Pizzas R Us, You Call That Pizza?!

[Ulysses G.]

I didn't want to offend anyone it's just that when I hear Pizza hut is a good pizza, my Italian heart goes banana

I just wonder where you hear this. In America. Pizza Hut is thought of as one step up from frozen - something you eat when you are in a hurry, not a good quality pizza. Only children think of Pizza Hut as "good".

Edited April 15, 2007 by Ulysses G.

[raro]

The problem could be easily solved if Pizza Hut would not be allowed to call their garbage anything resembling to the word "Pizza"...

We had similar problems in the EU...German manufacturers of long noodles were allowed to call that stuff Spaghetti although they had egg in it and Italian brewers were allowed to call their witch brew "beer" although it was made from corn

o tempora o mores!

[wilko]

Most of the Pizza makers where I come from are not from Italy, but still make great pizza.

It does not have anything to do with where it originates from - it is the topping you add.... Simple!

Italians like their kind, Brits do their, Germans, Swiss, Thai, USA etc.

I still prefer, and I quote myself (linked below), pizza2000 in Jomtien. I believe it is German managed but still very good. It all depends where we are coming from and what dude is making the pizza behind the counter...

Pizza2000

When I'm at my place in Pattaya, it's either Pizza Service or Pan Pan.

You have completely got the wrong end of the stick - the base is crucial and that is one of the reasons why only an Italian pizza can justify the name pizza.

[Ulysses G.]

You have completely got the wrong end of the stick - the base is crucial and that is one of the reasons why only an Italian pizza can justify the name pizza.

The "base" is crucial?

Yeah, sure.

[KhunMarco]

You have completely got the wrong end of the stick - the base is crucial and that is one of the reasons why only an Italian pizza can justify the name pizza.

The "base" is crucial?

Yeah, sure.

Yes it is, anyone can buy good fresh topping, but making and cooking the base is where the good pizzaiolo makes a difference , sorry UG. To give an idea it's like eating pasta al dente or overcooked, it makes a world of difference (for someone who knows what the heck is talking about ..hint hint ) even if the topping is exactly the same.

This is my last comment, because I realize we are talking about 2 different type of food, Pizza all'Italiana and a sort of a mix of a pizza, a focaccia, a pie (urgh) with a lot of stuff as topping, usually thicker than a "normal" pizza, good stuff in some place, but def. not what we would consider a pizza.

Anyway enjoy your next pizza, I'm outta here

Edited April 15, 2007 by KhunMarco

[Pattaya_Fox]

My favourite Italian Pizza is Pizza Quattro Stagione which is Pizza four seasons.

I tried this a few weeks back in an Italian restaurant in Pattaya and it was rather good. It had a well made hand thrown base and generous helpings of the four different toppings. The cheese tasted fresh (which is a bonus for Pattaya pizza restaurants) and all was washed down with a few glasses of Italian red.

[Ulysses G.]

You have completely got the wrong end of the stick - the base is crucial and that is one of the reasons why only an Italian pizza can justify the name pizza.

The "base" is crucial?

Yeah, sure.

Yes it is, anyone can buy good fresh topping, but making and cooking the base is where the good pizzaiolo makes a difference , sorry UG.

I guess that you are talking about the crust and American pizza crust is far superior to Italian crust which tastes like a Jewish matza at best or cardboard in most cases. Actually, I have no problem with the toppings that italians put on pizza. It is the bland, tasteless crust that puts me off.

Edited April 16, 2007 by Ulysses G.

[Phil Conners]

What the hlel is CATSUP? Cat soup? Ketchup?

[bingo2]

I have tried the pizza at pizza r us it had to be the worst pizza i have had in a long time,also nicks was crappy also.I tried this new place on soi diana last week Slices it was ok but not great.I went back last night and I have to say it was by far the best I had in thailand.The girl told me they have only been opened 2 weeks.We had 2 calzones and 2 slices for only 180bt.The calzones were a nice size.Highly recommened.

[Phil Conners]

"Big" pizza on Naklua road are usually considered the best pizza in town, it's been discussed often before on this forum. I find Dao's cafe makes equally good pizzas and much more convenient for those of us living here on the East Side.

What's the place in Soi Diana called and whereabouts is it? Two Calzone and two slices for a total of 180 baht sounds like someone made a mistake, normally that would barely buy you one Calzone.

