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April 14, 1996
Okonomiyaki is somewhat similar to pizza. I believe it originated from the Dutch settlers in Japan.
Pizza
Pizza is a very popular in America. Just as several types of okonomiyaki
can be found in Japan (for example, Hiroshima, Osaka, and Tokyo styles)
there are distinct kinds of pizza in the States.
The standard American pizza has a medium thick crust, a somewhat zesty tomato sauce, and a variety of ingredients. It is very similar to the pizza one finds in Japan.
New Yorkers often describe their unique style of pizza as being "cardboard with grease on top." Ready-made and sold by the slice, it is a quick and popular dish. Despite the description, it is tasty - as long as you fold it lengthwise and tilt it (to allow the grease to drain off onto your plate) before eating. If you keep it folded and eat it sandwich style you will look like a New Yorker enjoying "pizza by the slice." However, I bet you would rather eat like a Chicagoan.
Chicago style pizza is very thick and rich. A thin crust on the top holds a huge amount of cheese and your choice of other ingredients inside this "pizza pie." Atop the upper crust is the familiar tomato sauce. Two pieces of this deep dish pizza are a filling meal.
Until I moved to Chicago I could not imagine eating pizza with a knife and fork. Now, though, I look forward to when I must do so!