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The Ham and Pineapple Pizza, commonly known as Hawaiian pizza, is a popular variety of pizza that features a classic combination of savory ham and sweet pineapple chunks on a tomato sauce and cheese base. It is widely believed to have been invented in Canada by a Greek immigrant, Sam Panopoulos, in the 1960s, rather than in Hawaii.
This pizza is typically high in carbohydrates from the crust and fat from the cheese, while providing a moderate amount of protein from the ham. A standard slice generally contains around 200 to 300 calories, with the pineapple adding a small amount of vitamin C to the mix.
Hawaiian pizza is famously polarizing, sparking intense and often humorous debates over whether fruit belongs on pizza, dividing food lovers into passionate camps. Its invention in a Canadian restaurant by a Greek chef highlights the global fusion and creative evolution of Italian-inspired cuisine.