Pizza at a Mexican Restaurant? Yup, Char Pizza is Popping-Up at El Chingon With Pizzas & Pasta Al Pastor

Viraj Thomas has been popping-up at various establishments throughout the city with his is popular Char Pizza brand. Featuring hand tossed pies with variety of toppings, Char Pizza has quickly gained notoriety in the Philly foodie community.

Now it looks like Viraj will be taking his talents to one of Philly’s hottest Mexican restaurants, El Chingon
(1524 S 10th St.) on Monday January 22nd from 4 pm to 9 pm.

“This came to be because I was looking for restaurants to pop up at during the winter which is kind of my ‘offseason’. I really respect and loved all the food that came out of Juan’s kitchens and heard he was using electric pizzas ovens to bake his cemitas. I reached out and explained what I did and we went from there,” Viraj states.

The Char Pizza pop-up will feature six pies, a Cesar salad, whipped ricotta, tiramisu for desert, as well as Al Pastor Pasta which is a nod to the host.

The featured pizzas menu will include:

New School Tomato Pie: Crushed Organic Tomatoes, Datterini Tomatoes, EVOO, Garlic, Calabrian Oregano, Basil, Roasted Garlic Breadcrumbs

Pepperoni: Tomato Reduction, Mozz- Prov Blend, Pepperoni, Parmigiano Reggiano, Hot Honey

Stache: Pistachio Pesto, Arugala, EVOO, Fresh Mozz, Parmigiano Reggiano

Margherita: Fresh Mozz, Crushed Organic Tomatoes, Basil, EVOO, Parmigiano ReggianoLayman’s

Amatriciana: Tomato Reduction, Fresh Mozzerella, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pancetta, Black Pepper

Short Rib: Ragu Base, Short Rib, Parmigiano Reggiano, Basil, Fresh Mozz, Bechamel, Salsa Verde

“The Stache is what Chef Juan Carlos is bringing from his tenure as head chef at Zavino. It was a fan favorite then,” Viraj adds.  Guests are able to dine-in or take out with no reservations, so walk ins are welcome.