Thai Curry Pizza

Starting in 1985, California Pizza Kitchen began introducing Americans to fusion pizzas, daring to offer everything from Peking Duck to Thai BBQ and Jerk Chicken as toppings for what were “supposed to be” cheese and pepperoni pies. Soon enough, the idea of poultry and other pizza toppings didn’t seem so exotic, and smaller competiors began offering a wider range of internationally inspired alternatives. Now Thai Curry Pizza in Long Beach is churning out some of the most delicious fusion pizzas we’ve ever tried.

The restaurant – originally “Dean’s Pizza” before the current owners bought and began converting it in 2004 – still has Dean’s signage outside, hinting that this strip mall space might not have been updated in a while. Inside, there are a few tables, a bunch of signs advertising their Thai pizzas, and a newspaper article mentioning the restaurant and proclaiming that pizza has just gone global… in 2010. It’s a wake-up call for anyone who may think they’re discovering something brand new.

On your first taste of their pizzas, however, you’ll wonder how you could have been missing out on them for the prior part of your life. The namesake pizza is very good, featuring a lightly coconutty curry sauce with chicken, peppers and onions. It can be ordered in any size you prefer, and if you’re not sure if you’ll love it, start with the small and return again when you’ve made up your mind – there will certainly be something worth ordering.