When it comes to food trends, Pizza Hut China has taken a massive leap—straight into the pond. The internet has been abuzz after the fast-food giant unveiled its latest creation: the “Goblin” pizza, a dish that features an entire deep-fried bullfrog as its pièce de résistance.
The bold menu item, which is available for a limited time, has been launched as part of a collaboration with Tencent’s popular mobile game Dungeon & Fighter: Origins. Inspired by the game’s quirky characters, the Goblin pizza doesn’t just push boundaries—it obliterates them.
The pizza itself is a feast for both the eyes and the adventurous eater. Nestled on a bed of coriander and red sauce, the frog is topped off with “eyes” made of hardboiled eggs and black olives for a dramatic, albeit slightly unsettling, effect.
Social Media Reactions:
The unveiling of the Goblin pizza has left food lovers divided, with reactions ranging from culinary curiosity to outright horror. Comments on platforms like Weibo and Twitter ranged from, “Someone call Gordon Ramsay! This is a culinary crime scene,” to puns like, “Toad in a whole damn pizza.”
While some couldn’t get over the visual, others critiqued the pairing of frog with pizza, noting that the amphibian is traditionally enjoyed in simpler preparations. “I do eat frogs but not with pizza. Prefer the traditional style of cooking,” wrote one user.
A Nod to Chinese Cuisine:
Bullfrog is a popular delicacy in China, often prepared in hot pots or spicy stir-fries. Pizza Hut’s attempt to blend local flavors with Western fast food is part of a broader trend of customizing menus to suit regional tastes. David Henkes, a global food trends analyst, noted the growing popularity of unconventional toppings like frog, saying, “In proof that other countries/cultures prefer different proteins, frog is trending.”
A Bold Move or a Step Too Far?
Whether the Goblin pizza is a genius marketing stunt or a step too far remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Pizza Hut China has successfully gotten people talking (and ribbiting) about its unique creation.
For those daring enough to try, the Goblin pizza is available at select Pizza Hut outlets across China—but only for a limited time. Love it or hate it, this “toad-al” innovation has certainly hopped into the spotlight.
