Chicken Tikka Pizza at Pizza And Curry, Fremont, CA
Not your typical pizzeria, Pizza and Curry offers food inspired by the fusion of Italian and Indian cuisines. My first reaction upon hearing about this pizza joint was bewilderment, a reaction that I’d wager is shared by many. But that was quickly followed by the epiphany that this concept has the potential to be a combination made in heaven. It’s not so much of a stretch to imagine pizzas topped with Indian spice blends, paneer, or curry sauce. One reviewer hilariously describes Pizza and Curry as pizza with a “turban twist.”
Group of friends can’t decide between Indian food or pizza for dinner? Why not both? And for those looking to go the more traditional pizza route, they have that too. Pizza and Curry is also a great dining destination for vegetarians, with its veg-conscious menu offering a variety of options that are clearly marked as vegetarian or containing eggs and cheese.
Restaurant Review of Pizza and Curry
Food Review
Aside from the traditional Italian types of pizza (the likes of Margherita, veggie, Greek, and the classic combination), some of the specialty pizzas seem pretty out-there. Tandoori Potato pizza? Pav Bhaji, a pizza topped with curry sauce and spicy potatoes, cauliflower and other veggies along with mozzarella and lemon wedges? Those are some unique combinations. One that was quite unusual but definitely interesting and worth trying is the Mango Chaat Pizza, which seemed like the most popular selection, based on my observations over the hour or so I was there. The Mango Chaat Pizza is topped with spiced mangoes, onions and bell pepper, along with spicy curry sauce and mozzarella. I’ve yet to try any kind of spiced mango, but the concept is intriguing and I wish I’d noticed this pie before I ordered.
At the same time, the Chicken Tikka Pizza, which seemed like a safe but slightly adventurous choice, was just about perfect. The pizza is topped with a creamy garlic sauce, mozzarella, diced tomatoes and red onions, and cilantro, along with chopped chicken tikka. I somehow expected the chicken to be saucy, but there was no sauce, just flavoring on the chicken. Regardless, the blend of flavors was just right. The garlic sauce was a little bit sweet and very creamy, the chicken was just a little bit spicy, and the fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro provided the perfect counterpart. The crust is thick and soft with a little crunch on the bottom (though they do offer thin crust), and it has a good flavor. I would happily eat that same pizza again, although I may try that Mango Chaat next time. Pizza and Curry certainly satisfies pizza cravings, but if you really desire some curry, it may be a better bet to head somewhere else.
Service Review
There was not a lot of service to speak of, but what there was could use some work. When we asked about pizza sizes, the woman taking orders stared at us blankly for a moment before telling us they had personal, medium, large and extra-large. Duh. We were hoping to find out how big those sizes might be, but we clearly weren’t getting any answers. A guy came out later to help us box up our leftovers, and we could tell he was more experienced, knowledgeable and helpful.
Ambiance Review
The dining area at Pizza and Curry is tiny – with seating for fewer than 20 people. It seems to be geared toward pick-up and delivery orders over dine-in, but there were still a few groups enjoying the flat screen tuned to the Niners game. The restaurant’s minimal décor is vaguely Indian, with a color scheme of bold orange, yellow and light green, and a mural on the wall of a traditionally dressed Indian woman making pizza.
Price Review
These pizzas are about $6 for a personal, $15 for a medium, $20 for a large, and $28 for an extra-large (which are, for the record, 7, 12, 14, and 18 inches respectively).
Location
Pizza and Curry is located in the Irvington district of Fremont, on the corner of Fremont Boulevard and Blacow Road. It’s tucked into a tiny strip mall along with a yoga studio and a liquor store. Parking is available around the back, where the entrance to the restaurant is. For pick-up orders, there are spots reserved right in front.
Address: 42136 Blacow Road, Fremont, CA 94538
Phone: 510-687-0000
Hours
Monday: 4 pm – 9 pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday and Thursday: 4 pm – 9:30 pm
Friday: 4 pm – 10 pm
Saturday: 11 am – 10 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 9 pm