HAMTRAMCK – Even pizza-lovers probably haven't tried Amar Pizza's twist on the American and Italian classic.
The Hamtramck pizzeria, opened in 2009 by four brothers from Bangladesh, found success with unique fusion pizzas that bring spicy, curry flavors to traditional pizza. A good example on the menu is the dry fish pizza, which includes dried shrimp and fish paste sauce. (Watch the video above to see how it's made)
"There's a lot of fishing happening in Bangladesh in the Bangol regions," he said. "So you don't have the fish go to waste, they'll dry up the fish and have it edible at a later time."
The pizza's sauce, rather than marinara, is made out of the dried fish blended with spices. It's a distinct flavor, said co-owner Khurshed Ahmed.
"It's a love or hate thing," he said. "Some people love it, and then there's people who can't stand the smell of it. If you're into anchovies, or things like that, it's the pizza for you. It's like anchovies on steroids."
While Amar Pizza is modest on the outside, you'll receive a warm reception to match their signature pizza's spicy flavor.
The restaurant's name translates to "my pizza is your pizza," explained Ashraf Ahmed, co-owner of the restaurant with his three brothers. "That's the best way to welcome someone into your family, or business, is to say what's mine is yours."
Less adventurous than a dry fish pizza? Amar Pizza offers a wide menu of options, from more traditional pizzas to hot dogs and wings. It's located at 11608 Conant St. in Hamtramck.
Interested in trying another Bangladeshi recipe? Here's their take on chicken biryan (and watch the vidoe above for a cooking demonstration featuring the recipe):
CHICKEN BIRYANI RECIPE
INGREDIENTS:
4 large onions, chopped
2 1/2 oz tandoori paste
2 packets of biryani mix
8 oz plain yogurt
4lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into cubes
5 cups basmati rice
12 oz vegetable oil
1 oz salt
red food coloring
green food coloring
DIRECTIONS (RICE):
1.) place 5 cups of rice in 30 cup rice cooker
2.) add 3qts of water and let cook
3.) while rice cooks prepare the curry
*when rice is done add 2-3 drops of each food coloring over top
DIRECTIONS (curry):
1.) place oil, salt and onion in 5qt pot
2.) sauté until onion pieces become transparent
3.) add chicken
4.) cook for 10 minutes, stir occasionally
5.) add tandoori paste, biryani mix and yogurt
6.) cook for 20 minutes, stir occasionally
7.) empty cooked rice in hotel pan
8.) mix rice to spread the color around
9.) cover with the curry
10.) MIX AND ENJOY!!!
*garnish with cilantro
