The fresh veggie toppings, though arugula was markedly absent, in its place diced tomatoes and lettuce.



If you’ve never had panizza, you first take a narrow strip, then load it up with the veggie toppings, maybe adding a few drops of hot sauce too if you like it hot.



You then roll it up like a little Italian burrito, and stuff it in your face.

Uncle Cheffy’s East Meets West Panizza

PHP 495 (family-size) – Parma ham, salami, kesong puti, salted eggs, tomatoes, mango, and three cheeses.

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Inspired by the panizzas of C’Italian Dining in Angeles City, Pampanga, this version, I’m sad to say, paled in comparison. It was just odd overall and didn’t work for me.

One of two bestselling panizzas recommended by our server, it had, among its motley mix of toppings, salted egg and mango. Yup, you read that right. Mango. Like most people, I’ve had pineapples on a pizza, even pears, but never mangoes. It was a peculiar topping to have, so much so that I felt at times like I were eating mango bibingka instead of a pizza. I’d understand it more if their intention was to make it one of those frou-frou dessert pizzas, but it had savory toppings on it as well, making the combination all too bizarre for me.

Also, it didn’t have any Parma ham as advertised and the pieces of “salami” they used were cheap and none too appetizing, the type normally used in sandwiches that you’ll find in the frozen, commercially processed meats section at the supermarket.

I think I probably would have enjoyed this pizza more had they removed the mango and salted egg from the mix, as the flavors they imparted to the whole just pushed it over the edge for me.

Verdict: 1.5 / 5

…………………………………………………………………………………………

Uncle Cheffy is located at Pilahan, Sabang, Lipa City, Batangas. Tel: 043.757.6201. Mobile: 0917.509.0634.

• Ali Mall – Ali Mall, P. Tuazon Blvd., Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City. Tel: 709.4104 to 05
• Eastwood Mall – 2/F Eastwood Mall Veranda, Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City. Tel: 383.7215
• Fort Bonifacio – Forbes Town Center, Rizal Drive cor. Burgos Circle, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Tel: 659.8030

•