Pizza may be one of the world’s most loved foods, but its journey from a humble Neapolitan street snack to a staple of food trucks across Birmingham is nothing short of fascinating. In this post, we take a quick look at the origins of wood-fired pizza, why it’s still popular today, and how it’s evolved along the way.
Origins in Naples, Italy
Wood-fired pizza has its roots in 18th-century Naples, where it began as a working-class food. Baked in simple wood-burning ovens, these early pizzas were made with affordable ingredients — flat dough, tomatoes, garlic, oil, and sometimes cheese or anchovies. They were quick to prepare, easy to eat on the go, and incredibly satisfying.
The classic Margherita pizza (with tomato, mozzarella, and basil) was reportedly created in 1889 in honour of Queen Margherita of Savoy. Its colours — red, white, and green — matched the Italian flag, and the pizza’s popularity took off from there.
The Craft of Wood-Fired Cooking
What sets wood-fired pizza apart is its cooking method. The intense heat (often reaching over 400°C) cooks the dough in just 60 to 90 seconds. This creates the perfect balance of textures — crisp on the outside, airy and chewy on the inside, with a distinctive char known as “leopard spotting.”
Wood-fired ovens also impart a subtle smoky flavour that can’t be replicated in conventional ovens. The fast cook time helps preserve the freshness of toppings and gives the cheese that beautiful, bubbling melt.
Wood-Fired Pizza in the UK
While pizza became a global phenomenon in the 20th century, the wood-fired tradition remained strong in Italy and slowly spread across Europe. In the UK, wood-fired pizza has grown especially popular in recent years thanks to the rise of street food, pop-up dining, and mobile catering.
Food trucks and outdoor events have brought pizza back to its roots — served hot, fast, and fresh to people in parks, markets, and weddings. The combination of ancient technique and modern creativity means today’s wood-fired pizza can be both classic and experimental.
A Culinary Tradition That Keeps Burning
Despite new trends in food tech and fast-casual dining, wood-fired pizza remains beloved because of its connection to tradition, flavour, and experience. Whether you’re enjoying it in Naples or on a rainy day in Birmingham, there’s something timeless about tearing into a slice straight from the flames.