At a time when a dozen new pizza shops pop up every week, the folks from AMP Cafe in Ampang decided to open Double Zero Pizza right next door. 

It took them over a year to develop their pizza recipes and over six months to establish the pizza shop. 

Every component of the pizzas at Double Zero Pizza, from the dough to the tomato sauce and toppings, was, at the very least, prepared in-house. 

They took pride in the sourdough they used that was fermented for at least three days, they showcased their locally commissioned oven that uses gas and rambutan wood as fuel, and they advertised that their tomato base blend (sauce) was made with San Marzano tomatoes (tomatoes that are so good, they are protected by a European designation that ensures their quality and origin).

The result was exceptional pizzas. 

Due to the prolonged fermentation, the sourdough was soft, fluffy, and lacked a yeasty flavour. In other words, after eating a whole pie, I did not feel bloated or gassy.

I was told that the recipe was designed so that the pizza would be delicious whether eaten fresh or later, hot or cold. It also made the pizza easier to reheat.   

The use of rambutan wood in the oven made the shop feel like home. Traditionally, smoke from smouldering rambutan wood was used to keep away insects. It has a pleasant smell. At Double Zero Pizza, it also adds a unique flavour to the pizza.  

Each pizza that came out of the oven had leapording on the top and bottom, black bubbles that were neither unpleasant nor bitter. They are hallmarks of a well-made and well-cooked pizza. 

During the shop’s media launch (21 August), they had a dozen pizzas on their menu, four of which were vegetarian, and three were seafood. Each sourdough pizza measured 11 in. 

Additionally, the menu listed three sides, three desserts, and various drinks, including fruit sodas, soft drinks, and bottled water, as options. 

While at the event, I tried two pizzas.

I was told that No BS, B+S was an effort to take the crown from Pepperoni (which is also on the menu) as the new standard. At the same time, the development team worked on making pepperoni in-house.

It had beef bacon, beef sausages, bell peppers, pickled jalapeños (just pick these out to take out the heat), and tomato sauce. 

The flavours complemented each other, creating a pleasant balance. Something uncommon in beef-centric pizzas where the meats tend to stand bold and alone. 

Duck, Yeah!, which I was told used rosemary and garlic duck confit that took four hours to prepare, and oranges that specifically complemented the flavour they wanted, was more flavorful and smooth in both taste and texture, compared to its contemporaries. Would it be better on a heartier pizza base? 

At each table was a four-bottle condiment caddie. It had two bottles of hot sauce, a bottle of chilli flakes, and something else that was unique to Double Zero Pizza, a bottle of oil from AMP Cafe’s signature sambal. A few drops of it add a savoury, rich, complex taste to a pizza.

The oil also worked wonders on the sides. Admittedly, I do not go to a pizza shop to buy sides, but I did try the chicken wings. They were obviously marinated and were very delicious. Still, I would let them sit in the oven a little longer if I were the cook. 

Of course, there were deserts; out of the three, I had the chance to try two. 

First, the delightful and well-balanced banana pudding. I would have had it as a meal if I could, it was so good.

Second was the Tiramisu, one that actually tasted of excellent coffee. I was told that they had to pull dozens of espresso shots at AMP Cafe every day just to make the dessert.

Both desserts were the perfect end to the day, like an after-dinner coffee, but in the form of treats.

However, there was one more unique element at Double Zero Pizza that I did not mention earlier. I would call it artisanal sparkling grape juice; they called it Zero Proof Wine. These are non-alcoholic drinks made by wineries in France and Italy. 

They came in red, white, and rosé and were meant to pair with the pizzas.

I was very excited to finally get to do the see, swirl, sniff, sip, and savour that I used to see on those food shows on TV. 

It was a novel experience; the flavours were delightfully complex, and it was worth it.

As someone who grew up watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, my idea of a pizza has always been pies that are cheap, simple, and well-made. Nevertheless, Double Zero Pizza convinced me that there is a place at the top for premium pizzas that are done right with artisanal ingredients that actually taste good.

Double Zero Pizza is located at 64, Jln Memanda 9, Taman Dato Ahmad Razali, 68000 Ampang, Selangor.

They can also be found on:
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/doublezero.pizza/)
Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/p/Double-Zero-Pizza-61576141389083/).