Norwich Pizzeria Sparks Debate with £100 Hawaiian
A pizzeria in Norwich, England, has ignited a fiery debate by charging a staggering £100 for a Hawaiian pizza. Lupa Pizza, a trendy establishment, recently added the controversial pineapple-topped pizza to its online menu with a defiant message: “Yeah, for £100 you can have it. Order the champagne too! Go on, you monster!”
“A Crime Against Humanity”
Francis Wolf, co-owner of Lupa Pizza, expressed his disdain for the Hawaiian pizza, stating, “We vehemently dislike pineapple on pizza. We feel it doesn’t suit pizza at all.” Head chef Quin Jianoran added that they keep canned pineapple on hand just in case someone orders it, but that has yet to happen.
This bold stance against pineapple on pizza has reignited a long-standing culinary debate. While some argue that the sweetness of pineapple complements the savory flavors of ham and cheese, others believe it’s a culinary abomination.
Public Opinion Divided
A 2024 YouGov survey revealed that over 50% of Britons either love or like pineapple on pizza, while 16% dislike it and nearly 20% hate it. Even celebrities have weighed in, with former politician Ed Balls calling it an “appalling” idea.
Lupa Pizza’s social media pages have become a battleground for those for and against the Hawaiian pizza. One user declared, “Pineapple on pizza is life!” while another called Lupa’s campaign a “great bit of harmless marketing.”
Local Reactions
Customers at the Norwich pizzeria are also divided on the issue. Builder Simon Greaves, 40, believes that putting pineapple on pizza is simply wrong. However, 14-year-old Johnny Worsley shared that the Hawaiian is his second favorite pizza, after pepperoni. “But I wouldn’t pay £100 for it,” Worsley admitted. “I don’t think anyone will.”
A Global Debate
The controversy surrounding pineapple on pizza extends far beyond the UK. Italians, known for their traditional approach to pizza, often express bewilderment at foreign innovations in toppings.
The origins of the Hawaiian pizza can be traced back to Canada in the 1960s, where a Greek immigrant named Sam Panopoulos first experimented with adding pineapple to his pizzas.
Whether you love it or hate it, the Hawaiian pizza continues to spark passionate debate and ignite strong opinions around the world. Lupa Pizza’s £100 price tag may be a deterrent for some, but it certainly has succeeded in bringing this controversial culinary creation back into the spotlight.
