Brazil's Pea Surprise
Brazil, with its significant Italian heritage, has infused pizza with local flair, most notably with the inclusion of green peas. The 'Pizza Portuguesa'
exemplifies this fusion, featuring ham, onions, hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and, crucially, peas. In some versions, these peas are paired with creamy, tangy Catupiry cheese, a distinctive Brazilian soft cheese, and even a sunny-side-up egg. Due to the generous, often abundant toppings, Brazilians commonly opt to eat their pizza with a knife and fork, as slices can become quite unwieldy.
Japan's Mayo Revolution
In Japan, mayonnaise has taken a starring role, sometimes entirely replacing the traditional tomato sauce. Japanese mayonnaise, known for its sharper tang, complements other popular pizza ingredients such as corn, potatoes, and tuna. The 'Mayo Jaga' is a prime example, typically adorned with onion, corn, potato, pancetta, paprika, and a distinct lattice of mayonnaise. Beyond this, Japanese pizzerias explore even more adventurous toppings like chewy mochi rice cakes, spicy mentaiko cod roe, and seaweed (nori).
Sweden's Sweet & Savory
Sweden offers a unique take with its banana curry pizza, a creation that shares some similarities with Hawaiian pizza but is elevated by the addition of curry powder. This blend creates a surprisingly savory experience, especially with the common inclusion of peanuts, which balances the sweetness of the banana. Stockholm's pizzerias, particularly places like Formaggio Pizzeria, are well-known for serving this intriguing combination.
Russia's Cold Fish Feast
For those who can handle a variety of fish, Russia's 'Mockba Pizza' (Mockba meaning Moscow) presents a bold option. This pizza is topped with four types of fish – tuna, mackerel, sardines, and salmon – and is notably served cold. The ensemble is typically garnished with onions, fresh herbs, and occasionally roe. It's a popular choice in Moscow, with establishments like Correa's offering notable versions of this unique dish.
Australia's Wildlife Delicacies
Australia embraces its unique fauna by featuring native meats like crocodile, kangaroo, and emu on its pizzas. These unusual proteins are often enhanced with local flavors such as bush tomatoes and lemon myrtle mayonnaise, or paired with more conventional ingredients like mushrooms, mozzarella, olives, and aubergine. Additionally, Australia offers a 'breakfast pizza,' a hearty concoction of bacon, ham, eggs, cheese, and either tomato or barbecue sauce.
Finland's Reindeer Pizza
In Finland, where reindeer is a staple protein, the 'Berlusconi Pizza' stands out. This pizza features smoked reindeer meat, complemented by chanterelle mushrooms and onions. Its name originates from Italian leader Silvio Berlusconi, who apparently expressed distaste for the dish. Finns embraced the slight, turning his comment into a celebrated pizza variety, proving how local ingredients can create iconic dishes.
