Top 5 Best Pizzas of 2025
- Hawaiian Pizza
- Margherita Pizza
- Pepperoni Pizza
- Four Cheese Pizza
- Vegetarian Pizza
- BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Seafood Pizza
When it comes to the world of pizza, few topics spark as much passionate debate as the presence of pineapple atop a perfectly baked crust. Yet beyond the controversy lies a culinary masterpiece that deserves recognition for its innovative flavour profile and global appeal. The combination of sweet tropical fruit with savoury elements creates a taste experience unlike any other in the pizza universe.
The divine combination of sweet and savoury
The Hawaiian pizza, with its signature pineapple topping, represents the pinnacle of flavour innovation in the pizza world. This delightful creation features pineapple, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and either ham or bacon, creating a harmonious blend that tantalizes the taste buds. The origins of this controversial yet beloved pizza date back to 1962 when Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos introduced it at his restaurant in Ontario, Canada. Interestingly, the name ‘Hawaiian’ doesn’t reference its birthplace but rather comes from the brand of canned pineapple Panopoulos used in his original recipe.
A tropical twist on traditional toppings
Panopoulos drew inspiration from Chinese cuisine, which masterfully balances sweet and sour elements. This culinary cross-pollination demonstrates how pizza, despite its Italian roots, has evolved into a global canvas for creative expression. Before the Hawaiian pizza we know today, similar concepts emerged elsewhere – in 1955, Germany introduced ‘Toast Hawaii’, while a version called ‘Hawaiian Pizza’ appeared in Portland, Oregon in 1957, featuring pineapple, papaya, and green pepper, but notably lacking the ham that would become a signature component. These early iterations show that the instinct to combine tropical sweetness with savoury elements was bubbling up in various culinary traditions.
The perfect balance of flavours
What makes pineapple pizza exceptional is its perfect equilibrium between contrasting flavour profiles. The sweetness of the pineapple cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat, while the slight acidity brightens the entire eating experience. Franco Pepe, a renowned pizza chef, acknowledges this delicate balance by using fresh pineapple in his creations to avoid the acidity clash with tomato sauce. This attention to detail elevates the pineapple pizza from novelty to gastronomic achievement. The interplay between sweet and salty creates a complexity that more traditional pizzas simply cannot match, making each bite a journey through complementary tastes rather than a one-dimensional experience.
Why pineapple pizza deserves the crown
Despite facing criticism from pizza purists, including celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, the Hawaiian pizza has earned its place in the pantheon of great pizzas through sheer popularity and staying power. Its commercial success speaks volumes – in 1999, it reigned as Australia’s most popular pizza, constituting 15% of all pizza sales. Similarly, a 2015 survey revealed it was the most common pizza type at UK takeaways, demonstrating its enduring appeal across continents.
Debunking myths about fruit on pizza
Critics often claim that fruit has no place on pizza, yet this argument ignores the fact that tomato – the foundation of most pizza sauces – is botanically a fruit. The resistance to pineapple often stems from tradition rather than taste, as a 2017 YouGov poll revealed that while 82% of people liked pineapple as a fruit, only 53% approved of it on pizza. This disconnect highlights how culinary conventions can overrule personal preferences. Moreover, the sweet-savoury combination is hardly revolutionary in the broader context of global cuisine – consider bacon with maple syrup, turkey with cranberry sauce, or prosciutto with melon. These beloved pairings demonstrate that the Hawaiian pizza simply applies a well-established flavour principle to the pizza format.
Celebrity chefs who champion pineapple toppings
While some famous chefs dismiss pineapple pizza, it has found support in other influential quarters. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly defended this culinary creation, as did Hollywood star Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, highlighting its cultural significance beyond mere food preference. Even more tellingly, Lupita in Lisbon made Time Out’s prestigious list of the 19 best pizzas in the world specifically for their pineapple pizza, demonstrating that when executed with skill and quality ingredients, this style can achieve critical acclaim alongside traditional varieties. Around 65% of Brits who enjoy a good BBQ also appreciate the sweet-savoury combination in their food, suggesting the flavour profile has broader appeal than pizza traditionalists might admit. The controversy itself has become part of pineapple pizza’s charm, sparking conversations and forcing people to examine their culinary biases and preferences.
