Australian Mushrooms is partnering with Gigi's Pizzeria to run a limited edition pop-up featuring new and innovative uses of mushrooms, rarely seen on menus. Umami whipped butter and seared 'steak' mushrooms all feature in Gigi's Pizzeria's mushroom takeover which will run for one month only during February.
Hailed by Jamie Oliver for serving some of the best pizza he's ever tasted, Daniel Semrani, the globally acclaimed chef and owner of Gigi's, will be at the helm of the takeover. Using his skills to showcase the umami-forward menu, it promises to impress all types of guests, whether they are already mushroom lovers or willing to be converted.
Taking mushrooms beyond classic pizza uses, the new creations will be released at Gigi's on Friday 6 February. Pizzas include the 'Mushroom Whip' where the traditional tomato base is replaced by a umami‑packed whipped mushroom and herb butter, layered with sautéed juicy white button mushrooms, rocket, prosciutto and Fior di latte.
The 'Umamified' is a twist on the classic marinara, featuring thick-cut Swiss brown mushrooms that are scored, roasted and seared like a steak. The result is a juicy, meaty bite with depth and richness that rivals any animal protein.
Finally, the 'Mushroom Royale' is pure indulgence where a creamy, decadent base of blended Swiss brown mushrooms delivers layers of deep umami flavour, finished with crispy slices of Swiss brown and white button mushrooms for a glossy texture and satisfying crunch.
After seeing demand from consumers for mushroom flavoured pizzas, Daniel decided to partner with Australian Mushrooms to bring the people what they want. "Mushrooms are one of my favourite ingredients and our customers at Gigi's can't get enough of them," said Semrani. "Most pizzerias have a fungi pizza on the menu, but we wanted to do something different. I wanted to show how mushrooms can go beyond the typical sliced topping. Their meaty texture, earthy flavour and umami richness make them incredibly versatile to hold their own or elevate other flavours perfectly."
Australian Mushrooms aims to inspire chefs and foodservice professionals nationwide to think differently about mushrooms on pizza. From satisfying protein rich meat‑free alternatives to umami flavour-packed bases, mushrooms offer endless opportunities to innovate menus, add value and deliver the flavour experiences diners are craving.
Victoria Zourkas, Marketing Manager, Horticulture Innovation said, "Daniel's reputation and creativity made him the perfect partner for this campaign. He's crafted three pizzas that each showcase mushrooms in a completely different way from whipped bases to meat‑free alternatives. The pizzas highlight why Australian mushrooms are the must‑have ingredient inspiring chefs and foodservice professionals in 2026."
This project is funded by Hort Innovation, using the mushroom marketing levy. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.
