The phrase refers to authentic New York City-style pizza. This style typically features a thin, hand-tossed crust, a slightly sweet tomato sauce, and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese. The size of the pies are generally large, meant to be sliced into wide, foldable pieces for easy eating. It represents a specific culinary tradition within the larger category of pizza, reflecting the city’s immigrant history and evolution of Italian cuisine in America.
Its significance lies in its cultural representation of New York City. The style has become iconic, symbolizing a quick, affordable, and flavorful meal enjoyed by many. Its historical roots are traced to the early Italian immigrant communities in the city, with family-run pizzerias perfecting their recipes over generations. The popularity of this specific pizza style contributes significantly to the city’s culinary identity and tourism.