Top 5 Best Pizzas of 2025
- Hawaiian Pizza
- Margherita Pizza
- Pepperoni Pizza
- Vegetarian Delight
- BBQ Chicken Pizza
The debate over pineapple on pizza has raged for decades, dividing friends, families, and even nations. Yet among the countless pizza varieties that grace our tables, one stands triumphant in its perfect harmony of flavors—the Hawaiian pizza. This controversial creation has become a worldwide phenomenon, challenging traditional notions of what belongs atop a pizza while delighting taste buds across the globe.
The Sweet and Savoury Symphony
When Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant living in Canada, first placed pineapple chunks alongside ham on a pizza in 1962, little did he know he was creating a culinary masterpiece. The Hawaiian_pizza wasn’t born in Hawaii or Italy, but in Ontario, Canada, where Panopoulos owned a restaurant. Inspired by Chinese-Canadian cuisine that masterfully balanced sweet and sour flavors, he sought to bring this same harmonious contrast to pizza. The name ‘Hawaiian’ actually came from the brand of tinned pineapple used, rather than any connection to the Pacific islands.
Balancing Flavours to Perfection
What makes pineapple pizza truly exceptional is its perfect equilibrium of contrasting tastes. The natural sweetness of pineapple cuts through the rich umami flavors of cheese and tomato sauce, while complementing the saltiness of ham or bacon. This interplay creates a more complex and satisfying taste experience than traditional pizza toppings alone can provide. The juiciness of the fruit also adds a refreshing element that brightens each bite. Even Franco Pepe, a renowned pizza chef, has embraced this concept by incorporating fresh pineapple into his gourmet creations.
The Tropical Twist That Elevates Every Bite
The textural contrast that pineapple brings to pizza cannot be overstated. While the crust provides crispness and the cheese offers creaminess, pineapple adds a succulent burst that transforms the eating experience. Whether baked in a traditional Neapolitan style or prepared in a modern portable pizza oven like the Roccbox or Dome, the tropical fruit caramelizes slightly during cooking, intensifying its sweetness while maintaining that distinctive juicy bite. This additional dimension elevates Hawaiian pizza beyond ordinary varieties, creating something truly special for those adventurous enough to appreciate it.
Why Pineapple Pizza Deserves Its Crown
The acclaim for Hawaiian pizza extends far beyond its innovative flavor profile. In 2014, Time magazine recognized it as one of the 13 most influential pizzas ever created—a testament to its cultural impact and staying power. While some may dismiss it as a novelty, its enduring popularity proves otherwise. In Australia, Hawaiian pizza reigned supreme in 1999, accounting for an impressive 15% of all pizza sales, while the UK saw widespread adoption across takeaway establishments by 2015.
The Culinary Revolution of Fruit-Topped Pizza
The introduction of pineapple as a pizza topping represented a true paradigm shift in how we think about this beloved dish. It challenged the notion that pizza must adhere strictly to Italian tradition, opening doors for further culinary exploration. Today, countless creative toppings have found their way onto pizzas, but Hawaiian pizza was the trailblazer that first demonstrated how fruit could successfully complement savory ingredients. Whether prepared in a professional pizza oven like the Arc XL or a portable model suited for home use, this innovative combination continues to inspire chefs and home cooks alike to experiment with unexpected flavor pairings.
Global Appreciation for This Controversial Delight
The passionate discourse surrounding pineapple pizza speaks to its significance in food culture. When Iceland’s president jokingly suggested he would ban pineapple on pizza if he could in 2017, it sparked international headlines and prompted Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to publicly defend Hawaiian pizza as a proud Canadian creation. Even as a 2017 YouGov poll revealed that while 82% of people enjoyed pineapple generally, only 53% approved of it on pizza, this level of engagement demonstrates how this particular topping has transcended mere food preference to become a cultural touchstone. Despite some resistance—such as a Norwich pizzeria that once set its pineapple pizza price at £100 to discourage orders—the enduring popularity of this sweet and savory combination proves that the best pizza in the world might just be the one that dares to be different.
