A favorite of college kids and tired parents alike, pizza is one of the most convenient and popular foods in the world. Whether delivered on a weeknight or consumed in a high-end Italian restaurant, this dish rarely disappoints. And with a seemingly endless variety of toppings available to choose from, pizza can be individualized to fit any palate.
Chocolate
While it might sound weird to some people, chocolate pizza is becoming more and more popular. It's usually made with a chocolate hazelnut spread over a typical pizza crust, then topped with a variety of sweet toppings like marshmallows, caramel, and nuts. Chocolate pizza is a great option for dessert or for someone with a major sweet tooth!
Kimchi
Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made from fermented vegetables, usually cabbage and spices. Although most people are familiar with kimchi as a side dish at their favorite Korean BBQ, it's also a popular topping for Korean-style pizzas. Sprinkled over a traditional pizza, kimchi adds a tangy, spicy flavor that pairs well with cheese and tomato sauce.
Coconut
The word “tropical” doesn’t typically come to mind in regard to pizza. But the taste of a coconut-topped pizza will conjure images of palm trees and a blue ocean. Combined with pineapples or shrimp, coconut adds a unique and tasty flavor to the pizza.
Banana
Banana pizza might sound like a strange combination, but it's actually a popular topping in some parts of the world. In Sweden, for example, banana curry pizza is a popular option that's topped with bananas, curry sauce or powder, chicken, and peanuts. The bananas add an interesting texture and enhance the flavor of the other pizza ingredients.
Clams
Clams are an expected ingredient in paella but on pizza? Not so much. In some restaurants in the US, however, clam pizza is the most-ordered item on the menu. The most famous clam pizza is probably the one served at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in New Haven, Connecticut. It's topped with fresh clams, garlic, olive oil, and grated cheese. Savory, salty, and satisfying, clam pizza might be worth trying!
Squid
Squid might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of pizza toppings, but squid is a common choice in some parts of Asia. In Japan, for example, squid pizza is topped with squid, mayonnaise, and seaweed and is found in many pizza parlors. Squid ink, in particular, is a fan favorite for pizza lovers in Japan.
Haggis
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with spices and oatmeal. While it might not be for everyone, haggis pizza is popular in some Scottish pizzerias. Often served over creamed potatoes and cheese, classic pizza sauce, haggis pizza is a non-traditional treat for many people.
Strawberries
Strawberries are a nutritional powerhouse that’s chock full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber – so why not use it as a pizza topping? Strawberry pizza might sound like a dessert, but it's actually a popular option in some parts of the world. In Finland, for example, strawberry pizza is a popular option that's topped with strawberries, cream cheese, and honey.
Tuna
While tuna might not be the most unusual topping on this list, it's worth mentioning because it's a popular option in some parts of the world. In Italy, for example, tuna pizza is a popular choice that's topped with tuna, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Italy is the home of pizza, so they must be onto something!
Eggs
While eggs might be a common breakfast food, they're also a popular pizza topping in some parts of the world. In France, for example, pizza aux oeufs is a popular option that's topped with bacon, egg, and cheese. Think sunny-side-up egg pizza – that’s pizza aux oeufs.
What makes a pizza so universal is that the dish can be customized. So, if you’re looking to take a slice out of life, have an adventure and try something new and unusual on your next pizza. It may just turn out to be your new favorite topping.
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