THERE is nothing fast-food about pizzas from the Original Gourmet Pizza Company in Castle Hill.

Each of the 54 pizzas on the menu is a meal in itself, packed-full of quality ingredients, and the freshly made and baked dough adds to the appeal of the pizzas.

Owner Michael Nadwie, who lives in Baulkham Hills, took over this delivery and pick-up pizzeria from his parents, who opened it 20 years ago.

``When we opened, we were the only shop around and now we have to compete with seven others,'' he said.

``It's because of our loyal customers who love our pizzas that we are still open after so many years.''

Drawing inspiration from his multicultural background (his mother is Spanish and his father Lebanese), Mr Nadwie has developed a menu full of interesting flavours.

Most of the pizzas are named after international cities he has visited. One of the most popular is the delicious Phuket pizza with Thai-style marinated chicken breast, broccoli, snow peas and red capsicum drizzled with sweet chilli sauce.

Tasting it straight out of the oven was like having a party in my mouth.

Two other favourites on the menu are the Beirut pizza, which has a hommus base and comes with red capsicum and chicken topped with home-style tabouli, and the El Paso with beans, tomatoes, hot mexican salsa and bocconcini topped with guacamole.

``I love all the pizzas,'' Mr Nadwie said. ``I have a new favourite every week.''

The menu also includes pastas and salads and side orders and gelato for dessert.

The Original Gourmet Pizza Company is at shop 4/256b, Old Northern Road, Castle Hill. Call 96598880 or 96598885.

Reporter Flora Cauchi and photographer Natalie Roberts ate courtesy of the Original Gourmet Pizza Shop.