[Jingthing]

(double posting burp)

Edited April 16, 2007 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

What the hlel is CATSUP? Cat soup? Ketchup?

Blame it on Jonathan Swift!

http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-ket2.htm

Use of the word catsup is not incorrect, just less common than ketchup.

BTW, I agree the CRUST is the most crucial pizza component. A perfect pizza crust could be served only with olive oil and salt and still be divine.

Edited April 16, 2007 by Jingthing

[bingo2]

Slices pizza is located on soi diana opposite the areca hotel,there calzones are 45bt each and they sell pizza by the slice.I had the pepperoni calzone and the bolognes pizza it was brillant.

[raro]

BTW, I agree the CRUST is the most crucial pizza component. A perfect pizza crust could be served only with olive oil and salt and still be divine.

you hit the nail on the head!!

Edited April 16, 2007 by raro

[calibanjr.]

You have completely got the wrong end of the stick - the base is crucial and that is one of the reasons why only an Italian pizza can justify the name pizza.

The "base" is crucial?

Yeah, sure.

Yes it is, anyone can buy good fresh topping, but making and cooking the base is where the good pizzaiolo makes a difference , sorry UG.

I guess that you are talking about the crust and American pizza crust is far superior to Italian crust which tastes like a Jewish matza at best or cardboard in most cases. Actually, I have no problem with the toppings that italians put on pizza. It is the bland, tasteless crust that puts me off.

Hey Gman! Just got back from the States, took some pics of some of my travels, including a decent pie from LA, I'll have to dig it out. Stopped by the Thapae shop today, but you were "on break", like the rest of the Kingdom.

I don't even get into it with someone (Marco) who asserts an understanding of the US taste when he says that American's call "the Hut" real pizza. Where I'm from, that's just a slightly amped-up, sit-down restaurant version of freakin' Domino's! It's just a way of feeding the factory when you gots no time to do it right! I do agree with you (and, I think, Marco) that the crust (base) is crucial, which is why I think Tland is unable to produce decent pizza. Whatever the combination of flour, oil, water, etc. goes into the dough, and then the cooking process (oven, wood, etc.), I've never tasted any realistically decent crust. After that, and inferior cheese, the cause is lost before the toppings.

[calibanjr.]

Not to belabour the point (not my type of pie, either) but from today's Boston Globe about the 111th annual running of the Marathon:

Bill’s Food on the Run is the first of 19 pizzerias on the route. Patriots Day is the only morning of the year it serves breakfast, opening at 5:30 a.m.

19 Pizzerias in 26 miles (most of it suburbs) isn't bad, at 530 am, just for kicks.

Edited April 16, 2007 by calibanjr.

[ehs818]

The only good pizza I've found in Pattaya is at 2 places. In the food court at Carrefour (also at Royal Garden) is Spiccio (sp?). About 45 baht per slice and quite good when it comes hot out of the oven. When they reheat it, it loses something, but is still better than anything else intown. The other place I can recommend is called Pizza Big. It is located in Naklua, on the east side of Pattaya Naklua Rd. about 400 meters north of Pattaya Nuea Rd. It's about across from the first Food Mart located on the west sideof the street. Go there, then look a bit south from there, maybe 20 meters.

[Phil Conners]

Spiccios is the worst commercial tasteless rubber-cheesed pizza in Pattaya, you should get out more often, plenty of places make better pizza than that. You're right about Pizza Big though.

[popshirt]

The best pizza I've had in Thailand is at Pan Pan in Jomtien. Here are fotos of two (3-cheese with Gorgonzola! & sea food) we scarfed down last week. Thin crust, loads of good quality cheese. Pan Pan also serves very good Italian food. I live in Bangkok but stop at Pan Pan for these pizzas whenever I am in Jomtien.

[JR Texas]

The best pizza I've had in Thailand is at Pan Pan in Jomtien. Here are fotos of two (3-cheese with Gorgonzola! & sea food) we scarfed down last week. Thin crust, loads of good quality cheese. Pan Pan also serves very good Italian food. I live in Bangkok but stop at Pan Pan for these pizzas whenever I am in Jomtien.

JR Texas: It is not easy to get a good pizza in Thailand, even in the so-called "Italian places." Spiggios is, in my view, terrible...maybe worse than terrible. I was going to say the same about Pizza Company, but now you can make your own with thin crust.....I always use tomato sauce (not bad) and pepperoni and mushrooms. It is actually something that can be eaten....not great.

