When exploring the art of cooking, few experiences are cherished, such as savouring pizza. Globalisation has encouraged many Kenyans to embrace international cuisines challenging their everyday traditional meals. With a combination of talent and skill, numerous pizza outlets are dishing out this delicacy to their fans. So, what are the different types of pizza in Kenya?
The origin of pizza can be traced back to ancient Egyptians, Romans and Greeks. However, the modernised version of pizza, made of flatbread with different kinds of toppings, came from the City of Naples on the western coast of Italy. The idea found wings in Kenya, gaining the most popularity and evolving into a diverse culinary phenomenon.
Types of Pizza in Kenya
Several types of pizza in Kenya are infused with different regional styles and toppings. You will be spoilt for choice when you want to make an order. These pizza types get their names from the most dominant ingredient with several other toppings such as cheese, sauce, tomato and many more.
1. Chicken Pizza
Which type of pizza is best in Kenya? The best pizza flavour in Kenya undoubtedly includes mouthwatering chicken pizza. This dish was recently ranked Kenya's most popular pizza flavour, with over 15,960 deliveries made in 2022. It combines tender pieces of seasoned chicken, aromatic herbs, and different textures to create a memorable taste.
This exceptional dish comes in different flavours, including the smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce with grilled or roasted chicken, known as BBQ chicken pizza. These pizza flavours are available in most pizza outlets in Kenya, such as Pizza Inn, Domino's Pizza and many more.
2. Meat pizza
Meat pizzas refer to those that use different types of meat as their main topping ingredient. The choice of meats and additional toppings can vary from beef, bacon and even sausage. Some popular meat pizza variations in Kenya include meat deluxe pizza and beefy feast pizza.
3. Buffalo pizza
Inspired by the classic Buffalo chicken wing flavours, this delicious food has also made its way to menus in Kenya. Who says your pizza must only be made with tomato sauce? Try something new and put more buffalo-flavoured sauce on your pizza. If you are a fan of heat and a burst of bold flavours, you should go for this type of pizza.
4. Cheeseburger pizza
You can savour the culinary creation of a Cheeseburger pizza in any major town in Kenya. This dish features a pizza crust topped with ingredients commonly found in a cheeseburger. Some of the ingredients include cheese, onions, lettuce and pickles.
5. Pepperoni pizza
Pepperoni pizza features among the best pizza flavours in Kenya. This flavour takes inspiration from the classic spicy Italian sausage known as pepperoni and melted mozzarella cheese. In Nairobi, Kenya, you can order a pepperoni pizza and deliver it to your doorstep through Uber Eats.
6. Cheese pizza
Many food enthusiasts cannot resist the simple yet irresistible allure and comfort of cheese pizza. They come in different flavours, such as mozzarella, provolone and cheddar cheese. These popular toppings enhance the visual appeal and cater to diverse taste preferences. You can buy this dish at all Pizza Inn franchises in Kenya.
7. Veggie pizza
Veggies are some of the most popular pizza toppings in Kenya. Kenya is one country that understands the importance of a balanced diet. Creative combinations of vegetables, cheeses, and sauces allow for diverse flavour profiles that appeal to various tastes.
There are many types of vegetable pizza that you can choose from. Some include the highly loaded spinach and feta pizza and grilled veggie pizza, among others. The delicacy is available in various pizza outlets like the 360 Degrees Pizza - ABC Place and GG's Italian Pizzeria.
8. Margherita pizza
If you love pizza, this ideal meal is an excellent option. Imagine a pizza covered in melted mozzarella cheese and topped with juicy tomato slices and fresh basil leaves. Such delicacy can only be found in a well-baked Margherita pizza. The delicacy has found its way to various parts of the country, gaining popularity in urban food joints.
9. Hawaiian pizza
You might not immediately think of pineapple when you think of pizza. However, adding some ham gives this food an unexpectedly delicious sweet and salty flavour. Walk into any pizzeria of your choice and grab one. Give yourself the experience of timeless Pacific tradition right here in Kenya.
10. Supreme pizza
Supreme is a pizza with six classic toppings. You will likely discover a fascinating array of tomato varieties in Kenya that find their way into the delicious Supreme Pizza.
This delicious dish caters for everyone, for it comes in numerous flavours. It appeals to people who enjoy meat and vegetables. Call your neighbourhood pizzeria, order a supreme pizza, and exploit its explosive flavours.
11. Spicy Peri-Peri pizza
Peri-peri is a species of chilli pepper. Peri-Peri pizzas are spicy because of their toppings. This food can be blended with other meats, chicken, or vegetables to give it the desired taste. You can order your Peri-peri beef pizza or veggies in any of the pizzerias of your choice.
Types of pizza in Kenya - Wrapping up
Pizza has become a beloved delicacy in Kenya because it is inclusive. Different types of pizza in Kenya serve diverse cultures and people, giving them a feeling of home even when far from home. You can choose your favourite brand and order in the comfort of your home to taste its sweetness.
Tuko.co.ke also published an interesting article on 15 Kenyan recipes that are a staple in the country. Kenyans' diversity and traditions make most dishes distinct and special. The meals include traditional vegetables, meats, Ugali, and more contemporary ones.
Ugali tops the list and is a favourite of many. To prepare it, you only require maise flour and water and can serve it with vegetables or meat. Other staple foods include chapati, pilau, and Eskimo. Check out the article for the complete list of Kenyan delicacies.