13 Must-Try Types of Pizza Crust in India for Every Pizza Lover

🍕Pizza has become universal beloved dish across world, winning hearts from kids to adults because of its gooey cheese, vibrant toppings, and, most importantly, its crust. The crust is the foundation of any great pizza. In India, pizza lovers are spoiled for choice with a variety of crusts that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

There are many different kinds of pizza crust available in India to suit a range of tastes. These consist of pan pizza, cheese burst crust, wheat thin crust, packed crust, thin crust, and hand-tossed. More specialty alternatives, like as Sicilian, New York-style, and Neapolitan crusts, are also available in select locations in India.

In this blog, we dive into 13 Must-try types of pizza crust popular in India, exploring their origins, why they’re loved, and the fascinating stories behind their creation. Celebrating the versatility of this iconic pizza crust.

Did you know? The pizza originated as a food of the poor in Naples, Italy!

Why Pizza Crust Matters?

The crust is more than just a base—it’s the foundation that elevates a pizza from good to unforgettable meal. In India, where culinary diversity thrives, pizzerias have embraced a spectrum of crust styles to cater to varied tastes, from traditional hand-tossed to Indian-inspired fusions like Pizza Kulcha.

Each crust carries a story, from its origins in distant lands to its adaptation in India’s vibrant food culture. Let’s explore the different types of pizza crust, their fame in India, and the tales behind their beginnings, with a special nod to Punjab’s beloved Pizza Kulcha crust.

1. Thin Crust | New York Iconic Pizza Slice

Thin crust pizza traces its roots to Naples, Italy, where bakers stretched dough thin to create affordable, crispy meals for workers. It gained fame in New York, where foldable, thin slices became iconic.

– Thin crust is a favorite in India’s urban hubs like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, where artisanal pizzerias like PizzaExpress cater to health-conscious diners and gourmet enthusiasts. Its crisp texture pairs perfectly with Indian pizza toppings like Paneer Tikka or Spicy Chicken.

Interesting Pizza Fact: In Naples, thin crusts were born out of necessity, with bakers using minimal dough to feed the masses during economic hardship.

2. Cheese Burst Crust | Most Favorite Pizza in India  

Invented by Pizza Hut in the 1990s in the U.S., the cheese burst crust was designed to satisfy cheese lovers by stuffing the crust with molten cheese.

– Popularity in India: A sensation among Indian pizza lovers, especially younger crowds, the cheese burst one of the best types of crust, bestselling in India. Its gooey, cheesy edge complements Indian flavors like Butter Chicken or Veggie Masala.

– Interesting Fact: The cheese burst crust emerged from Pizza Hut’s quest to make pizza irresistible. A chef’s idea to pack cheese into the crust’s edge created a “burst” of flavor, leading to one of the most indulgent crust pizza innovations.

3. Classic Hand-Tossed Crust 

Originating in Italy, hand-tossed crusts were perfected by tossing dough in the air to create a light, chewy base. Italian immigrants in the U.S. popularized this style in pizzerias worldwide.

– Popularity in India: The hand-tossed crust is a crowd-pleaser in India, offered by chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut. Its balanced texture—crisp outside, chewy inside—makes it ideal for classic Margherita and Indian pizza varieties like Chicken Tikka.

– Interesting Facts: In Naples, pizzaiolos spun dough in the air to aerate it, creating a rustic, airy crust. This theatrical technique became a hallmark of traditional pizza-making, captivating diners globally.

4. Fresh Pan Pizza Crust | Best For heavy toppings pizza

Pioneered by Pizza Hut in the 1960s in the U.S., pan pizza features a thick, doughy crust baked in a deep pan for a crispy, buttery edge.

– Popularity in India: Pan pizza is loved for its hearty, indulgent texture, especially at Pizza Hut, where it supports heavy toppings like Meat Lover’s or Paneer Makhani, appealing to families and groups.

– Interesting Fact: Pizza Hut’s founders wanted a crust that could hold generous toppings. By baking in deep pans, they created a thick, fluffy crust that became a global hit for its satisfying bite.

5. Flatbread Crust

– Flatbread pizzas trace back to ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, where flatbreads like pita were topped and baked. Modern flatbread pizzas emerged in the U.S. as a lighter, artisanal option.

– Popularity in India: Flatbread crusts are gaining traction in India’s metro cities, offered by cafes and gourmet pizzerias with toppings like hummus, tandoori chicken, or pesto paneer. Their thin, crispy nature appeals to health-conscious diners.

– Interesting Fact: Flatbread pizzas evolved from ancient traditions of baking topped flatbreads over fires. In India, some pizzerias draw inspiration from naan, creating fusion flatbread pizzas that blend desi and global flavors.

6. Neapolitan Pizza Crust

Born in Naples, Italy, Neapolitan pizza features a soft, chewy crust with charred edges, baked in wood-fired ovens. It’s protected by strict guidelines from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana.

-Popularity in India: Neapolitan crusts are a niche favourite in high-end pizzerias in cities like Mumbai and Bangalore, such as Sorrentina by Foodhall, loved for their artisanal quality and simple toppings.

– Interesting Fact: Neapolitan pizza was created in the 18th century for Naples’ workers. Queen Margherita’s 1889 visit inspired the Margherita pizza, with its red, white, and green toppings mimicking Italy’s flag, cementing Neapolitan crust’s legacy.

7. Sicilian Pizza Crust

Sicilian pizza, or “sfincione,” hails from Sicily, Italy, where it’s baked in rectangular trays with a thick, spongy crust topped with tomato sauce and breadcrumbs.

– Popularity in India: Less common but offered by artisanal pizzerias in urban areas, Sicilian crusts are loved for their focaccia-like texture, ideal for bold Indian toppings like spicy curries.

