The internet is a smorgasbord of viral videos where you can find the latest in bizarre food concoctions. Recently, baker Heena Kausar Raad’s Instagram video on “Parle-G biryani” had users up in arms. The clip showed layers of rice topped with Parle-G biscuits, leaving viewers both puzzled and horrified, while racking up over three million views. TikToks and Instagram Reels can also boost the profile of healthy dishes, as seen in the popularity of dense bean salads. Mostly, though, we all love sharing the most eye-catching and mouthwatering food on our travels, and London’s food scene is no different. Packed with diverse culinary offerings, the capital of the United Kingdom (UK) is a foodie's paradise, offering a range of dishes to suit every budget.
Here then are the top desserts currently going viral in London.
The Hoko Hong Kong Café is known for its milk teas but it came to people's attention with its delicious creation of Hong Kong French toast. Made with a triple-decker sandwich of milk, bread and peanut butter, the stack is then dipped in egg and deep-fried until crisp and golden before being topped with condensed milk and butter. The pillowy soft sandwiches, which cost GBP 8 (approximately INR 848), are a favourite of Londoners, and the establishment itself recreates the nostalgic beauty of Hong Kong's old food joints.
Address: Hoko Hong Kong Café, 224 Brick Lane, London E1 6SA
The Italian Bear Chocolate café is known for its indulgent hot chocolates but that’s not what went viral on the internet. That honour goes to their decadent triple chocolate cake, where a full plate of double-layer chocolate cake gets drenched in melted white, milk and dark chocolate. The messiness and artsy look of the dish has featured on many a Londoner’s Instagram and TikTok feeds, and is probably best enjoyed at the end of a hectic day rather than in the middle of one. It costs GBP 9.40 (approximately INR 996).
Addresses: Italian Bear Chocolate, 41 Broadwick Street, Carnaby, London W1F 9QL | Italian Bear Chocolate, 29 Rathbone Place, London W1T 1JG
FuwaFuwa (“fluffy” in Japanese) pioneered the UK’s original Japanese soufflé pancakes, which are light and airy and give a whimsical jiggle with the slightest nudge. Thus, this towering pile of chubby pancakes is perfect for a slow-motion video that goes straight to your Instagram Stories. The menu includes the original, topped with honeycomb butter, whipped cream and maple syrup (GBP 9.90 or approximately INR 1,049); a strawberries-and-Nutella-drizzle option; and a blueberry-and-yuzu cheesecake. Guests can customise their order with a scoop of ice cream, fresh fruit or sauces, and there are teas, coffees and assorted drinks with honeycomb on offer, too.
Addresses: FuwaFuwa, 57A Dean Street, London W1D 6AJ | FuwaFuwa, Ground Floor, The Arcade, 1 Lower, London E20 1EH
The Bengali-owned bakery Greedy Cow Bakes sells a range of artisanal doughnuts and cheesecakes, but the menu's pièce de résistance is the Korean milk doughnuts. It comes in a selection of flavours, from the fluffy whipped-cream-filled original (GBP 5.95 or approximately INR 630) to seasonal specials like gulab jamun and ras malai, an Indian dessert featuring saffron and cardamom. The milk doughnuts are studded with fruit cubes or flavours mixed into the cream itself. The bakery is open from Friday to Sunday, so unsurprisingly, the queues go down the block. Make sure you get there before opening time at 11AM.
Address: Greedy Cow Bakes, 395 Hackney Road, London E2 8PP
The brainchild of Swedish pastry chef Bedros Kabranian, the cube croissant was first created in 2018 using an imported Chinese mould. However, it is the “Le Cube” (GBP 6.95 or approximately INR 736) sold at the Le Deli Robuchon Piccadilly that has people lining up to get their hands on one. Available in chocolate, vanilla and pistachio flavours, with options to eat in or take out, the chocolate flavour is the best of the lot, topped with a smooth chocolate glaze and crispy balls. After tearing inside the flaky pastry, you’ll find a luxurious ganache filling that is generous without being excessive. Bon appétit.
Address: Le Deli Robuchon Piccadilly, 82 Piccadilly, London W1J 8JA