Durban’s ‘Doughed’ ranks ninth in world Pizza championship

Updated April 28, 2025, 1:41 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

Durban’s very own Doughed landed Top 10 in the world for their sourdough Napoli-style pizza, proving that local really is lekker!

Doughed in Italy — David and Ishara Chetty / Supplied

Local legends David and Ishara Chetty have officially put KZN on the global culinary map!

The couple behind Doughed, Durban’s proudly homegrown Napoli-style pizzeria, recently jetted off to Parma, Italy, to compete in the 2025 Campionato Mondiale della Pizza.

This is one of the biggest pizza championships on the planet.

Up against over 50 countries and some of the world’s fiercest pizza masters, the Chettys landed an unbelievable ninth place in the Pizza Classica category, with a dough recipe born right here in Durban!

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According to IOL, the couple still can’t quite believe it.

“If someone told us a few years ago that a recipe we tweaked in our Durban kitchen would take us to Italy and earn a global ranking, we would’ve laughed, wiped flour off our faces, and carried on making pizzas,” they shared.

This wasn’t just a competition for David and Ishara, it was a mission. They set out to show the world that South African food talent deserves a seat at the global table.

Armed with their signature sourdough Napoli-style base and a deep-rooted love for their craft, they did just that!

“The Italians taught us about food philosophy, about honouring your craft and never trading quality for quick wins,” said Ishara.

It’s a lesson they’re bringing home and one they hope to pass on to the next wave of local culinary talent.

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David and Ishara joined East Coast Breakfast on Friday to share their incredible journey since starting Doughed, and how the 2025 Campionato Mondiale della Pizza has changed their lives and the trajectory of Doughed.

They even treated us to a variety of their pizzas made with their signature Napoli-style sourdough.

1. The Classic Margherita - Napoli sauce made by lightly roasting tomatoes, then blending and seasoning to perfection. Topped with Fior di Latte cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of homemade basil and pistachio pesto.

2. The Luigi Kundanlall - Their signature butter chicken pizza, rich, creamy, and packed with flavour.

3. The Cavolo Rosso - Wood-fired roasted red cabbage, Danish feta, and Fior di Latte cheese, finished with a balsamic glaze and a dollop of mint yogurt.

4. The Bianco Patate - A luxurious combination of potato, mushrooms, and truffle oil on a garlicky white sauce base.

If we’re being honest, it’s the best Pizza we’ve ever tasted! Don’t believe us? Visit Doughed to try it out for yourself.

Where can I find them? They’re located on 196 Gordon Road, Morningside - opposite the new McDonalds.

When are they open?

Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays: 11:30 AM - 8:30 PM (kitchen closes).

Fridays & Saturdays: 11:30 AM - between 10:00 PM and 10:30 PM (depending on the flow).

Public Holidays: Doughed is open on public holidays unless otherwise announced. If the public holiday falls on a Monday, they run Saturday hours on the Sunday before.

Which Pizza should I try? "First timers should start with the Classic Margherita," Ishara recommended. "It’s simple but full of flavor, letting the dough and Napoli sauce really shine. If you're keen to try something a little different, the Bianco Patate - with potato, mushrooms, and truffle oil on a garlicky white base - is a beautiful choice. And for the purists, there's The Miss Lucy, topped with anchovies, capers, olives, and fior di latte cheese."

For more information, follow Doughed on Instagram or call/WhatsApp on 067 170 7034 for bookings.