UPDATE: It's a sad, sad day in the Italindian community. Bombay Eats has lost their lease and is no longer open for business. It's rumored to be replaced with a Ramen shop (because we totally need more of those), but it hasn't been confirmed. We'll keep you informed!

No, it’s not a pizza-like Uttapam. It’s a slice of regular Italian pizza… with Indian toppings. This is happening.

I first noticed the Indian Pizza at Bombay Eats (52nd btwn 8th & 9th) a few weeks ago, but alas, it was closing time. I did have a chance to peer into the place, which surprisingly looked like an ordinary pizza joint. I left it alone and went on my way… but it wasn’t long till I was once again faced with this delicious anomaly… 

“Did you know there’s a place near you that serves INDIAN PIZZA?!” Adam shouted through the phone. “We’re getting it tonight. Which kind do you want?”

Before I could contemplate whether either culture would approve of this concoction, there was a monstrous slice of Saag Paneer sitting on my kitchen table. Adam had ordered Tandoori Chicken pizza for himself, and our two slices must've weighed more than a small child. Topped with pepper, onion, fresh cilantro, sautéed spinach, mozzarella and paneer cubes, my Indian pizza looked more like Mount Abu… and at $3.50 a slice, this thing was clearly $1/lb.

Adam relayed to me how the nice folk at Bombay Eats took an individual slice of Italian pizza and threw up India all over it. They chopped all the veggies and herbs for each slice, piled it on, and smothered it with cheese and what have you. After baking the slices in an oven for 10 minutes, they came out bubbly and golden. Fascinating.

Though I hesitated at first bite, my saag paneer pizza was surprisingly delicious. Between the thick crust, mellow paneer cubes and zesty cilantro, it all magically worked somehow. There was so much going on in every bite, I was excited to keep eating… only, I could hardly finish 2/3 of the slice. I was serious when I said it was a freakin’ mountain.

Would I eat Indian Pizza again? You bet! This crazy amalgam of cultural tradition is a true symbol of the New York City “melting pot.” And who knows what’ll come of this… Ras Malai Cannolis? Navratan Korma Pasta? The possibilities are endless.