Who knew desserts had the potential to go absolutely viral on the internet? On social media platform TikTok especially, we’ve seen enough crackling tanghulu ASMRs, one-million-strand dragon’s beard candy challenges, and Dubai chocolate #foodporn to make our sugar levels spike just from scrolling. There’s just so much variety, and it seems like every country has got that one dessert that they’re loud and proud about.
Coffeeness, a coffee review platform, took the liberty to run an AI-powered analysis of viral TikTok videos around to world, to find out which desserts in each country are trending worldwide on the app. The result? A map of the most popular sweet treats around the globe. And of course, Singapore, self-proclaimed food capital of Asia, is not exempt.
You would have seen the title by now – no, it’s not chendol, ice kachang, kueh tutu, or Lao Ban’s soya beancurd that Singaporeans used to go feral for, that makes the cut. Instead, the humble pandan cake is named our country’s must-try dessert for travellers. Yes, that spongey, fluffy, bright green slice that used to go for $0.70 per piece at your school canteen.
What’s special about the dessert is that its distinct green hue isn’t the result of artificial colouring, but from the natural dye of pandan leaves. And as underrated as it is, pandan cake has its diehard fans too. Our top contender? Bengawan Solo’s pandan chiffon cake – light, fragrant, and a longtime classic. And while not exactly traditional, a close second for us is the sinfully indulgent kaya swiss roll from Rich & Good Cake Shop, made with fresh coconut and infused with pure pandan extract.
Curious as to which desserts swept the scoreboard across Asia and the rest of the world? Well, you can find out more about that here. But safe to say, not all is lost for ice kachang, as the refreshing treat was named Malaysia’s must-try dessert, and rightfully so, given the scorching heat in both our countries.
Check out the map of Asia’s most popular desserts down below:
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