Culinary Twist: Origins of the California Roll and Hawaiian Pizza!

Surprisingly, both the beloved California roll and Hawaiian pizza have Canadian origins! The California roll was first crafted in Vancouver, British Columbia, by chef Hidekazu Tojo. Known for his innovative approach, Tojo also introduced sushi fans to other favorites like the BC roll, rainbow roll, golden roll, and spider roll, solidifying his impact on sushi culture.

Meanwhile, Hawaiian pizza was the brainchild of Greek-Canadian chef Sam Panopoulos, who wanted to experiment with sweet and savory flavors on a pizza. The now-iconic name “Hawaiian” was inspired by the brand of canned pineapple he used, giving the pizza its tropical flair.

In addition to Hawaiian pizza, Sam Panopoulos is credited with popularizing the combination of sweet and savory flavors on pizzas, particularly by using ingredients like pineapple and ham. His approach helped shape the concept of topping pizzas with non-traditional ingredients, paving the way for a variety of creative pizza combinations. While he is primarily known for Hawaiian pizza, his innovative spirit contributed to the broader acceptance of diverse toppings in North American pizza culture.

Fun Fact: Chef Hidekazu Tojo created the California roll as a way to make sushi more approachable to Western palates, substituting avocado for traditional fish and rolling it “inside out” to hide the seaweed! This clever adaptation helped introduce sushi to a broader audience in North America.