FOOD MATCH: PIZZA

Another food match series but this time we decided to break bread. Contrary to popular belief, Domino's pizza isn't the only pizza place in Ibadan. In fact they aren't even on my top three list. This particular series draws up a comparative review between Domino's, Wimpy's, Champ's, Zen and Paris bakery. It's based on; presentation, ingredients, customer service and price worthiness.

Wimpy restaurant, Onireke road, Ibadan.
FM pick: Chicken feast, Large
Price: N2800

Domino's pizza, 36 Awolowo Avenue, Old Bodija Ibadan.
FM: Bbq chicken, Large
Price: N4400.

Champs House restaurant, 2nd floor Heritage Mall, Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan.
FM Pick: Champs supreme pizza
Price: N3400

Zen Restaurant
Premium house, next to first bank, Jericho Ibadan, Nigeria.
FM Pick: Tandoori chicken pizza
Price: N2650

Paris Bakery Pizza, Ring Road, Ibadan. 
FM: Chicken Pizza Large
Price: N3200

PRESENTATION
Domino's wins in this aspect. The ambiance of the place, the tv screen with your name on it (at least you feel recognized and appreciated), the pizza box etc... all very good marketing strategies. But I don't expect any less from a multi million dollar global franchise. 

Wimpy, a Lebanese owned restaurant is doing okay when it comes to presentation. They don't make so much fuss about their pizza because it's not their main focus.

Champ's wasn't so bad with presentation. Nothing so extra but just the right picture needed for a good looking pizza.

Zen is another good place, an Indian restaurant. Nice looking pizza although relatively small and they only have one size.

Paris bakery, some sort of "cute sweet toothed restaurant" that makes all kind of confectionery. There is so much color here it's amazing. The pizza is nicely presented with a thick crust and heavy cheese.

INGREDIENTS
Domino's pizza is plain and boring. The so called thin crust I requested for was a hard bite for me. I'm not sure why they are so stingy with the cheese. They just plaster the dough with onions and countable chicken pieces. This should be called "onion pizza" instead.

Wimpys did a whole lot better here. You can feel the richness of the pizza without tasting it. Dough cheese ratio just appropriate and well feasted with chicken pieces. The pizza crust is deliciously thin too.

Champs supreme pizza offers a simple blend of sweet pepper, onions, sweet corn, beef strips and cheese. The only thing that gave it away was the not so thin crust. It tasted great regardless.

Zen's tandoori pizza is enriched with slices of tandoori chicken, tomotoes, onions and cheese. I really liked this one even though it was really small.

Paris bakery's pizza was really thick with the dough to cheese ratio in favor of the cheese. It was a chicken pizza hence it had chunks of chicken pieces, green pepper, tomatoes and the likes. It's also a really large pizza

CUSTOMER SERVICE.
Domino's has a great customer service. They welcome you and address you so politely. 

Wimpy's need to do better. They only treat you highly if you're white or Lebanese. All the waiters are frequently running to the "lighties" table but you need to practically walk up to them to get a menu. Terrible meal service.

Champs meal service was top notch.

Zen meal service was also superb.

Great meal service from Paris bakery

PRICE WORTHY
Domino's isn't price worthy at all. Such over priced pizzas for dough and onions.
Wimpy's price is very much okay. Actually deserving.
Champs actually offers a large pizza for an okay price. Permit me to blame the economy on their behalf.
Zen's pizza might be a bit overpriced for the small size it offers. Although the tandoori cooking method requires a lot more time and stress but still the sizes can get bigger.
Paris bakery's pizza, for that price and size, is actually price worthy  

OVERALL
Domino's has a great meal service and a more attractive feat. Less pizza quality though. (2.0/4)
Wimpy has a more rich pizza but terrible meal service. (1.7/4)
Champs offers great meal service and a much more pizza quality. (3/4)
Zen's pizzas are really good. They also fascinate us with diverse options from turkey, mutton and tandoori. I really hate that it's small. (2.6/4)
Paris bakery pizza, although not so exciting, is everything you're looking for in a pizza. (2.9/4)

RECOMMENDATIONS
If you're looking for a good pizza and don't mind the racial prejudice Wimpy is the place for you. Cheaper too and less noisy but terrible meal service. Dominos is a more busy place. Ideal for hang outs, dates etc. They can do better with their pizzas. Zen offers more diverse pizza options and they are tasty too. Champs has to be my favorite on this one. The environment is an open mall space and can be a bit noisy but great meals and meal service might be compensatory enough. Paris bakery is another great option. It offers a very cute ambience and would be perfect for a date

Author

O.T