Thin and crispy crust — COPOKA’s Italian wood-fired pizza goes budget-friendly

▲Eating American-style pizza is a Taiwanese habit, but Italian pizza has a thin, crispy crust, offering a completely different texture. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Reported by Chen Ziying / Taipei

Taiwanese people prefer thick-crust pizzas with a soft, fluffy bread texture — that’s more of an American style. But this pizza shop on Jinshan South Road in Taipei serves thin-crust, crispy pizzas in the Italian style, using handmade wood-fired ovens to preserve the authentic taste of traditional Italian pizza.

Having just opened three months ago, “COPOKA PIZZA” is tucked away in a small shop located in Lane 85, Section 2, Jinshan South Road. Unless someone shows you the way, you might not even know such an affordable and delicious pizza place exists. Owner Qiu Hui’e chose this spot because he likes the relaxing atmosphere here, and how he can watch the busy street outside while enjoying a quiet meal.

The most eye-catching feature in the shop is the wood-fired oven. The double-layered oven can reach temperatures of up to 300 degrees Celsius — it’s the most expensive piece of equipment in the store and also the soul of the whole shop. Various pizzas are placed in the first layer of the oven and baked for about three minutes until the crust turns slightly golden before spices are added. Qiu Hui’e says each ingredient can be adjusted according to customers’ preferences, creating a unique flavor.
 
▲Traditional Italian wood-fired pizza reaches temperatures of up to 300 degrees, and spices are sprinkled on the slightly charred surface of the crust, which actually enhances the aroma. The photo shows the owner’s creative pizza “Kenting.” (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

 
▲The freshly hand-rolled dough is truly a craft — made to order on the spot. Owner Qiu Hui’e is inspired by both Italian traditions and Taiwanese tastes. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Italian-style pizzas are less common in Taiwan, and their flavors tend to be bolder and saltier. The cheese doesn’t stretch as much, and the crust is much thinner than the American style. Right out of the oven, it’s fragrant and crispy, and even when cooled, the crust doesn’t harden. Instead, it has a snack-like, crunchy feel. Even if reheated, the crust doesn’t easily become greasy, making it popular among certain food enthusiasts.

 
▲Italian pizza is as crispy as a cracker, with less cheese stretch but bolder flavors. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Most of the pizza flavors at the shop are based on Qiu Hui’e’s personal experiences and travel memories. He also makes some adjustments based on customer feedback. He said, “Actually, foreign tourists really like the bold flavors here. They enjoy the chewy crust and umami-rich toppings. Taiwanese people often say they prefer sweet and light flavors, but after trying this, they find it unexpectedly satisfying.” The shop’s most popular item is the “Pork Chop” pizza, which combines tender pork chop, pickled cucumber, and pineapple — a combination that sounds odd but is surprisingly tasty. The sweet and sour sauce, pickled vegetables, and slightly smoky pork chop create a flavor reminiscent of home-cooked meals.

%In fact, if you look closely, you’ll see that the crust is hand-rolled. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ziying)

Qiu Hui’e said he hopes to offer a more leisurely dining experience, or even allow customers to bring their own drinks or beer. The pricing is based on real operational costs, so diners can enjoy a satisfying meal without worrying about unexpected expenses. Even if you just want to eat one slice, it’s not a problem.
 
【Shop Information】
COPOKA PIZZA
Address: No. 7, Lane 85, Section 2, Jinshan South Road, Taipei City
Phone: (02) 2321-2141
Price: One pizza costs between NT$220 and NT$230
Fan page link:Copoka PIZZA — Homemade wood-fired pizza

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