Origin and history of pizza

 

Pizza, which has become one of the most favourite foods of people around the world, originates in Italy, more precisely from the coastal city of Naples. Approximately 500 years ago Naples started expanding as the greatest part of its population consisted of workers from different industries. These same workers were relatively low-paid and they were not able to afford the lifestyle of the middle class, nor of the high society of the country. This is the reason why they tried to save money from everything possible, including food.  

 

It is exactly the struggle of the people to reduce their food expenses to the greatest extent that leads to the creation of the archetype of modern pizza. It is called „pizzaioli“ and represents flatbread with tomato sauce. You can sometimes find it topped with cheese, anchovies, garlic and various spices. This early type of pizza is not only pretty cheap but also satisfies the needs of the Neapolitan workers. Due to this fact we can freely say that in its essence pizza is considered a low-key food for the poor population. 

 

The situation began to change towards the end of 19th century after the Italian king Umberto I and his wife Margherita of Savoy visited Naples. In order to impress the Queen with different than the French diet dishes she used to consume, the local governors served her a traditional Italian pizza. Of course, it was prepared with better dough and with more ingredients than the pizza made for the poor. It was topped with the typical for Italy soft cheese (or mozzarella), red tomatoes and green basil. The combination was well enjoyed by the Queen and it quickly became part of her favourite meals. One of the most popular pizzas today is named after her – „Margherita“. 

 

After queen Margherita of Savoy’s approval, pizza quickly became popular across Italy as the high society also started adding it to its menu. In the middle of 20th century pizza started spreading in more and more countries throughout Europe, as well as in America. As a result more and more various types of pizza appeared. The added ingredients were no longer limited to the traditional mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, but also included products such as meat and salami, mushrooms, eggs, and many more. This contributed to the creation of a rich range of pizza recipes we are used to taste nowadays. 

 

 

 

There are a couple of basic elements which are important for the preparation of a truly tasty pizza of quality. Among these are the dough for the pizza, the used ingredients, the preparation time, etc. The following information will help you to get acquainted a bit more to each of the elements of good pizza:

 

- Dough – the dough is of greatest significance for the overall taste and sense while eating pizza. Especially important is to be kept the exact ratio of its components, the manner of kneading, the thickness, etc. For the sake of this, each pizza restaurant should hire an excellent pizza master, who can deal in the best possible way with this task.

- Ingredients – the ingredients used help to create the unique image of each pizza. Today these ingredients become more and more various. Salami, mushrooms, cheese, eggs, pickles, tomatoes, olives, pepper, cream and many more that we cannot even mention all into one text. It has to be paid special attention not only to which ingredients are used, but also to their proper quantity and the way they are combined. The final aim is the client to be served a savoury, irresistible and aromatic pizza to satisfy all his senses.

- Preparation time – in order to be felt the full delight of a good pizza, it has to be prepared right before consumption. We suggest you avoid restaurants that often serve cold or dry pizza. You would better visit restaurants where you can check out their own ovens and where you can enjoy the aroma of the pizza while it is being baked.

- Environment and atmosphere – the environment and the atmosphere you are going to eat your pizza at are important for every type of dish you are about to taste. These can increase the delight of your lunch or dinner, or otherwise to ruin the whole experience. You need to take a good look at the interior and the setting of the place you choose to visit and try to pick a table to conform to your personal taste, preferences and perception for the perfect environment to dine in.  

 

 

 

 

Mamma Mia is a pizza restaurant located in the heart of Sofia. We offer to our clients tasty pizza as well as the best of Italian cuisine and style. Here are a couple of reasons to consider visiting us: 

 

Various types of pizza – at Mamma Mia pizzeria you can choose among various pizza types – „Margarita“, „Neapolitana“, „Vegetariana“, „Capricciosa“, „Provancal“, „Calzone“, „Tuscany“ and many more. In addition we offer also pizza sandwiches similar to cheeseburgers, as well as chicken fillet and tuna sandwiches. 

 

Other meals  - with your pizza you can also order different salads and appetizers, for example fresh French fries and crunchy chicken fillets. Our menu offers a wide range of other meals to please the taste and preferences of every client of ours. 

 

Perfect interior and environment – the interior of Mamma Mia pizzeria is set in a typical Italian style guaranteeing to all our guests cozy comfort at its best. You have the chance to choose between 120 seats indoors (including private tables for more romantic moments), as well as 60 seats on a beautiful balcony overlooking at „Sveti Semochislenitsi“ church. 

 

Special offers – at Mamma Mia pizzeria you can benefit from numerous special offers. If you order three pizzas (or three pizzas in combination with other meals) you get 15% off the total price. If your order exceeds 25 BGN you are gifted a free Coca-Cola out of 1.250 ml to fit to your pizza.

 

 

 

Welcome to Mamma Mia pizzeria and enjoy a tasty and crunchy pizza served in an exquisite environment and a relaxing atmosphere!