19 Crazy Pizza toppings From Around The World

I’ve always thought of myself as adventurous when it comes to pizza. Sure, I’ve tried pineapple on pizza – and yes, it absolutely belongs – but my recent trip to Slovenia opened my eyes to some toppings I never imagined seeing on a slice.

From tuna to nacho cheese, and even hot dogs, Slovenia took pizza to a whole new level of strange. But, it got me thinking – pizza is a blank canvas for creativity around the world, and there are plenty of unusual toppings that locals swear by.

Some may be delicious, others downright bizarre, but they all have a story behind them. Let’s take a look at some of the strangest pizza toppings from around the globe.

Tuna

Tuna might seem out of place on pizza, but in countries like Slovenia, Austria and other parts of Europe, it’s surprisingly common. Tuna pizzas are often paired with onions, olives, and sometimes even capers, creating a savory, briny experience. While some love the unique seafood twist, others may find it a bit too fishy for their liking!

Nacho Cheese

A fusion of Italian and Tex-Mex cuisine, pizzas topped with nacho cheese are becoming more common in Slovenia and other parts of Europe. This unconventional combination adds a creamy, cheesy layer reminiscent of nachos. Often paired with ingredients like jalapeños, this pizza gives a fun spin on traditional pizza flavors.

Hot Dogs

Yes, hot dogs on pizza! Found in parts of Eastern Europe, this pizza topping adds an American fast-food favorite to Italian cuisine. The hot dogs are typically sliced and scattered on top, sometimes paired with ketchup and mustard for an even more “fast-food” feel. It’s a perfect example of culinary experimentation!

I did discover in Austria, though, when they say hotdog, they usually mean the little Vienna sausages, still weird on pizza, but at least they taste better than a hotdog.

Reindeer

In Scandinavia, especially Finland, reindeer meat is a popular and traditional food, so it’s no surprise that it’s found its way onto pizza. The pizza often features thin slices of reindeer meat, combined with lingonberries or mushrooms for a unique and earthy flavor. While it may sound exotic, it’s considered a local delicacy.

Crocodile

Australia is known for its adventurous food scene, and crocodile pizza is one of the most unusual offerings. The white meat of crocodile has a mild flavor, often compared to chicken, and is sometimes paired with barbecue sauce or local spices. It’s definitely not your average pizza night experience!

Kangaroo

Sticking with Australia, kangaroo pizza is another strange but beloved local specialty. The gamey, lean meat of kangaroo is often marinated before being placed on the pizza, typically paired with ingredients like onions and garlic. It offers a distinctly Australian twist to a classic pizza.

Squid Ink

In Japan, squid ink pizza is a hit. The black ink gives the pizza a striking appearance and adds a briny, oceanic flavor that pairs well with seafood toppings like shrimp, squid, or scallops. It’s visually unique and offers a taste of the sea in every bite.

Banana and Curry

In Sweden, you’ll find the controversial banana and curry pizza. The sweet and savory combination includes sliced bananas, curry powder, ham, and cheese. While it may sound odd, many Swedes enjoy the contrasting flavors. It’s a bold take on traditional pizza toppings, to say the least.

Caviar

For those with expensive tastes, caviar-topped pizza is available in luxury restaurants worldwide. The tiny, salty fish eggs add a decadent touch to pizza, often paired with other rich ingredients like truffle oil or crème fraîche. It’s a far cry from your average pepperoni slice and can cost hundreds of dollars!

Chocolate

Dessert pizzas are popular around the world, and chocolate pizza is one of the sweetest variations. Found in places like Brazil and Italy, chocolate is used in place of traditional tomato sauce, and the pizza is often topped with fruits like strawberries or bananas. It’s a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Egg

In France, it’s common to find pizzas topped with a raw egg that’s cooked in the oven. The egg is usually placed in the center of the pizza and baked until the white is set but the yolk is still runny. This rich and creamy topping gives the pizza an added layer of texture and flavor.

Corn

Corn may seem like a strange pizza topping, but in countries like Japan and South Korea, it’s a common addition. Sweet corn kernels are often scattered over the pizza, sometimes combined with mayonnaise or other toppings, to give it a unique, sweet-savory taste.

Coconut

In Costa Rica and other tropical regions, coconut finds its way onto pizza. The grated coconut is often combined with pineapple or ham, adding an extra layer of sweetness and crunch to the pizza. It’s a tropical twist that might surprise those who typically go for savory toppings.

Peas

In Brazil, peas are a popular pizza topping. Often paired with ham, eggs, and onions, the peas add a pop of sweetness and color to the pizza. It’s a strange combination for those not used to seeing vegetables like peas on pizza, but it’s a Brazilian favorite.

Mayo Jaga (Mayonnaise and Potatoes)

Japan is known for its love of mayonnaise, and that love extends to pizza with the “Mayo Jaga.” This pizza is topped with a generous amount of mayonnaise and potato slices, often paired with bacon or corn. The creamy, rich mayonnaise blends with the starchy potatoes to create a unique but comforting flavor.

Durian

Durian, known as the “king of fruits,” is infamous for its strong odor, but in Southeast Asia, it’s used as a pizza topping. The creamy texture and pungent flavor of durian create a truly unusual pizza experience. It’s a must-try for the adventurous eater, but it’s definitely not for everyone!

Clams

In New Haven, Connecticut, you’ll find the iconic white clam pizza. Instead of tomato sauce, this pizza uses olive oil and is topped with clams, garlic, and oregano. The briny flavor of the clams pairs well with the rich, garlicky base, creating a local favorite that’s both unique and delicious.

French Fries

In the UK, the love of chips (French fries) is undeniable, and that has extended to pizza as well. French fries are sometimes added as a topping on pizzas, especially in takeaway shops. Combined with cheese and other toppings like bacon or gravy, it creates a carb-loaded indulgence.

Seaweed

In Japan, seaweed is a common pizza topping. The dried seaweed, or nori, is sprinkled over the pizza along with other toppings like shrimp or tofu. It adds a salty, umami flavor and a bit of crunch, making it a distinctly Japanese twist on pizza.

Whats your favorite pizza topping?

With so many combinations available, pizza really is for everyone. I love artichoke hearts and sundried tomatoes on mine, and I can always go for a ham and pineapple or pepperoni and bacon.

What’s your go-to pizza topping?