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Where did pizza originate? -

Pizza as we know it today evolved from similar flatbread dishes in Naples, Italy, between the 16th and mid-18th centuries.

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Where did pizza originate? -

The word "pizza" was first recorded in 997 CE in Gaeta and subsequently in various regions of Central and Southern Italy.

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The first pizza topping -

The oldest kind of pizza is the Marinara, created in 1734 with a simple topping of tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and extra virgin olive oil.

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BBQ pizza, USA -

The BBQ chicken pizza originated in the US but can be found on pizzeria menus all over the world today. While common, the spicy barbecue sauce, diced chicken, and onion toppings are a far cry from pizza's humble beginnings.

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Pickle pizza, USA -

With a garlic and dill white sauce, mozzarella, and pickles, the pickle pie isn't even close to the original iterations of a pizza.

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Macaroni and cheese pizza, USA -

Combining two Italian creations, the mac and cheese pizza is mostly found on American restaurant menus. 

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Sardine pizza, Italy -

Sardines are an acquired taste, so ordering this pizza might earn you some sideways glances. Though the exact origins are unclear, sardine pizza is believed to be Italian.

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Hawaiian pizza, Canada -

Invented by a Greek-born Canadian, nothing seems to divide pizza aficionados like Hawaiian pizza. This unique creation features a traditional tomato base sauce topped with cheese, chunks of pineapple, and either ham or bacon.

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Cheeseburger pizza, USA -

Combining two classic comfort foods, the cheeseburger pizza is an interesting fusion. It typically features ground beef, cheddar cheese, onions, pickles, and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard.

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Caviar pizza, Sweden -

Caviar pizza first appeared in Sweden in the 1960s, but it gained widespread popularity in 1998 when celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay introduced it at his London restaurant, Maze. 

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Chicken with Catupiry pizza, Brazil -

Catupiry is a popular brand of Brazilian cream cheese, widely used in the country's cuisine. Chicken with Catupiry pizza combines mozzarella and shredded chicken, generously drizzled with this creamy Brazilian cheese.

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Broccoli pizza, Brazil -

The origins of broccoli pizza are unclear, but to the horror of some, it's a popular topping in Brazil.

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Reindeer meat pizza, Finland -

After former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi mocked Finnish cuisine, claiming their diet consisted of "marinated reindeer," a Finnish pizzeria created the Pizza Berlusconi, featuring reindeer meat, as a playful jab at the politician and Italian culinary traditions.

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Haggis pizza, Scotland -

A combination of spiced haggis, potatoes, and sharp cheddar, the haggis pizza is a unique way to celebrate Burns Night.

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Romeo and Juliet, Brazil -

The Romeo and Juliet pizza is a Brazilian sweet pizza made with guava paste and cheese. 

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Okonomiyaki, Japan -

Not exactly a pizza, okonomiyaki is a Japanese savory pancake or pizza-like dish that allows for various toppings based on personal preference. It is typically served in wedges, akin to pizza slices.

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Dessert pizzas, Brazil -

Dessert pizzas are particularly popular in Brazil. Common toppings include bananas, chocolate, caramel, and condensed milk. Some people even order their pizzas half savory and half sweet!

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Nacho pizza, USA -

A pizza base loaded with seasoned ground beef and topped with tortilla chips, the nacho pizza is sure to divide opinions.

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Breakfast pizza, Australia -

Topped with bacon, eggs, and mushrooms, the breakfast pizza heralds from Australia and is sure to horrify any Neapolitan nonna.

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Canned tuna pizza, Germany -

Putting seafood on pizza isn't unusual, but Germany's popular canned tuna pizza topping will surely be a turn-off for some.

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Green peas, Brazil -

Thin-crust pizzas in Brazil are sometimes topped with green peas, adding a pop of color and flavor to the pizza base.

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Banana curry pizza, Sweden -

In Sweden, peanuts and banana slices are arranged on a pizza base covered in red or white sauce seasoned with curry powder. And if that wasn't controversial enough, pineapple slices are sometimes added for a tropical taste.

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Squid pizza, Japan -

In Japan, squid or squid ink is added to a pizza for an umami, briny taste.

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Shawarma pizza, Netherlands -

Chicken shawarma is a Middle Eastern dish made with thinly sliced marinated chicken that is typically cooked on a vertical rotisserie. In the Netherlands, this is added to pizza and, surprisingly (or not), enjoyed by many.

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Tandoori chicken pizza, India -

Tandoori chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices and then cooked in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven. Not only is it a popular dish in India, but it's also a common pizza topping.

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Kiwi on pizza, Denmark -

While kiwi on a dessert pizza makes sense, kiwi on a ham and cheese pizza would cause hysteria among some pizza purists. Nevertheless, this topping is offered at some Danish pizzerias.

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Seafood pizza, Italy -

Originating in Italy, pizza with seafood isn't uncommon, but it still raises eyebrows among some pizza fans.

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Mango pizza, Philippines -

Mango pizza originates from the small island of Guimaras, home to the sweetest mangoes in the Philippines. Its sweet and savory flavors will either delight or displease your taste buds.

Sources: (Camden House of Pizza) (Eatfirst) (The Travel)

See also: Must-try street food for travelers

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