Indian pizza is LA’s latest foodie flex

Indian pizza is where butter chicken cozies up to mozzarella, tikka masala is the DJ, and your taste buds dance the bhangra. It's where East meets West in the most Bollywood way possible.

This deep cut cultural classic is a beloved tradition among cross continental Indians. Name an L.A. neighborhood, and there will be a desi pizzeria within a short drive.

It's not such a stretch — in India, oven-style cooking isn’t new. The tandoor, a clay oven from the Indus Valley civilization, baked early flatbreads like naan and roti.

Over the years, through Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British influences, the baked goods tradition evolved. In 1902, two Italians, the Mongini brothers, opened a confectionery with a namesake restaurant in Bombay. While they did not offer pizza then, it was only a matter of time. By the late ’80s, Mongini was an Indian-owned business and its ready-made pizza bases began sliding into Indian kitchens.

Although these bases were shelf-stable and more doughy like pita bread, the spice-laden Maggie ketchup with onions, garlic, cayenne pepper and jalapeños doubled up as pizza sauce. With a sustained love affair with the iconic Amul cheese — a homegrown creamy white cheddar — Indian pizza was born.

By the ’90s, pizzerias were popping up across India, offering toppings like tandoori chicken and tandoori paneer, with chili paste and yellow mustard on the side.

As Indian immigrants arrived in the U.S., they brought their love of Indian pizza with them. Restaurant entrepreneurs were happy to satiate that craving, setting up eateries across California and growing in originality and scale.

If you're a fan of robust, dynamic flavors, here are five unique places at the forefront of Indian pizza, all nestled within the embrace of greater L.A.

Pizza Twist (various locations)

From Newbury Park to the San Bernardino Valley and down to Anaheim, every location of this national franchise offers a massive lineup of Indian pizzas. Sure, you’ll find familiar hits like Tandoori Chicken and Tikka Masala — and yes, they’ve got gluten-free, halal, vegan and Detroit-style options.

But the real gems? The Indo-Chinese Manchurian pizza, a buttery Lahori version layered with spicy makhani sauce, and a Shahi twist served on pillowy naan. No surprise — it's the Achari pizza that steals the show, bursting with the bold, tangy heat of Indian pickles.

Curry Pizza House (Tustin)

Born in Fremont in 2012, this spot’s nearest L.A. outpost is a go-to fix for busy homemakers craving something bold. The Aloo Chaat pizza is the star— potatoes marinated in tangy chaat masala that are roast to golden, crispy perfection. Classics like Aloo Gobi and Lamb Kabob get the pizza treatment too, finished with fresh cilantro for extra flair. And whatever you do, don’t skip the garlic sticks — these desi versions come stacked with pesto, green chilies, red onions, and yes, even pineapple.

Curry Pizza Company (various locations)

With three locations across greater L.A., this pizzeria might just have the most “can-do” menu in town. Build your own pie with crusts ranging from classic to cauliflower, sauces like pesto or curry, and toppings that run the gamut — from bell peppers and onions to ginger, chili sauce, Canadian bacon, or halal shawarma and garlic chicken.

Their Canadian roots show, too: think waffle fries loaded with Butter Chicken or Butter Paneer, a desi nod to classic poutine.

Indian Pizza Grill (Anaheim)

Here’s your excuse to switch up your pizza game. Operating out of the Anaheim Food Company cloud kitchen, Indian Pizza Grill brings bold Indian flavors to the takeout scene. The menu spans traditional Indian dishes and globally-inspired pizzas — think marinated fish or shrimp, or toppings seasoned with fiery Peri-Peri spice. It’s a mash-up that nods to multiple world cuisines. The kitchen opens at noon, with pick-up only — no dine-in, just straight-up flavor to go.

Pijja Palace

Pijja Palace on Sunset Blvd.

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Courtesy Pijja Palace

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Blending the vibe of a sports bar with the bold Indian flavors, offering share plates, pizza and wings, this compact spot at the edge of the Sunset Strip is a go-to for everything from kids’ birthday parties to game-day hangouts.

The menu reimagines pizza with a global twist, layered with sauces like peri peri, mint chutney, or vindaloo, and topped with turkey kabobs, jalfrezi-style bell peppers, and a kick of habanero or green chili. It's finger food made fun and fiery, and the place is always buzzing.