Top 5 Best Pizzas of 2025
- Hawaiian Pizza
- Margherita Pizza
- Quattro Stagioni Pizza
- Capricciosa Pizza
- Prosciutto e Rucola Pizza
- Four Cheese Pizza
- BBQ Chicken Pizza
- Vegetarian Deluxe Pizza
- Spicy Salami Pizza
When it comes to the debate about pizza toppings, one controversial combination has earned itself both devoted fans and vocal critics around the world. The sweet and tangy flavour of pineapple paired with savoury ham on a pizza base has become one of the most discussed culinary combinations in modern history. While opinions remain divided, there is compelling evidence suggesting that the pineapple pizza might just be the best pizza creation of all time.
The Sweet and Savoury Magic of Pineapple Pizza
The Hawaiian pizza represents a perfect harmony of contrasting flavours that dance on your taste buds. This iconic creation features juicy pineapple chunks, tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and ham or bacon, creating a symphony of taste that few other pizza varieties can match. The genius behind this combination wasn’t born in Italy or Hawaii as many might assume, but rather in Canada by Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos in 1962 at his Satellite Restaurant in Chatham-Kent, Ontario.
Inspired by Chinese sweet and sour dishes, Panopoulos experimented with adding canned pineapple to pizza, forever changing the pizza landscape. The name ‘Hawaiian’ actually comes from the brand of tinned pineapple used rather than any connection to the Pacific islands. This innovative approach to pizza making demonstrates how culinary boundaries can be pushed to create something truly extraordinary.
The perfect flavour balance
What makes pineapple pizza exceptional is the meticulous balance between sweetness and saltiness. The natural sugars in the pineapple caramelise slightly during the baking process, creating a delightful contrast with the savoury elements. This interplay creates a taste experience that engages multiple flavour receptors simultaneously, offering a more complex and satisfying eating experience than traditional pizzas.
The addition of pineapple also brings a refreshing juiciness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat, cleansing the palate between bites. This makes each mouthful as exciting as the first, preventing the flavour fatigue that can occur with more one-dimensional pizza varieties. Top pizza chefs like Franco Pepe have recognised this potential, using fresh pineapple in their creations to avoid flavour clashes with the base sauce.
Why the contrast works brilliantly
The principle behind the success of pineapple pizza follows the same culinary logic that makes other sweet and savoury combinations so beloved around the world. Think of chocolate-covered pretzels, maple bacon, or salted caramel—all celebrated for their contrasting yet complementary flavour profiles. The tropical brightness of pineapple cuts through the umami richness of cheese and ham, creating a perfect balance that keeps your taste buds engaged.
This contrast extends beyond just taste to texture as well. The slight crunch of pineapple pieces provides a textural variety that enhances the overall eating experience, adding another dimension to the soft, yielding qualities of melted cheese and dough. With every bite offering a different ratio of ingredients, each slice becomes an adventure for your palate.
Global Recognition and Culinary Excellence
Despite its controversial status, pineapple pizza has achieved remarkable recognition in the culinary world. In 2014, Time magazine declared the Hawaiian pizza one of the 13 most important pizzas ever created, cementing its place in food history. This acknowledgment speaks volumes about its impact on global pizza culture and its enduring appeal despite divisive opinions.
The popularity of this pizza style has transcended its Canadian origins to become a worldwide phenomenon. In 1999, it claimed the title of most popular pizza in Australia, capturing 15% of all pizza sales. By 2015, it had become the most common pizza order at UK takeaways on Just Eat, demonstrating its widespread appeal across different continents and cultures.
Famous chefs who champion pineapple pizza
While purists might scoff, several respected culinary authorities have embraced the pineapple pizza concept. Franco Pepe, one of the most celebrated pizza chefs in the world, has created his own elevated version using fresh pineapple rather than canned, demonstrating that this topping has legitimate gourmet potential when approached with skill and quality ingredients.
Other innovative pizzerias around the globe have taken the basic concept and elevated it further. Pizza Marumo in Tokyo ferments their dough for 24 hours before adding premium toppings including pineapple. Novo in Cape Town proofs their dough for a full 48 hours, creating the perfect canvas for this sweet and savoury combination. These examples show how serious culinary professionals have embraced and refined what was once considered a controversial topping choice.
Rising popularity across different cultures
The debate around pineapple pizza has even reached political spheres. In 2017, the president of Iceland jokingly suggested he would ban pineapple on pizza if he could, while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly defended it as a matter of national pride. This level of cultural discussion rarely happens with food items unless they have truly captured the public imagination.
The passionate responses it evokes—both positive and negative—have helped pineapple pizza maintain its cultural relevance decades after its creation. A 2017 YouGov poll revealed that while 82% of people enjoyed pineapple as a fruit, opinions were more divided when it came to pizza, with 53% approving of the combination. This divisiveness has only fuelled its popularity, as people continue to try it to form their own opinions on the great pizza debate.
Whether you’re cooking at home with a Roccbox or Dome oven, or ordering from your favourite pizzeria, giving pineapple pizza a chance might just change your perspective on what makes a truly excellent pizza. The sweet and tangy pineapple, combined with savoury ham and melted cheese on a perfectly baked crust, creates a taste sensation that continues to win over new fans every day, solidifying its position as potentially the best pizza in the world.
