Pizza Toast: Japan’s Unique Twist on a Global Favorite

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I was craving pizza this morning, so I made some Pizza Toast for breakfast.

​You might have something similar in your country, but did you know that Pizza Toast actually originated in Japan?

​Back in the Showa era (mid-20th century), pizza was considered a luxury food and wasn't something you could easily find. It’s said that a coffee shop (Kissaten) in Yurakucho, Tokyo, first came up with the idea because people wanted an easy way to enjoy the flavor of pizza using the bread they had at home.

​I made mine by spreading ketchup on a thick slice of Japanese white bread and topping it with onions, green peppers, sausages, and a generous layer of cheese before toasting it.


​I've heard that in the U.S., there are similar quick snacks using thin bread, but in Japan, it’s a classic "Kissaten" menu item characterized by that signature thick-cut bread.

​While it’s easy to make at home like I did today, many traditional Japanese coffee shops still serve it. If you ever visit a Kissaten in Japan, you should definitely give it a try!

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