Have you ever tried a kangaroo pizza? How about one with chocolate, eggs, or mussels? The iconic food looks and tastes very differently around the world.
Pizza is popular all over the world,
but few Americans get the chance to sample what a pie tastes like down under or which toppings Tokyo businessmen indulge in, or even how it's cooked in its country of origin. There's more to this popular delivery food than cheese and pepperoni, so here are some unusual facts about the wide variety of pies from around the world.
Canadian Bacon Scam:
Many people in the USA love to order a Hawaiian pie, which, oddly enough, comes with a generous portion of Canadian bacon in addition to pineapple chunks. But it isn't really bacon as we know it, and Canadians certainly don't call it Canadian bacon, so what is it? In the US, most of what we call bacon is considered in other parts of the world, streaky bacon, which means it comes in long strips that are marbled with fat. There are, however, several other different types of bacon that simply aren't very popular in the USA. Canadian bacon is called back bacon, which is much leaner and therefore not quite as tasty as our greasy, breakfast variety.
Simplicity:
In Italy, where what we understand as pizza was invented (although there is much debate on this), a pie is served pretty simply. Unless, of course, you're on the well-trod tourist trail and demand your pie comes with a side of ranch dressing and filled crust. Italian pie has a thinner crust, a smear of sauce, a dash of cheese sprinkled on the top, and then a drizzle of oil and some basil leaves- done. Variations are also minimal, with one or two toppings and no gimmicks like a side of butter for "dipping" or anything that comes under the "buffalo" category.
Seafood Diet:
Unless you live on the East coast, America has never been as big on seafood as other countries. Chicken and beef rule, so there is little room next to your BBQ chicken for anything oceanic, unless you're one of the few who actually orders anchovies. Seafood toppings are actually extremely popular in seaside towns such as in Spain or Japan. Mussels, fish portions, shrimp, and even squid and octopus are tossed on and add a unique flavor as well as texture. Even raw fish pizza can be found at gourmet parlors.
Dessert :
Pizza for dessert? Why not? Many restaurants offer a chocolate version of the tomato counterpart. There's no marinara or cheese though. Most are made exclusively of sweet ingredients, so while it may look like a real New York Slice, it tastes more like a big slice of fudge cake with sugary toppings. If you want some extra luxury, some upscale restaurants will throw in some gold leafing for adding glitz.
Down Under:
How different can Australia be from its distant cousins in North America and Europe? If you went by their topping choices, you might think they're not only in a different hemisphere, but a whole different galaxy. Crocodile, kangaroo, prawns, egg, and beetroot are some typical Aussie favorites, but you can also get pepperoni too.
