Hawaiian pizza is a popular pizza topping that consists of tomato sauce, cheese, ham, and pineapple. Its origin has been a topic of debate for many years. Some people believe that it was invented in Hawaii, while others argue that it was created in Canada. But who really invented Hawaiian pizza?There are different stories about the origin of Hawaiian pizza. One of the most popular stories is that it was invented by a Canadian man named Sam Panopoulos in 1962. According to this story, Panopoulos was experimenting with different toppings for pizza when he decided to add pineapple and ham to it. He named this pizza "Hawaiian" because of the pineapple, which is a tropical fruit that is commonly associated with Hawaii.
The Controversy Over Hawaiian Pizza
The invention of Hawaiian pizza has been a subject of controversy for many years. Some people love it, while others hate it. In fact, the president of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, once made headlines when he joked that he would ban pineapple as a pizza topping if he could.Despite the controversy, Hawaiian pizza remains a popular choice for many people. It is served in pizzerias all over the world, and it has even inspired other variations of pizza toppings that include fruits, such as mango and kiwi.
Other Stories about Hawaiian Pizza
While the story about Sam Panopoulos is the most widely accepted one, there are other stories about the origin of Hawaiian pizza. Some people believe that it was invented in the 1940s by a man named Ernesto Uchimura, who was a chef at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Honolulu. According to this story, Uchimura created the pizza for his customers who wanted something different from the traditional pizza toppings.Another story about the origin of Hawaiian pizza is that it was invented by a Greek immigrant named Chrysanthopoulos in Ontario, Canada, in the 1950s. According to this story, Chrysanthopoulos was inspired by the flavors of his homeland and decided to add pineapple to his pizza.
The Legacy of Hawaiian Pizza
Despite the controversy over its origin, Hawaiian pizza has become a beloved pizza topping around the world. It has inspired other pizzas with fruit toppings, and it has even been used as a source of inspiration for other dishes, such as Hawaiian burgers and Hawaiian chicken.
The Final Verdict
So, who really invented Hawaiian pizza? The truth is that we may never know for sure. While the story about Sam Panopoulos is the most widely accepted one, there are other stories that suggest that it may have been invented earlier or in a different place.Regardless of its origin, Hawaiian pizza has become a popular pizza topping that is loved by many people around the world. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying that it has left a lasting legacy in the world of pizza.
