Who’s Who in the Cheesy Pizza Cup Final Taste-Off
With the Cheesy Pizza Cup ’23 Final Four decided, it’s time to take a look at the four top pizza joints taking part in the Final Taste-Off this weekend.
Gung Ho!
These pizza makers from New Zealand have made a name for themselves since opening in 2010 thanks to some unconventional offerings – case in point: their Black Truffle pizza, topped with truffle sauce, truffle oil, and a whole lot of mushrooms, which they'll be showcasing at the Taste-Off this year. Gung Ho! has been named champion three times – in 2014, 2015, and 2018 – and they’re looking to bring home a fourth title this time around.
Pie Squared
Reigning Pizza Cup champion (and 2017 winner) Pie Squared sets itself apart from the competition with Detroit-style pizza, an offshoot of Sicilian-style pizza characterized by a thick doughy base and rectangular shape with cheese that’s crisped on the edges as well as a crunchy, caramelized, almost burned crust that gives way to soft gooey insides and tons of flavor. They'll be bringing their ever popular Motown Meatball with them this year, which comes topped with red sauce, melted cheese, homemade meatballs and caramelized red onions.
Joe’s Pizza
After making Shanghai their first international location outside New York in 2017, Joe’s Pizza finally arrived in Beijing in September 2022. They’ve been a hit since their arrival, as people can’t get enough of their big New York-style pies, pizza-by-the-slice, and inventive snacks. This popularity has propelled Joe’s into the finals, making for what could be a Cinderella Story for this year’s Cheesy Pizza Cup. Joe's will be keeping it as classic as it gets, bringing their pepperoni pizza for your consideration during the Final.
Forno
Another relative newbie in this year’s Final Four, but a familiar face in Pizza Cup since their opening in 2020, Forno brings rustic Roman-style pizza in pala to the table. Translating to “pizza of the paddle”, pizza in pala is traditionally rectangular and served on the long pizza peel used to put it in and take it out of the oven. Forno will be showcasing their Diavola pizza at the Taste-Off, featuring a light airy dough base topped with tomato sauce, mozzarella, chili flakes, salame filino, and fresh basil.
But wait, there’s one more!
Just to keep your taste buds tantalized, we’ll be adding a final Mystery Pizza to the party, making for five pizzas to choose from!
All you have to do is try them all, decide on your favorite, and cast your vote for Beijing’s best pizza of 2023 live at our bar-style Cheesy Pizza Cup Final Taste-Off THIS SATURDAY (Feb 11) at LANNG Art Center!
Scan the QR code in the poster to book your tickets today, and read more about what’s in store here.
The Beijinger's Cheesy Pizza Cup Final Taste-Off Party takes place this Saturday at Langyuan Vintage with four tasting periods at 10.30am-1pm, 1.30-4pm, 4.30-7pm, and 7.30-10.30pm. Scan the QR code in the poster above to purchase tickets. Advanced purchase only, no tickets are available at the door!
READ: The Cheesy Pizza Cup Final Taste-Off is Here!
Images: The Beijingers, courtesy of the participating venues
