A UK man has captured public imagination after flying to Italy and enjoying a classic Italian pizza for less than the cost of his usual takeaway back home – all for under £20. Despite the picturesque setting and authentic culinary experience, the Londoner, Muscab Salad, boldly declared he still favours Domino’s for his pizza fix.
Salad managed the entire adventure at a price that undercuts even a single large pizza from his local delivery chain, typically priced at £21.99. By carefully booking his transport and meal, he spent just £19.74 in total: £9 on a budget airline ticket, £4 for a train into the city centre, and £6.74 for a margherita at Pizzeria Le Delizie, a popular eatery nestling alongside one of Trieste’s charming canals.
The journey began at Stansted Airport early on a Friday morning. Less than three hours after departure, Salad was strolling the cobbled streets of Trieste, an attractive city in Italy’s north-eastern region, just a stone’s throw from the Slovenian border. With the intention of finding a truly Italian pizza for a fraction of UK prices, he found the perfect spot: an alfresco table by the water, with views befitting a postcard.
Reflecting on the excursion, Salad rated the overall experience as “ten out of ten.” Nevertheless, when asked to compare the authentic Italian fare with popular fast food options in Britain, he confessed his allegiance lies with the American-inspired Domino’s. “I prefer Domino’s, I’m not going to lie. I think the Americans do pizza better,” he remarked, highlighting how his regular pizza deliveries back home have set a high bar in his estimation.
Salad’s trip, while light-hearted, underscores an increasingly familiar phenomenon for British consumers: the rising cost of food and leisure at home versus cheaper options abroad. He pointed out that a spur-of-the-moment adventure to a European destination can be more affordable than some UK day trips, especially with advance bookings and flexible travel times. “With the right timing, you can have an unforgettable experience abroad for less than a day out in central London,” he observed.
The video documenting his Italian escapade drew a ripple of reactions online, with many British viewers expressing surprise at how inexpensive the venture had become, especially when compared to the soaring price of takeaway favourites. The trip included all the essential trappings of a brief city break: international travel, local train connections, and the simple pleasure of an authentic meal enjoyed outdoors.
Despite the global fame of Italy’s pizza heritage, Salad’s candid conclusion raises questions about taste preferences shaped by familiarity and nostalgia. Many Britons have grown up with the thick bases, generous toppings, and takeaway culture epitomised by chains like Domino’s and Pizza Hut. In contrast, traditional Italian margheritas are known for their minimalistic toppings, thin crust, and subtle flavours—a marked difference for those more accustomed to their British or American counterparts.
His experience also shone a light on travel opportunities available to those willing to seek out deals and experiment with their leisure activities. With budget airlines and careful planning, jaunts to Europe’s culinary capitals need not break the bank, offering alternatives to conventional domestic pastimes. However, Salad’s preference for Domino’s, even after sampling pizza at its spiritual home, is a reminder of personal taste taking precedence over authenticity.
As cost-of-living concerns persist in the UK, his story may inspire others to compare the value of local versus overseas experiences. Whether one is seeking savings, adventure, or simply a new take on an old favourite, Salad’s Italian pizza journey has certainly set tongues wagging about where to find the best slice—and at what price.