The title of the “most popular dish in the world” is often debated, but one dish that consistently ranks at the top globally is Pizza. Its origins are Italian, but pizza has become a beloved comfort food across cultures and continents.
Below is a guide on how to make a classic Margherita pizza, one of the most popular and simple varieties, including some tips and an estimate of its calorie content.
Food has the power to bring people together across cultures, and while every country has its beloved specialties, some dishes have managed to transcend borders. Ask ten people what the most popular dish in the world is, and you’ll likely get ten different answers. Pizza, sushi, curry, and pasta are just a few contenders, each carrying global recognition and passionate fans.
But popularity isn’t just about taste. It’s about accessibility, adaptability, and cultural influence. A dish becomes “global” when it can be recreated in different kitchens, adapted with local ingredients, and still retain its essence. That’s why some recipes—like Italian pizza or Chinese fried rice—can be found in nearly every corner of the planet.
This guide takes a closer look at what makes a dish truly the world’s most popular, offering not just answers but a recipe guide so you can recreate these global icons at home and understand why they resonate with so many.
Read here best Italian food, vegetarian food in Italy, best drinks in Italy and best breakfast in Italy
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How to Eat
The joy of eating globally popular dishes lies in their familiarity. Pizza, for example, can be eaten by hand, slice by slice, in a casual setting, making it universally appealing. Its versatility allows toppings to reflect local flavors without losing its essence.
Rice-based dishes like fried rice or biryani are often eaten with spoons or even hands, depending on tradition, highlighting the role of culture in shaping how we connect with food. The method of eating is part of the experience, reflecting centuries of habit.
Meanwhile, pasta—arguably one of the strongest contenders—can be enjoyed simply with a fork or even twirled with a spoon. Its comforting texture and adaptability mean it feels familiar to both a family dinner and a fine-dining restaurant.
How to Partner
Pizza pairs effortlessly with a wide range of drinks, from casual sodas and beers to Italian wines, making it suitable for both quick meals and social gatherings. Its flexibility is part of why it thrives globally.
For rice dishes, the best partners are often sides like grilled meats, stir-fried vegetables, or spicy curries. These combinations highlight how rice is often a base that amplifies the flavors of whatever accompanies it.
Pasta, on the other hand, pairs beautifully with wines, salads, and bread. A simple spaghetti al pomodoro can stand alone or shine as part of a larger Italian-inspired meal, proving why pasta consistently ranks among the most beloved foods.
The controversy begins with defining “most popular.” Is it the dish eaten by the greatest number of people daily, like rice, or the dish that has traveled the farthest, like pizza? Measuring popularity depends on perspective, making the debate more cultural than factual.
Another debate centers on authenticity versus adaptation. Some argue that pizza in New York or curry in London has strayed too far from its roots to be called authentic, while others believe these adaptations are exactly why the dishes became global icons.
Finally, there’s the question of accessibility. Some critics argue that calling pizza or sushi the “most popular” overlooks regions where these foods are rare or expensive. For billions of people, staples like rice or bread are far more central, even if they don’t make flashy Instagram posts.
Classic Margherita Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
Pizza Topping:
1/2 cup tomato sauce (preferably homemade or a high-quality brand)
1 1/2 cups fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn into pieces
Fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
How To Make Classic Margherita Pizza
Make the Dough
Dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until the dough comes together, then knead on a lightly floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Prepare the Toppings
Preheat your oven to its highest setting, typically around 475°F to 500°F (245°C to 260°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up. While the oven heats, prepare your toppings. Slice the mozzarella and set aside. Have the tomato sauce and fresh basil leaves ready.
Assemble the Pizza
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and divide it into 2-3 equal portions, depending on how large you want your pizzas.
Roll out one portion of dough on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness (thin crust is typical for Margherita).
Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a pizza peel or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Distribute the mozzarella slices evenly over the sauce.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt.
Bake the Pizza
Carefully slide the pizza onto the preheated pizza stone (or bake on the baking sheet) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil if desired. Slice and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Pizza
For the best results, let the dough rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. This improves the flavor and texture. Use high-quality tomatoes, like San Marzano, and keep the sauce simple with just tomatoes, a little salt, and olive oil.
A pizza stone or steel in the oven helps to achieve a crispy crust. Preheat it thoroughly before baking.
Pizza Calories
A typical slice of Margherita pizza (1/8 of a large pizza) contains around 200-250 calories, depending on the thickness of the crust and the amount of cheese and oil used. A whole pizza might have around 1,600 to 2,000 calories.
Pizza’s versatility and universal appeal make it a favorite dish around the world. From its simple Margherita form to countless variations with different toppings and styles, pizza continues to be a beloved meal for people of all ages.
Serving Suggestions
Pizza is best served hot, fresh out of the oven, either whole for sharing or sliced individually. Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables to balance indulgence with freshness.
Rice dishes should be served family-style, allowing guests to scoop portions and combine them with sides of their choice. This communal aspect is part of what makes rice a global connector.
Pasta is versatile: serve it in generous bowls with simple toppings for a rustic meal, or elevate it with sauces, seafood, or truffle shavings for a luxurious version. Either way, it thrives in both casual and formal settings.
Final Thoughts
The most popular dish in the world may never have a single definitive answer, but that’s the beauty of food. Popularity depends on culture, accessibility, and personal taste, meaning there’s no wrong answer—only different perspectives.
Pizza, pasta, and rice may top the list, but what unites them is their ability to cross borders and feel familiar no matter where you are. They’re proof that food is the closest thing to a universal language.
Ultimately, the most popular dish in the world is the one that brings people together at your table. Whether it’s pizza shared with friends, a bowl of curry with family, or pasta for a solo dinner, the true winner is the joy that comes from sharing food.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.