If you're a pizza lover, you must have tried the Hawaiian pizza at least once in your life. This pizza is topped with ham, pineapple, and cheese. While some people love it, others find it controversial. Despite the varied opinions, the Hawaiian pizza remains a popular choice in many pizza restaurants worldwide. But where did it come from? Who invented it?
Origins of Hawaiian Pizza
The Hawaiian pizza was not actually invented in Hawaii, as many people assume. In fact, it was invented in Canada by a man named Sam Panopoulos. He was a Greek immigrant who moved to Canada in 1954 and opened his own pizza restaurant in Ontario.
Sam Panopoulos was always experimenting with new pizza toppings to attract more customers to his restaurant. One day, he decided to add canned pineapple to his pizza and was pleasantly surprised by the result. He then added ham to the mix, and the Hawaiian pizza was born.
The Controversy Surrounding Hawaiian Pizza
Despite the popularity of the Hawaiian pizza, it remains a controversial topping among pizza enthusiasts. Some people love the combination of sweet pineapple and salty ham, while others find it a sacrilege to put fruit on pizza.
The debate about Hawaiian pizza even made it to the Icelandic parliament in 2017. The Prime Minister of Iceland, Bjarni Benediktsson, caused a stir when he revealed that he loved Hawaiian pizza. His comments sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Icelanders expressing their strong opinions for or against the topping.
Why Was It Named Hawaiian Pizza?
So why was the pizza named Hawaiian if it was invented in Canada? Some people believe that it was named after the pineapple, which is a tropical fruit commonly associated with Hawaii. Others think that it was named after the brand of canned pineapple that Sam Panopoulos used in his restaurant, which was called Hawaiian.
The Global Popularity of Hawaiian Pizza
Despite the controversy and debate, the Hawaiian pizza has become a global phenomenon. It is now a popular topping in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It has even been added to the menu of major pizza chains like Domino's and Pizza Hut.
Many people argue that the popularity of the Hawaiian pizza is due to its unique flavor combination. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the saltiness of the ham and cheese, creating a delicious taste that is hard to resist.
The Legacy of Sam Panopoulos
Sam Panopoulos passed away in 2017 at the age of 83, but his legacy lives on through the Hawaiian pizza. He may have never imagined that his simple creation would become a global phenomenon and cause such controversy.
The Hawaiian pizza may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it has certainly left a mark on the pizza world. Whether you love it or hate it, one thing is for sure – the Hawaiian pizza is here to stay.
Conclusion
The Hawaiian pizza was invented by Sam Panopoulos in Canada in 1962. It is a controversial topping that has sparked debate among pizza enthusiasts worldwide. Despite the controversy, it has become a global phenomenon and is now a popular choice in many pizza restaurants. The Hawaiian pizza may have been named after the pineapple or the brand of canned pineapple that was used in its creation. Regardless of its origins, the Hawaiian pizza remains a testament to the creativity and experimentation of pizza chefs around the world.