Pizza is one of the most versatile and beloved dishes across the globe. While most people love traditional toppings, the world of pizza offers far more creative options. Depending on where you are, you might top your pies with anything from Nutella to anchovies, showcasing regional flavors and traditions that make each slice unique. Here are some of the most popular unique pizza toppings worldwide.

Most Popular Sweet Pizza Toppings Around the World

While pizza might be synonymous with savory delights like pepperoni and mozzarella, sweet pizzas are carving out a space for themselves across the globe. These dessert-inspired pies take creative license with toppings that blend classic bases with innovative and sometimes unexpected flavors.

Italy: Nutella and Strawberries

Italy, the birthplace of pizza, offers a decadent twist to the traditional pie with the Nutella pizza. This sweet delight features a base slathered with a creamy hazelnut spread, topped with fresh strawberries and sometimes other fruits like bananas. This rich meal is often served as a dessert in Italian pizzerias and the rich Nutella and juicy strawberries are a match made in heaven for those with a sweet tooth.

Brazil: Banana and Chocolate

In Brazil, banana pizza is a popular sweet choice, often served with a generous drizzle of chocolate sauce. Some variations include a dusting of cinnamon or a scoop of ice cream on top. The caramelized bananas meld beautifully with the melted chocolate, creating an exotic dessert pizza. Plus, bananas are a satiating fruit, full of essential vitamins and minerals like potassium and fiber, making them fantastic for boosting energy levels and satisfying sugar cravings.

France: Honey and Goat’s Cheese

France takes a more sophisticated approach to sweet pizza with honey and goat’s cheese. The sharpness of the cheese balances perfectly with the sweet honey, offering an indulgent yet light pie. Some variations add walnuts or figs, further elevating the combination for a delightful mix of sweet and tangy.

Southeast Asia: Durian

Durian pizza is a bold and unusual fusion dish that’s gained popularity in countries like Malaysia and Singapore. Known as the “king of fruits,” durian is famous for its strong aroma and creamy texture. In fact, the fruit is so smelly that it’s banned from public transport and hotels in many countries, including Thailand, Singapore and Japan. When used as a topping, the custard-like flesh is typically paired with cheese, creating a unique blend of sweet and savory tastes. 

Most Popular Savory Pizza Toppings Around the World

Pizza is a universal comfort food, but what goes on top can vary widely depending on where you are. While classic toppings like cheese and meats dominate in many places, some countries have taken pizza toppings to inventive and delicious heights, showcasing regional ingredients and flavors. 

Mediterranean Countries: Anchovies

In Mediterranean countries like Spain, Greece and Italy, anchovies have long been a popular and traditional pizza topping. Known for their intensely salty flavor, anchovies are often paired with simple ingredients like olive oil and garlic to create a bold and briny experience. These small, oily fish have been a staple in many cuisines since the 16th century, prized for their ability to add depth and umami to dishes. 

South Africa: Biltong

Biltong has become a unique and beloved pizza topping, adding a distinctly local taste to the classic dish. Biltong — a dried and cured meat similar to jerky — is typically made from beef or game meats like ostrich or kudu. When used as a pizza topping, its rich, savory flavor and chewy texture pair perfectly with melted cheese and a tomato base. Often combined with caramelized onions or mushrooms, biltong pizza offers a hearty experience. 

Japan: Squid Ink

Japan’s innovative approach to pizza includes toppings like squid ink. Squid ink pizza uses a striking black sauce made from squid ink, topped with seafood such as squid rings, shrimp or clams. The result is a savory and salty pizza, with a unique umami flavor seafood lovers will appreciate. Sometimes, a touch of wasabi or Japanese mayonnaise is added for an extra layer of flavor. 

Australia: Kangaroo

In Australia, kangaroo meat has emerged as an unconventional and distinctly local pizza topping, offering a lean and flavorful alternative to more traditional meats. Known for its high protein content and low fat, kangaroo is often served in thin slices or mince. Protein is essential for building muscle and maintaining overall health, making kangaroo a great red meat option. It pairs perfectly with bold flavors like garlic, caramelized onions and spicy peppers. Kangaroo pizza is a must-try for adventurous eaters looking to experience Australian cuisine. 

Try Something New

Whether you prefer the rich, earthy taste of biltong from South Africa or the indulgent sweetness of a Nutella pizza from Italy, there’s no denying that pizza is a canvas for creativity. Across the globe, both sweet and savory additions highlight the diverse culinary influences that shape this beloved dish. Next time you think of trying something new, explore one of these global pizza creations. You might discover a new favorite.