Mikey’s Original New York Pizza, Bangsar

Upon reading Sean’s blog entry on the newly opened Mikey’s Original New York Pizza in Bangsar, I told myself that I have to try it at all cost. That happens when Sean posts scrumptious-looking food photos in the middle of the night.

As Googling goes, New Yorker Michael Helfman (who was in Original Bootcamp, wahey!) brought Andrew Bellucci from New Jersey to help create a chain of New York-styles pizzerias in South East Asia, starting in Malaysia. Thus Mikey’s Original New York Pizza was born. Its first outlet is in the prime area of Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru (opposite Antipodean).

Mikey's Original New York Pizza, Bangsar

Belluci, now 50 is famed for re-opening Lombardi’s Pizza; recognised as the first licensed pizzeria in the USA. There were other stories about him, but the important takeaway is that Belluci is highly passionate about pizza. If you’d go through Pizza Making Forum, Belluci talks about the new venture with Helfman, the difficulties they faced, and the art and challenges of making the best New York-style dough here in Kuala Lumpur.

In the forum, he claimed that he will put out the best product possible given the environmental limitations (e.g. pork-free). In his own words, “It will be a GREAT slice. But it won’t be the best slice or pie I am capable of making and that is due to the ingredients I am forced to work with.”

I’m sold. There’s no way I could get through this week without eating this man’s pizza!

Mikey's Original New York Pizza, Bangsar - single slice

It was full house on a Thursday evening. The place is casually decorated with images of the Big Apple and Sinatra all over the brick walls. Background music? Who remembers??

The places operates on a semi self-service style. You wait in line for a table, order at the cashier, pay up, then wait for your food to be brought out.

The good-looking (and happily married) Michael was at the counter, assisting with orders. He warned us that it could be up to an hour’s wait, depending on our orders. Fair enough; if you wanted a single slice that wasn’t already available, you’d have to wait.

Mikey's Original New York Pizza, Bangsar - classic New York margherita
The Classic New York pizza

Becky and I shared 3 slices and a serving of crispy, fluffy waffle fries. Mikey’s USP is that they sell by the slice, price starts from RM8.88+. A whole 18″ pizza is available from RM59.88+ onwards.

Isn’t that expensive for just ONE slice? Well, it’s a BIG slice. It’s also perspective and affordability. Mikey’s pizzas are cut into 8 slices per 18″ pizza. For comparison, Domino’s Malaysia’s Xtra Large is 15″. Also at Mikey’s, it’s a whole different ballgame of toppings all together.

Mikey's Original New York Pizza, Bangsar - classic New York crust

What of the dough? It’s light, crisp with a bit of an elastic, chewy bite to it. The Classic New York is a basic combination of mozzarella, fresh tomato sauce, olive oil, grated Grana Padano cheese, RM8.88+ a slice.

Upgrades are available from RM12 onwards for waffle fries/ wings and a drink.

Mikey's Original New York Pizza, Bangsar - meatballs pizza
Meatballs Pizza aka Mikey’s Favourite

Mikey’s favourite is the Meatball Pizza (RM10.88+ per slice) and we can understand why. Flavourful own-made meatballs with fragrant roasted bell peppers, caramelised onions and lots of garlic. They are not stingy with the ingredients – every surface is heavily covered with something!

Mikey's Original New York Pizza, Bangsar - four cheese
Four Cheese Heaven

Andrew’s favourite (and now mine!) is Pizza Bianca aka 4-Cheese Pizza at RM10.88+ per slice. Get a load of cheddar, mozzarella, ricotta and goat’s cheese, black pepper, olive oil and garlic. Rich and decadent, worth the calories!

Becky saw me half-eyed slowly eating my slice and laughed, “I can see that you’re really enjoying this one.”

Yes.

Mikey's Original New York Pizza, Bangsar - waffle fries
As advertised: crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside

If you need more than pizza, Mikey’s offers waffle fries (good), boneless buffalo chicken wings, nuggets and sandwiches. Budweiser is available… but why?

Mikey’s Original New York Pizza
17 Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru,
59100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: +603-2202 0080

Opens daily from 12pm to 11pm. Limited delivery areas. Check them out on Facebook, Instagram and website.