National Pride at Stake as Pizza Cup Final Four Approaches
With less than 24 hours to go before the final four is announced, it’s time to take a look at the national origins of our Elite Eight. National pride is at stake, with eight competitors from five nations all hoping for a slot in the Final Four.
Representing China: Annie’s
While its pizzas are Italian style, Annie’s is a homegrown Beijing institution. With more locations than any other competitor and a history that predates them all by a decade, Annie’s is a popular favorite that sometimes catches flack for being inauthentic. But sales records speak for themselves, and there’s no doubt that its combination of reasonable prices, unbeatable delivery speed, and convenience makes it a worthy competitor.
Representing New Zealand: Gung Ho!
What does New Zealand know about pizza? A lot, considering it’s one of the world’s leading manufacturers and exporters of cheese. In Beijing, the Kiwi-founded pizzeria is leading the charge in innovation with creative pizza combos not seen elsewhere, and via ethical business practices, being one of the few companies in Beijing to have achieved certified B Corporation status.
Representing Mexico: Q Mex
While owned and operated by Americans, it’s only fitting to classify Q Mex as representing Mexico, thanks to the south-of-the-border stylings of its Mexican-American head chef. With him at the helm, Q Mex has made a name for itself not only with the classics but also with other fare such as award-winning burgers and pizzas.
Representing The United States: Pie Squared and The Local
Our defending champion Pie Squared is unique in that it serves Detroit-style pizza: thick crust, square cut and delicious through and through. It’s also the only competitor that does not have a location within the fifth ring: its sole outlet is in northeastern Chaoyang District outside the Beijing Riviera villa complex.
Meanwhile, American-run pub The Local doesn't even specialize in pizza but nevertheless garners lots of well-deserved praise for all of its menu items (try the cauliflower buffalo “wings” for an awesome meatless dish). Yet its pizzas are amongst our readers’ favorites – particularly on Monday nights when all 12-inchers are on sale for half price between 4pm and 10pm.
Representing Italy: Bottega, La Pizza, and Eatalia
What can we say about this trio? All Italian-run, these three have been among the league leaders in offering genuine Italian pizza to Beijing. Bottega and La Pizza sell classic Neapolitan style pizzas with thin crusts and billowy edges, while Eatalia serves Roman-style pizza, which tends to be crispier and more varied. All are excellent and can be cited by Italians as the “real deal,” and in our opinion, are arguments 1, 2, and 3 in the case for Beijing being one of the best pizza cities around.
Who’s your pick? Frankly, this vote is a tough one, as you can’t go wrong with any one of them. However the contest marches on and four shall go on – let us know your pick before noon tomorrow, Oct 30.
Scan the QR Code below to vote the best pizza through to the Final Four!
Miss something? Brush up on who is still left standing in the Elite Eight
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