Chooby Pizza, Owen Rd: “The Pulled Pork rules the brood with a sexy smokiness”

It’s quite unexpected to hear of a coffee spot—in this case, Old Hen—be also famous for setting up a pizza shop. We’re not talking about any old pizza place; it’s Chooby Pizza, along Owen Road, that’s made a mark on the radar of food-seekers wanting somewhere to ‘revenge-spend’ now that we have nowhere to travel to.

Supported by the same folks behind the famed cafe, they serve Napoli-style sourdough pizzas that go through 24 hours of proofing before being slathered in San Marzano tomato sauce and topped with a variety of fresh ingredients. I can vouch that you catch a potent whiff of the love that they pour into every pie, as I stepped into Chooby Pizza, and it’s befitting of the owner’s affection for sourdough bread.

The oven they use is a wood fire variety, resulting in an irresistible char. With only a slim menu of (currently) six pizzas, you know their focus is on quality.

What I tried

Chooby Pizza 4

Their Margherita (S$14, +S$3 for pepperoni) is as basic as you can get, and I’m not slinging an insult their way by stating so. The message here is ‘less is more’, but I have to add to that and proclaim ‘less is YES‘.

Even after allowing time for photos, the pizza refused to sog (much to my delight, thank you Chooby Pizza) and the cheese remained adequately plump. What really caught my attention was the crust; we know it’s the one element of contention when it comes to pizza—to finish it or chuck it aside (because who has time for extra carbs?).

Here, you’ll want to make room for the crust and savour the fluffy, airy joy of charred sourdough. It might just be me high and heady on firewood-and-pizza fumes, but the San Marzano tomatoes really do make all the difference.

With only fior di latte and pecorino to distract you from the sauce, the brightness and sweet tang of the tomatoes popped by (more than once) to say ‘hi’ and stayed for the remainder of the meal.

Chooby Pizza 6

I know you’d all secretly hate me if I didn’t mention Chooby Pizza’s Truffle Mushroom (S$17). I mean, let’s be real; truffle anything seems to have a way with people these days. And as a non-trend enthusiast, it pains me a little to reveal that their Truffle Mushroom is remarkably good.

Distinct aroma aside—because there’s not much to comment there—the inclusion of bechamel and Parmigiano Reggiano wasn’t too much. It wasn’t cloying or dense. In fact, it complemented the gratifying chew of the sourdough crust and let’s not forget to thank the slices of raw red onions for sprinkling acidity for balance.

Chooby Pizza 7

I can’t say I’ve had many Pulled Pork (S$17) pizzas in my day, but this one takes the cake for its brilliant addition of kimchi and pineapple. Made like an Asian twist on a Hawaiian, there’s so much to love about Chooby’s creation.

Chooby Pizza 9

The kimchi contributes acid and heat, while the chutney offers sweetness. In the meantime, the pulled pork rules the brood with its savouriness and sexy smokiness. It’s a textbook recipe that works, yet isn’t—and I believe hasn’t been—replicated elsewhere.

And for those who are curious if I’m on Team Pineapple-on-pizza? Yes. Yes, I am.

Chooby Pizza 5

With only six pizzas on Chooby’s menu, it must’ve been tough to figure out which combinations take precedence over others. Regardless, I’m glad they introduced Spiced Coconut Chicken (S$17) to us. Thrown in the mix is tom kha sauce, chicken thigh, mushroom, onion, Grand Padano, mozzarella, coriander, and chilli oil for a herbaceous hit that’s hard to ignore when it was set on the table.

What struck me first had to be the familiar tom yum tang, followed by the grassy, pungency of coriander. Now, I’m sure if you’re averse to said herb, you can simply ask for it to be removed, but where’s the beauty in that? I would liken this pizza to ‘eating your tom yum soup’—minus the beads of sweat that follow.

Final thoughts

Come for the pizzas, but stay for their natural wines and craft beer. Although not mentioned here, they keep stock of plenty, and the list is ever-changing, which, in my books, makes for the perfect reason to keep returning. The owner wanted well-executed sourdough pizzas to be made accessible and affordable to everyone, and that he has achieved.

Just re-watching our video (above), and being re-mesmerised by the sexy sheen of olive oil atop all the pizzas is making me incredibly hangry—it’s lunchtime right now—and I’m impatient to have another bite of Chooby Pizza. A note of consideration, however, bookings are very limited and slots for the week open every Monday at 12pm, so fastest finger first!

Expected Damage: S$17 – S$25 per person

Price: $

Our Rating: 5 / 5

Chooby Pizza

127 Owen Road, Singapore 218931

Price
Our Rating 5/5

Chooby Pizza

127 Owen Road, Singapore 218931

Telephone: +65 8923 9814
Operating Hours: 6pm - 9.30pm (Wed to Fri), Closed on Sat to Tue
Telephone: +65 8923 9814

Operating Hours: 6pm - 9.30pm (Wed to Fri), Closed on Sat to Tue
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