You’ve heard of Napolitana pizza, and of course, Windsor pizza – but have you ever tried Indian pizza?
Indian pizza is an interesting creation. It’s typically thicker and crispier than it’s Italian cousins with many of the toppings residing underneath the cheese. While there’s no universal definition for the creation, most agree it’s the toppings that set it apart. Indian pizza is doused in big, bold flavours the cuisine in known for – think fresh garlic, coriander, ginger, fiery green chilies and other spices. It also often acts as a delicious platform for tandoori chicken, Shahi paneer (a squeaky, fresh cheese), scrambled eggs and other Indian favorites. This isn’t naan with pizza toppings – it’s pizza with Indian flare.
Now, it’s important to note that this is not a new creation. Indian pizza has been on menus (and at some of the best places “off menu”) for decades. It’s taken towns like Winnipeg, St. John’s and Edmonton by storm. In Ontario though, Brampton is quickly becoming known as Ontario’s Indian pizza capital. It makes sense – South Asians are the largest population segment in the Flower City and they’ve had a profound effect on the foodways of the area.
Needless to say, we’re mildly obsessed with this idea – and we think you will be too.
Here are four places Brampton locals love for “Indian pizza”. While each of them does classic, North American pies too, we think the spicy Indian creations are where it’s at!
Pizza Depot
220 Wexford Road, Brampton pizzadepot.ca
Head to the ‘International Pizza’ section of their website and you’ll see a plethora of non-Indian options. This is one of the places you have to make your own and ask for ‘Indian Style’. On the topping front, you’ve got butter chicken, paneer, tandoori chicken and various Halal meat options.
Popular Pizza
499 Ray Lawson Blvd, Brampton popularpizza.ca
With 22 different locations across the GTA, Popular Pizza is one of the most prolific Indian pizza places in the province. Their pizzas are cooked on conveyor ovens and are all customizable. On the topping front, you’re looking at all the classics, as well paneer, sweet corn, butter chicken, tandoori chicen, tandoori fish and scambled egg – plus free flavour bombs like ginger, garlic, coriander, and chillies.
Pizza Fiamma
9 Beaumaris Drive, Brampton pizzafiamma.ca
Pizza Fiamma has a number of locations in Brampton (and surrounding suburbs). On the topping front, you can get tandoori chicken as well as Coriander, Crushed Ginger and Crushed Garlic.
Khalsa Pizza
470 Chrysler Drive Unit 7, Brampton khalsapizza.com
Slinging pies since 2008, this Italian/Indian pizza parlour offers the widest selection of vegetarian and vegan options on the list. They also offe burgers and sides like Paneer Poppers 0 homemade Indian paneer coated in breadcrumbs and baked until crispy. The offer tons of Indian toppings, as well as Indian sauce options like Jain-style.