– Interesting Fact: Sfincione was a Sicilian street food, sold to feed workers. Its thick crust was designed to be filling, with breadcrumbs added for crunch, a tradition that continues in modern Sicilian pizzas.

8. Stuffed Crust Pizza

Invented by Pizza Hut in 1995 in the U.S., stuffed crust pizza features cheese (or other fillings) rolled into the crust’s edge for extra indulgence.

– Popularity in India: A blockbuster in India, stuffed crust pizza is a favourite among cheese lovers, with Domino’s and Pizza Hut offering cheese or paneer-stuffed versions paired with Indian pizza flavors like Spicy Tandoori.

– Interesting Fact: Stuffed crust was born from Pizza Hut’s desire to stand out. A chef’s playful idea to roll cheese into the crust’s edge sparked a global sensation, with India embracing its cheesy decadence.

9. Greek Pizza Crust

Greek pizza emerged in New England, U.S., where Greek immigrants adapted Italian pizza, using a thick, chewy crust baked in shallow pans with olive oil.

– Popularity in India: A niche offering in gourmet pizzerias in cities like Delhi and Bangalore, Greek pizza’s oily, crispy crust pairs well with Mediterranean or Indian-inspired toppings like hummus-based pizzas.

– Interesting Fact: Greek pizza was born in the 20th century when Greek diner owners in the U.S. used their baking pans to create a unique, crispy crust, blending Greek and Italian culinary traditions.

10. St. Louis–Style Pizza Crust

St. Louis–style pizza, from Missouri, U.S., is known for its ultra-thin, cracker-like crust and Provel cheese, developed by Italian-American communities in the 1940s.

– Popularity in India: Rare but offered by experimental pizzerias in urban areas, its crisp, cracker-like texture appeals to fans of thin crust pizza seeking a unique crunch.

-Interesting fact: Popularized by Imo’s Pizza, St. Louis–style pizza used a thin, unleavened crust for a distinctive, tavern-style pizza. The cracker-like texture was a happy accident from minimal yeast use.

11. Veg Pizza Crust

– Veg pizza crusts in India often refer to healthier bases like whole wheat or multigrain, developed to complement vegetarian toppings and cater to India’s large vegetarian population.

– Popularity in India: Hugely popular, especially in whole wheat or multigrain forms, veg pizza crusts are offered by chains like Domino’s and local pizzerias, pairing well with toppings like paneer, corn, or spicy veggies.

– Interesting Fact: Veg pizza crusts emerged in India to meet the demand for vegetarian-friendly options. In the 2000s, pizzerias introduced whole wheat bases to appeal to health-conscious vegetarians, creating a nutritious pizza revolution.

12. Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Crust

Born in Chicago, Illinois, in the 1940s at Pizzeria Uno, Chicago deep dish pizza features a thick, buttery crust baked in a deep pan, resembling a pie.

– Popularity in India: A niche favourite in metro cities, offered by select pizzerias, its hearty, pie-like crust is loved for indulgent Indian twists like Butter Paneer or Chicken Curry.

– Interesting Fact: Ike Sewell created Chicago deep dish to make pizza a substantial meal. His experiment with a deep, buttery crust led to a pizza so filling it required a fork and knife, redefining pizza culture.

13. Pizza Kulcha Crust | The Punjabi-Style Pizza You Must Try

Pizza Kulcha crust is a uniquely Indian creation, inspired by Punjab’s iconic kulcha, a leavened flatbread traditionally baked in tandoors. It’s a fusion of kulcha’s soft, fluffy texture with pizza’s toppings, blending North Indian and Italian cuisines.

Popularity in India: Pizza Kulcha crust is a star in Punjab, especially in cities like Amritsar and Chandigarh, where street vendors and restaurants like Amritsari Kulcha Hub serve it with toppings like paneer, onions, and spicy masala. Its popularity is spreading to other parts of North India, loved for its desi twist.

Interesting Fact: Pizza Kulcha was born in Punjab’s bustling food stalls, where innovative chefs began topping kulcha dough with pizza ingredients to create an affordable, local alternative to Western pizzas. The crust’s soft, slightly charred texture, reminiscent of tandoori baking, made it an instant favourite among Punjabis.

Choosing Your Perfect Crust

With such a variety of pizza crusts in India, there’s a crust for every pizza lover. Craving a crispy bite? Try thin crust or St. Louis–style. Want indulgence? Go for cheese burst or stuffed crust. For tradition, Neapolitan or hand-tossed is perfect. Indian pizza fans can explore Pizza Kulcha or veg crusts for a desi twist. Here’s a quick guide:

– Classic Lovers: Hand-tossed or Neapolitan for authenticity.

– Cheese Lovers: Cheese burst or stuffed crust for gooey decadence.

– Health-Conscious: Veg crusts (whole wheat/multigrain) or flatbread.

– Adventurous Eaters: Pizza Kulcha, Sicilian, or Chicago deep dish for bold flavours.

The Rise of Pizza Crust Culture in India | Enter the World of Culinary Innovation

India’s pizza scene is a vibrant fusion of global and local flavours, with crusts ranging from classic to innovative. In this blog, you will find all the types of pizza crust in India From the cheesy indulgence of a cheese burst to the homely charm of Punjab’s Pizza Kulcha, each crust tells a story of culinary creativity. Whether you’re enjoying a thin crust pizza at an artisanal café or savouring a Pizza Kulcha on the streets of Amritsar, the crust is what makes every slice unforgettable. If cooking is your passion and you want to make career in the industry then take our Diploma in Culinary Skills that will well-equip you with the right skill and direction to launch your business right away! To know more call us on +91-98880-112222!