Sushi pizza is believed to have originated in the late 1980s by Kaoru Ohsada, a Japanese chef residing in Toronto. The dish was first introduced at his restaurant called Osho under the name “Ocean’s Treasure pizza” which quickly gained a cult following among diners. The sushi pizza was originally made with avocado, salmon, tuna, tobiko and mayo-based sauce and served on a crispy rice cake instead of a traditional dough base.
The concept of sushi pizza is said to have developed as a way to merge Japanese and American flavors. As the creator of sushi pizza, Kaoru Ohsada, notes America’s love for pizza, he decided to give the popular dish a Japanese twist. By combining the flavors of the Japanese sushi with the American pizza, he created a unique and delicious dish that was bound to appeal to diners.
Sushi pizza’s popularity has grown steadily in Canada, beginning in Toronto where it was first created and spreading out to different regions of the country. The combination of sushi’s signature rice and fresh raw fish and the crunchy, doughy crust of a pizza is definitely a match made in culinary heaven.
To make a sushi pizza, the chefs start with a base of a crispy rice cake seasoned with rice vinegar and soy sauce. Avocado, cucumber, tobiko, and other sushi meats, such as salmon or tuna, are then placed on top of the rice cake, followed by a homemade mayonnaise-based sauce. The whole dish is then drizzled with spicy mayo and eel sauce. Some variations of the sushi pizza include the addition of tempura or teriyaki sauce for an even more unique taste.
Since sushi pizza’s initial creation in the 1980s, it has evolved to include a wide range of different ingredients. While the classic version of the dish is still the most popular, chefs have been experimenting with different sushi meats, vegetable toppings, and sauces to create new and exciting versions of the dish.
Sushi pizza has gained such widespread popularity in Canada that it is no longer just a dish at Japanese restaurants. It is now included on the menus at various other restaurants throughout the country, including sushi bars, Italian pizzerias, and Asian fusion eateries.
From its humble beginnings at a Toronto restaurant to its current status as an international food trend and Instagram sensation, sushi pizza is a remarkable story of fusion foods. It reflects the merging of two different cultures and cuisines to create something entirely new. The dish has become so popular in Canada that it has now become a part of culinary history and will continue to do so for years to come.
In conclusion, sushi pizza may seem like an unlikely combination, but it’s actually a delicious and satisfying dish that’s worth trying. The unique blend of Japanese and American flavors has made it one of the most popular dishes in Canada, and has captured the attention of diners worldwide. The story behind sushi pizza is a tribute to the power of creativity, experimentation, and the willingness to take risks in the culinary world.