What To Know
- Pizza Express uses a 24-hour sourdough fermentation process, which allows the dough to develop a complex flavor and a chewy, airy texture.
- If you are looking for a classic, well-made sourdough pizza with a slightly tangy flavor and a chewy texture, then Pizza Express sourdough is an excellent choice.
- No, Pizza Express sourdough pizza is not vegan as it contains dairy products in the base and cheese as a topping.
Pizza Express, a beloved British restaurant chain, has recently introduced sourdough pizza to its menu. This has sparked a heated debate among pizza enthusiasts, with some hailing it as a culinary triumph and others dismissing it as a doughy misadventure. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of Pizza Express sourdough pizza, examining its ingredients, taste, and overall quality to determine whether it lives up to the hype.
The Sourdough Base
The foundation of any sourdough pizza is its base. Pizza Express uses a 24-hour sourdough fermentation process, which allows the dough to develop a complex flavor and a chewy, airy texture. The sourdough starter, made from a blend of organic flour and water, imparts a slightly tangy and nutty flavor to the base.
The Toppings
Pizza Express offers a wide range of toppings for its sourdough pizzas, from classic favorites like Margherita and Pepperoni to more adventurous creations like the Nduja Calabrese and the Pollo Ad Astra. The toppings are generally generous and of good quality, with fresh vegetables, flavorful meats, and rich cheeses.
The Taste
The taste of Pizza Express sourdough pizza is subjective and can vary depending on the toppings chosen. However, overall, the pizzas are well-balanced and flavorful. The sourdough base provides a solid foundation, with a slightly chewy texture and a subtle tanginess that complements the toppings. The melted cheese is gooey and flavorful, while the vegetables and meats are cooked to perfection.
The Price
Pizza Express sourdough pizzas are priced slightly higher than their regular pizzas. A basic Margherita pizza starts at £12.95, while the more elaborate Pollo Ad Astra pizza costs £17.95. This may be a consideration for some customers, especially when compared to cheaper options available at other pizza restaurants.
The Verdict
So, is Pizza Express sourdough pizza worth the hype? The answer is a resounding yes… and no. If you are looking for a classic, well-made sourdough pizza with a slightly tangy flavor and a chewy texture, then Pizza Express sourdough is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer a more traditional pizza base with a crispy crust and a less pronounced sourdough flavor, then you may be better off with one of Pizza Express’s regular pizzas.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Complex and flavorful sourdough base
- Generous and high-quality toppings
- Well-balanced and satisfying taste
- Variety of toppings available
Cons:
- Slightly higher price
- Sourdough flavor may not be to everyone’s taste
- Base can be a bit chewy for some
Alternatives to Pizza Express Sourdough
If you are looking for alternatives to Pizza Express sourdough pizza, here are a few suggestions:
- Franco Manca: Known for its authentic Neapolitan sourdough pizzas with a crispy crust and flavorful toppings.
- Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana: Another excellent option for Neapolitan sourdough pizza, with a focus on simplicity and high-quality ingredients.
- Homeslice: Offers a range of sourdough pizzas with a more experimental approach to toppings, including vegan and gluten-free options.
- Yard Sale Pizza: Serves sourdough pizzas with a focaccia-like crust, resulting in a thick and chewy base.
- Sodo Pizza: Specializes in sourdough pizza with a crispy, airy crust and a variety of creative toppings.
What You Need to Know
1. Is Pizza Express sourdough pizza vegan?
No, Pizza Express sourdough pizza is not vegan as it contains dairy products in the base and cheese as a topping.
2. Is Pizza Express sourdough pizza gluten-free?
No, Pizza Express sourdough pizza is not gluten-free as it contains wheat flour in the base.
3. What is the best sourdough pizza topping at Pizza Express?
The best sourdough pizza topping at Pizza Express is subjective and depends on personal preference. However, some popular choices include the Margherita, Pepperoni, Nduja Calabrese, and Pollo Ad Astra.
