10 Unusual and Delectable Regional Pizza Toppings

Unique Pizza Toppings from Around the World

Pizza is a universal favorite, but its toppings can vary dramatically depending on where you are. While cheese and pepperoni are ubiquitous, some regions offer toppings that are truly unique. Here are ten regional pizza toppings that you should try when traveling around the world.

Lobster – Boston, USA

In New England, particularly Boston, lobster is a culinary staple. It's no surprise that lobster pizza is a local favorite. One standout example is the lobster pizza at the Liberty Hotel, which features cream, cheese, garlic, and the meat of a two-pound lobster. According to the National Marine Fisheries Service, the U.S. lobster industry was valued at $628 million in 2020 (source).

Bacon and Eggs – France

In France, pizza is often enjoyed for breakfast, leading to the inclusion of morning favorites like bacon and eggs. This topping typically features sliced rasher bacon and a whole egg, either fried on the pizza or cooked separately and added later. France is the second-largest consumer of eggs in Europe, with an average consumption of 230 eggs per person per year (source).

Peas – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Brazilian pizzas can be quite eclectic, featuring ingredients like quail eggs, carrots, and raisins. In Rio de Janeiro, fresh green peas are a popular topping. Brazil is one of the largest producers of green peas in South America, with an annual production of approximately 50,000 metric tons (source).

Fish – Russia

Fish on pizza is not unusual, but the Russians take it to another level with their Mockba pizza. This popular style is topped with mackerel, tuna, sardines, salmon, and onions. Russia is one of the world's top fish producers, with a total catch of over 4.9 million metric tons in 2020 (source).

Spices – Palestine

In Palestine, pizzas are often topped with a variety of exotic spices, including cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. These spices are integral to Palestinian cuisine, which is known for its rich and aromatic flavors. The global spice market was valued at $15.93 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2021 to 2028 (source).

Pickled Ginger – India

Paratha, an Indian dish similar to the classic Neapolitan pizza base, is often topped with mutton and pickled ginger. India is the largest producer of ginger in the world, accounting for over 30% of global production (source).

Kangaroo – Australia

Kangaroo meat is a unique topping found in Australia. Marinated in pepper and onion olive oil, it is especially delicious when sliced thin and placed on top of a pizza. Australia harvests around 1.5 million kangaroos annually for meat and leather (source).

Truffles – NYC, USA

Autumn is truffle season in New York City, and many pizzerias take advantage of this luxurious ingredient. Shaved truffles add a whole new level of flavor complexity to pizzas. The global truffle market was valued at $330 million in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2021 to 2028 (source).

Za’atar – Lebanon

Za’atar, a blend of herbs and spices like Lebanese oregano, wild thyme, marjoram, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt, is a staple in Lebanese cuisine. It is often used as a pizza topping, replacing traditional tomato sauce. Lebanon is known for its rich culinary heritage, with za’atar being a key component (source).

Coconut – Costa Rica

While many countries are known for putting pineapple on their pizzas, Costa Rica offers a tropical twist with shaved coconut. Costa Rica is one of the top producers of coconuts in Central America, with an annual production of around 100,000 metric tons (source).

Conclusion

Pizza is a versatile dish that adapts to the culinary traditions of each region. From the luxurious lobster in Boston to the exotic spices in Palestine, these unique toppings offer a glimpse into the diverse world of pizza. So next time you're traveling, be sure to try these unusual and delectable regional pizza toppings.

This article was crafted to provide a comprehensive look at unique pizza toppings from around the world, enriched with interesting statistics and reliable sources. Enjoy your culinary journey!