Although Cubans, like everyone else, know that the pizza was born in Italy, in noisy Naples to be exact, it could be said that just like other earthlings, they have turned this dish into a non-removable appendage of the national diet.
They enjoy it in numerous and diverse variants, from the simple original Neapolitan to the sensational Hawaiian that is very fashionable these days. That is why this February 9th, World International Pizza Day, is so joyful, becoming one of the best contributions of Italian cuisine to the heritage of humanity, whether you are rich or poor.
Practically the majority of people succumb to this nutritious and crunchy food, benefited by cheap and fast ways to prepare it. Very elaborate and refined recipes, worthy of gourmet restaurants, are also known in Cuba. Popular and haute cuisine, it is also highly preferred in street versions to take away and eat while walking.
Although there were good Italian food restaurants in the Cuban capital from earlier dates, it can be said that the true explosion of pizzas and pizzerias was unleashed in the 60s and 70s, including the 80s. There was practically no city, municipality or town on the Island that was respected that did not have its popular and very cheap pizzeria. There the main dish was always pizza, combined with spaghetti, soft drinks, malts and no alcoholic beverages.
Mainly, it was a place for family and students. To our liking, I have noticed that the pizzas should be fluffy and at the same time crispy, with a lot of cheese, if possible. In Italy they are preferred more concise, perhaps with less yeast. For tastes, there are colors to choose.
There are many private vendors who have undertaken the business of making and selling this dish in Cuba, so the traditional establishments of the genre have become rich. I have a friend who always says: &My thing with pizzas is a lifelong love. Uhmmm!"