BBQ Hawaiian Pizza

The Hawaiian pizza is one of the most debated creations in culinary history, despite its name originating not from the islands, but from Canada.

It was developed in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant in Ontario, who experimented with canned pineapple on pizza to mimic the sweet and sour flavours popular in Chinese cuisine at the time.

The combination of pineapple and ham (or its vegan alternatives) created a polarising contrast that eventually spread across North America and the globe. While traditionalists argue that fruit has no place on a pizza, the dish has become a staple of global pizza culture, representing a bold fusion of tropical ingredients and Italian-inspired dough.

In recent years, the dish has evolved through the lens of plant-based eating. The substitution of traditional mozzarella with nut-based creams and the use of alternative grains like spelt reflect a modern shift towards health-conscious and ethical dining. This version replaces the traditional tomato base with BBQ sauce, enhancing the smoky depth that complements the acidity of the pineapple. ■

See the full recipe for BBQ Hawaiian Pizza