Forget Pepperoni - The World's Weirdest Pizza Toppings

PIZZA. A common staple of food in our everyday lives. Yes, the argument of whether pineapple really does belong on pizza surfaces; but what happens when you throw in a weird topping or two? Unconventional but somehow delicious to some, these pizza toppings served globally will undoubtedly blow your mind, just like it did mine! 

1. Banana & Curry (Sweden)

In Sweden, the pizza topping of banana and curry has proven to be a local favourite. Paired with tomato sauce and cheese, this might seem like a questionable topping combination but makes perfect sense when you take a bite! This sweet and savoury contrast actually resonates with many other Swedish dishes, making this pizza topping seem more normal than it ought to be. 

2. Pineapples & Anchovies (Italy) 

Pineapples on pizza seem okay, but anchovies do throw many people off after hearing this is a legitimate topping. (Me too) This classic “polarizing” pizza combines the salty and briny flavor of anchovies with the tropical sweetness of pineapple. Originally introduced as a pizza topping by Canadian restaurateur Sam Panopoulos, this controversial pairing is often served in Italy, where anchovies are a staple. The juxtaposition of salty and sweet is a reflection of Italy’s regional diversity, where coastal towns love their seafood, and tropical fruits like pineapple are a more recent addition.

3. Haggis (Scotland) 

Haggis, a savory pudding made from sheep's organs, oats, and spices, is not for the faint of heart. But in Scotland, it's a beloved national dish. Then beckons the question, why throw it on a pizza? Haggis-topped pizza is a bold and unusual choice, but for those who adore the rich, earthy flavor of this topping, this is most definitely for you! 

At first glance, the idea of putting haggis or banana on a pizza might seem like culinary sacrilege. However, these quirky toppings are far more than just strange combinations. Instead, they are a testament to the global cultural exchange that is happening in kitchens all over the world. As people travel, immigrate, and interact more than ever before, our tastes, traditions and flavors begin to merge. Food, like culture, becomes a shared language — one that can express identity, history, and even social changes. 

In Singapore, although these 3 global pizza toppings are utterly foreign to us, one thing that ties us together is our multi-cultural society. This shows our need to continue to respect and engage cross-culturally to understand and try more things from other cultures! 

So, the next time you order a pizza with an unusual topping, take a moment to appreciate how that strange combination is a reflection of something bigger: a world that is constantly blending, evolving, and making something new from the old. After all, for many of us, food is more than just fuel!

Hannah de Lang-Ho

Secondary 3 Charity

2025