This article explores the contentious culinary combination of ham and pineapple on pizza, a dish affectionately known as the Hawaiian. While some decry it as a “tropical menace,” others embrace its sweet and savory profile. To settle the score, or at least offer a nuanced perspective, Italian chef Aldo Zilli taste-tested six supermarket Hawaiian pizzas, providing a detailed assessment of each.
Zilli’s reviews focused on key elements such as the quality and quantity of toppings, the texture and flavor of the crust, and the overall balance of the pizza. Aldi’s offering received praise for its thin and crispy Roman-style crust and generous portions of ham and finely sliced pineapple, all at an affordable price. While the tomato base lacked depth, it was deemed acceptable, resulting in a 3/5 rating. Sainsbury’s version, however, disappointed with its generic flavor, unevenly cooked crust, and thickly cut pineapple, earning a meager 2/5. Despite its higher price point, it failed to deliver a satisfying Hawaiian pizza experience.
Marks & Spencer’s 12-inch pizza boasted high-quality ingredients, particularly the ham, which Zilli considered the best among the contenders. However, the sparse distribution of toppings across the large base and the uneven placement of mozzarella led to a 4/5 rating. It earned points for its appealing deep-pan style but lost some due to its perceived poor value. Tesco’s pizza emerged as Zilli’s favorite, earning a 5/5 rating. Its evenly cooked base, well-distributed toppings, and excellent crust reminiscent of authentic Italian pizza impressed the chef. While the tomato sauce had a slightly bitter note, it was deemed the best among the tested pizzas, making it a recommended purchase.
Lidl’s frozen pizza faced challenges with sticking to the tray and excessive toppings that resulted in a soggy crust. While the ham offered a pleasant smoky flavor and the pineapple delivered a fruity sweetness, the overall experience was hindered by the lack of cheese and the structural issues, resulting in a 3/5 rating. Iceland’s budget-friendly frozen pizza, priced at just £1, surprised with its well-cooked, non-stick crust. However, the watery and tasteless ham and soggy pineapple brought the overall score down to a 4/5, despite its remarkable value for a quick and easy meal. Its affordability makes it a viable option for casual occasions.
Zilli himself, while admitting a personal preference for traditional Neapolitan toppings, acknowledges the popularity of the Hawaiian pizza. He doesn’t understand the strong aversion some hold for the combination of fruit and ham, emphasizing the importance of personal taste. He highlights his family’s enjoyment of the Hawaiian, particularly among his daughters, further reinforcing the subjective nature of culinary preferences. He offers advice for those who enjoy the Hawaiian pizza, recommending high-quality ham and thinly sliced pineapple, preferably added fresh after baking to maintain its sweet and sour flavor profile.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding the Hawaiian pizza continues, but Zilli’s taste test offers a balanced perspective. While the quality of supermarket Hawaiian pizzas varies significantly, options exist for those who enjoy this controversial combination. The key takeaway is that taste is subjective and, as Zilli himself states, “If you like tropical flavours with your cheese and tomato then you should eat it!” Ultimately, the best Hawaiian pizza is the one that satisfies individual preferences. Zilli’s insight into the components of a good Hawaiian pizza, emphasizing high-quality ingredients and proper preparation techniques, provides a valuable guide for both those seeking store-bought options and those crafting their own versions of this polarizing dish.
