven cheese pizza and pile on your favorite toppings.

Pro Tip: Want that authentic New York pizza flavor? Use a bit of garlic powder and a sprinkle of parmesan to season your crust.

Now, we’re headed east to Japan, where pizza takes on a whole new form with Okonomiyaki pizza. This is definitely one of the more unique different types of pizza you’ll encounter. Okonomiyaki itself is a savory pancake made with shredded cabbage, flour, and eggs, often topped with seafood, pork, or whatever you’re in the mood for.

When it comes to pizza, they take the same principles and apply them to the dough. Imagine a pizza topped with thinly sliced pork, bonito flakes (dried fish flakes), mayonnaise, and a savory sauce. It’s a completely different flavor profile from the Western idea of pizza, but it’s an unforgettable experience.

Pro Tip: If you’re making this at home, try experimenting with cabbage, seafood, and a drizzle of Kewpie mayo on your 7-Eleven cheese pizza base.

The crust tends to be on the thicker side, similar to a pan pizza, which helps support the hefty amount of toppings. This pizza is perfect for those who want a hearty, filling meal.

Pro Tip: Recreate this at home by adding sliced ham, boiled eggs, and green peas to your pizza. It’s a flavor combo you won’t soon forget.

Next stop: Turkey, where we dive into Lahmacun, often referred to as Turkish pizza. Unlike your typical pizza, Lahmacun is all about thin, crisp flatbread topped with a spiced meat mixture. Ground beef or lamb is mixed with onions, tomatoes, and a medley of spices like cumin, paprika, and parsley.

This pizza doesn’t have cheese, but don’t worry—you won’t miss it. After baking, it’s often topped with fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and sometimes even yogurt. It’s light, crispy, and packed with flavor.

Pro Tip: While it’s traditionally cheeseless, you can add a small sprinkle of feta or goat cheese to give it a creamy texture if you’re feeling adventurous. Start with a thin-crusted cheese pizza and layer on spiced ground meat to get close to this Turkish favorite.

Onward to India, where different types of pizzas take inspiration from classic Indian dishes like Paneer Tikka. This pizza is all about combining the creamy, spiced flavor of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) with the richness of a pizza crust. The paneer is marinated in yogurt and spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala before being placed on the pizza.

The toppings usually include onions, bell peppers, and sometimes even green chutney for a tangy twist. If you’re looking to spice up your pizza night, Paneer Tikka Pizza is the way to go.

Pro Tip: If you’re recreating this at home, marinate cubes of paneer in yogurt and spices, and top your 7-Eleven cheese pizza with the mixture. It’s like a tandoori oven meets a pizza stone.

Ready for something completely unique? In South Korea, one of the most popular pizza varieties is Bulgogi pizza. Bulgogi is a Korean-style marinated beef that’s sweet, savory, and oh-so-tender. When it’s added to a pizza, it’s a whole new level of deliciousness.

The pizza is topped with mozzarella, thinly sliced bulgogi beef, and sometimes vegetables like onions and bell peppers. The combination of sweet and savory makes this pizza a crowd-pleaser, even for those who might not be familiar with Korean flavors.

Pro Tip: To replicate this at home, marinate thin strips of beef in soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil, then add it to your 7-Eleven cheese pizza. It’s a fusion of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Last stop on our pizza tour: France, where we’re trying Tarte Flambée (also known as Flammekueche). This Alsatian dish isn’t your typical pizza—it’s made with a super-thin, crispy crust and topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons (small pieces of bacon).

It’s a lighter, more refined pizza, perfect for those who prefer a crisp, delicate crust over the doughy varieties. And instead of the traditional tomato sauce, the crème fraîche adds a creamy, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the salty bacon and sweet onions.

Pro Tip: If you want to try this at home, spread crème fraîche on a thin-crust pizza base, add onions and bacon, and bake until golden and crisp.

Of course, no pizza adventure would be complete without talking about the different types of pizza crusts you’ll find around the world. From thin and crispy to thick and chewy, the crust is just as important as the toppings. Here are a few of the most popular crust styles you’ll encounter on your pizza journey:

Whether you prefer thin and crispy or thick and doughy, there’s a different type of pizza crust for every pizza lover.

If you’re feeling inspired to take your pizza game to the next level, remember that you don’t have to start from scratch. Grab a 7-Eleven cheese pizza as your base, and let your creativity run wild. Whether you’re replicating one of these different types of pizzas or creating your own international mashup, 7-Eleven has everything you need to get started.