Oh yes, the ancient comparison of Chicago style pizza to New York style pizza. It’s not like these two famous cities didn’t already have enough to be prideful of. However, any topic involving Chicago and New York is going to be full of one-sided arguments, including pizza. Even if a New Yorker has never tried Chicago style pizza or a Chicagoan has never tried New York style pizza, you best believe each side will have plenty of fuel for the argument. But, let’s put biases aside and breakdown the two unique pizza styles from an unbiased point of view. What truly does make New York style pizza different from Chicago style pizza?
Thin crust compared to deep-dish
New York is known for their thin crust pizza. It consists of traditional pizza layering: a layer of tomato sauce, a layer of cheese, and a layer of toppings. Chicago style, on the other hand, is deep-panned pizza. The thick crust with its sides angled up allow for multiple layers of sauces, cheeses and toppings. Each crust is nice and crispy, you’ll just get more crust with a Chicago Style pizza.
On the go compared to sit-down
The crust and layering signify the purposes of each pizza. New York’s thin crust, single-layered pizza allows for a quick meal. The consumer can grab it, fold it up and eat it rather easily while walking or standing. New Yorkers never stop and their primary mode of transportation is the subway. The New York style pizza is perfect for the city lifestyle.
Chicago style deep-dished pizza is the exact opposite. This pizza is way too thick and layered to eat on the go. There is a reason Chicago style pizza is served in squares. It is too risky to hold; therefore, the customary way of consuming the pizza is with a knife and fork. In fact, you may be quickly judged if you try to attack a Chicago Style pizza with your bare hands.
Rapidly cooked compared to carefully cooked
Again, each pizza is cooked to meet the lifestyle of the consumer. Thus, New York style pizza is made quickly and in volumes, while Chicago style pizza is cooked slowly and tenderly. This is not an admittance that Chicago pizza is better. It just speaks to one style being made for those in a hurry and one style being made for those who are not. A New York style pizza can be ready in 10 minutes, while a Chicago style pizza generally takes around 30 minutes. Hence, the difference between an in-and-out pizza shop and a pizza restaurant.
It’s a strange comparison between the two when you really think about. At each style’s core, they are entirely different, taste wise and functionality wise. Starting at the very beginning in how the dough is cooked, New York style pizza and Chicago style pizza are vastly different. So much depends on personal preference, the place you get the pizza from, what specific pizza you order…In any event, you now understand the differences between the two well-known pizza styles.
Classic Chicago Gourmet Pizza
So, it turns out we may be a little biased. After all, our name is Classic Chicago Gourmet Pizza. While we’re sure you can find a delicious New York style pizza, we prefer and suggest you try our Chicago style pizza. We promise it’s every bit as gratifying as it sounds and looks.
Contact or visit Classic Chicago Gourmet Pizza today! We also deliver and cater!