Most "pizza" in Thailand is really not pizza that I am used to......I do not like the extremely thick crust because it is like a sandwich and normally you can only taste the terrible bread. But Thais apparently like it or don't know better (no, it is not Sicilian).

Personally, I like thin crust, with rich and thick tomato sauce, good cheese, and lots of toppings. Back home we used to do that and top it off with fresh tomato slices......hot pizza with cold tomato slices on top....it was wonderful.

One final point: virtually all of the pizza in Thailand is overpriced.......maybe I am cheap Charlie?

[torito]

Pan Pan in Jontiem is the only reasonable pizza in the Pattaya area.

I have been surprised becuase the high farang population in Pattaya and Jontiem makes a maket large enought to sell good quality western pizza. By principle I do not visit Pizza R us or Spiggios.

If you go to Bangkok visit the Bangkok Pizza place (www.bangkokpizza.com). Is owner by farangs and they will make what you like in the farang way (hopefully you catchup with the owners in there). They cook american style.

[Ulysses G.]

One final point: virtually all of the pizza in Thailand is overpriced.......maybe I am cheap Charlie?

The reason is that cheese is very expensive here.

[Phil Conners]

That's a common misconception. Actually cheese is not expensive here, at least it's cheaper than most places in Europe (not sure about cheese prices in the US - but then again, afaik they don't have real cheese over there, only the process cheese, you know the individually wrapped type, correct me if I'm wrong)

A "standard" supermarket brie or camembert in Europe cost 3-6 € equal to 150-300 baht. Here you can get a similar import for much less. Check your local supermarket next time you're back, you'd be surprised!

Oh, and I don't think pizzas are particularly expensive here either, compared to European prices.

Edited April 20, 2007 by Phil Conners

[britmaveric]

If you had a proper Italian Pizza - it doesnt have sauce.

Any rate Pizza Co isn't bad, love the BBQ Chicken Pizza and not bad price either.

[Jingthing]

in the US - but then again, afaik they don't have real cheese over there, only the process cheese, you know the individually wrapped type, correct me if I'm wrong).

You are wrong. Very wrong.

Where do people get such bizarre opinions about the United States?

[Lesumare]

Pizza Aroi in Suk 25 here in BKK is great. Recommended

[KhunMarco]

in the US - but then again, afaik they don't have real cheese over there, only the process cheese, you know the individually wrapped type, correct me if I'm wrong).

You are wrong. Very wrong.

Where do people get such bizarre opinions about the United States?

<deleted>?!?!?!

[calibanjr.]

Actually cheese is not expensive here, at least it's cheaper than most places in Europe (not sure about cheese prices in the US - but then again, afaik they don't have real cheese over there, only the process cheese, you know the individually wrapped type, correct me if I'm wrong)

Okay, I will. A mom and pop or a 7-11 almost anywhere will have mostly Kraft process slices and such, but more than likely will have some serviceable stuff (block cheddar, Colby, some kind of Pepperjack, etc.). If you go to a regular supermarket, odds are you'll see domestic and imported versions of all the major cheese types. If you go to a yuppie joint (WholeFoods, etc.) you'll have imported, domestic, and domestic artisan (small specialist dairies) cheeses of almost any type as well as American heritage style stuff you can't get anywhere else.

Just like most other things, people see what's popularly broadcast in the States (crap movies, fast food, etc.) and think that's all there is. As to the cheese prices vs. those of Thailand, for comparable quality (hard to find), the prices (looking at Rimping and Lotus) are roughly the same, which makes them seem expensive here, since on average everything else is cheaper. For example, a pound (.45 kg.) of cheese here that's 200 THB ($6), equals a day's rent on my house (6k/mo.), It's hard to get that contrast/comparison dealie out of my head, being the cheap bast*rd that I am.

[raro]

had a pizza at Pan Pan yesterday, the toppingswere great, especially the tomato paste (trying to avoid teh term "sauce"...), but the base was still a bit too cardboardy.

The pizza at Spiccio's is ok, I eat it regularly for lunch. Actually it is the best food I found so far at the Carrefour foodcourt...the Thai food is just off in there...

[bingos1111]

My favourite is by far Nick the pizza......and yes,pizza r'us is garbage!

my favourite is Pizza2000 in View Talay 1B in Jomtien