When people think about where pizza came from, one location that comes to mind is China, owing to the adventurer Marco Polo. He took Cong You Bing, a Chinese cuisine, to Naples, Italy, where pizza was invented. Yet history has more to say about the subject.

Hello there! My name is Shea, and I’ve been baking at home for the last 10 years. I frequently wonder how certain meals, such as my favorite (and many other people’s favorite), pizza, came to be. That’s why I looked into if China was the source.

This article is a crash course on whether or not pizza originated in China. It will also offer some more intriguing information that may persuade you whether or not it originated in China.

Let us enter the realm of history.

Did Pizza Originate in China?

If you asked a hundred people whether pizza came from China, you’d probably get a few yeses but many noes. Why? Pizza is often believed to have originated in Naples in the 1700s. But does that imply it appeared out of nowhere? Not quite.

And here is where China enters the picture.

The Legend of Pizza Originating in China

Marco Polo was an adventurer who spent some time in China. He discovered a meal called Cong you Bing, which is a flatbread stuffed with cheese and garnishes. Because to the inclusion of scallions, it is also known as a scallion pancake.

Needless to say, he was smitten with the meal and looked everywhere for a replacement. Chefs, on the other hand, were either uninterested in attempting to produce the meal or couldn’t figure out how to cook it. That is, until Marco Polo journeyed to another part of the globe to see some friends.

Marco Polo was at a dinner party with his buddies. One of these pals happened to be a chef from Naples, Italy, who was eager to test out the flatbread recipe. He was, however, unsuccessful. He just couldn’t figure out how to keep the toppings contained.

That’s when Marco Polo had the wonderful idea to put the toppings on top instead of within. The dish was a hit, and Italians fell in love with it. As a result, the pizza was created.

Other Origins of Pizza

It’s possible that China had an influence on what we now call pizza. Yet, history indicates that the phrase was in use 250 years before Marco Polo was born. Nonetheless, it would not be a leap to believe that pizza originated elsewhere. But where exactly?

Pizza, or at least pizza-like recipes, have been around for generations. These recipes may be found across the globe. It’s unclear if they had an influence on the pizza we know today.

These are some examples of historical pizzas:

• Persia Persian troops baked pizzas on their combat shields in the sixth century BC, using flatbread covered with cheese and dates.
• Greece Plakous was an Ancient Greek cuisine composed of flatbread, cheese, and other toppings.
• Pizzarelli, a kind of Passover cookie, may have inspired Passover Pizza.
• Rome Pinsa, a round bread cooked on hot ashes, is described by a poet from the first century BC. The description is similar to modern-day pizza.

Where Did Modern-Day Pizza Really Originate?

Historians have no idea where pizza got its beginnings. There are several hypotheses and possibilities. The modern-day pizza we know and love, on the other hand, has a distinct origin: Naples, Italy.

In the 18th century, modern pizza was invented in Naples, Italy. The famous focaccia pizza was made of flatbread, cheese, and tomato. It’s a simple and inexpensive meal that’s a terrific (and delicious) choice for Naples’ impoverished workers.

Since then, these tasty flatbreads have grown in popularity, which is why modern-day pizzas can be seen all over the globe.

FAQs

Because of their dish known as Cong you Bing, China may have had some effect on pizza. The origins, however, are uncertain. Go through these frequently asked questions to find out where pizza originated and whether China was involved.

Where did the original pizza originate?

The original or modern-day pizza developed in Naples, Italy, as of today.

Does pizza exist in China?

Pizza does exist in China. Around the nation, there are several pizza restaurant chains. Cong you Bing, for example, is a pizza-like dish. Here are some delicious Chinese pizza recipes for you to try this weekend.

Who originally invented pizza?

Although the exact origins of pizza are uncertain, most people believe it was invented in Italy. Some may also give credit to Rafaelle Esposito, a baker from Naples. Yet, flatbreads identical to pizza were served on the city pavements of Naples for years before he appeared.

When did Pizza Hut enter China?

Pizza Hut, a prominent pizza brand, first entered China in 1990. Although franchises may now be found across China, the first Chinese Pizza Hut was established in Beijing.

Final Words

Pizza has an interesting history, yet we still don’t know where it originated. We may argue that China had an impact, but it is uncertain if pizza genuinely originated there.

What are your thoughts on this legend?