Supermodel Heidi Klum has stirred some culinary controversy with her choice of pizza toppings as she celebrates the opening of her new pizza restaurant in New York City. During an exclusive interview with People, the 51-year-old shared her personal preference for a topping that has long divided food lovers: pineapple on pizza.
Klum revealed that her love for Hawaiian pizza—a combination of pineapple and ham—became a point of contention with her business partner, Italian entrepreneur and ex-partner Flavio Briatore. “One item I had a big fight with Flavio about… is pineapple on pizza,” Klum said with a laugh. “You know, I’m German, and in Germany, we have pizza Hawaiian—it’s pineapple and ham.” She explained that, while she grew up enjoying the combination, Italians tend to have a different opinion.
“Flavio’s reaction was, ‘There’s no way. Italians don’t do pizza Hawaiian,’” Klum shared. But she stood her ground, defending the topping, which has its fans around the world. “I was like, ‘But why?’ There’s a lot of tourists, or so I hear, who like it,” she said, hinting that the addition could appeal to a wider audience. Klum also joked about her role in the business, noting, “Plus, I’m also a partner. So I feel like I should have a say!”
After some back-and-forth, Briatore eventually agreed to include the controversial topping on the menu, albeit reluctantly. Klum pointed out that in many parts of the world, pineapple on pizza is a popular choice, including with her friends from Australia. “In Germany, Italians are in Germany, too,” she added with a smile, highlighting the international twist that influenced her pizza preferences.
Klum and Briatore’s partnership in the pizza business brings them back into a professional relationship after their brief romance in 2003. During their time together, Klum became pregnant with her daughter Leni, who is now following in her mother’s footsteps as a model. Although they parted ways later that year, Klum and Briatore have maintained a cordial relationship and now collaborate on their shared culinary venture.
The debate over pineapple on pizza is unlikely to be settled any time soon, but Klum’s willingness to champion her preferred topping reflects her adventurous spirit and sense of humor. As she kicks off her latest venture, her fans will have the chance to enjoy her unique take on pizza, with or without pineapple. For Klum, it’s all about enjoying a little slice of nostalgia and bringing a global flavor to her restaurant.