If you’re a social media user, chances are you’re no stranger to viral food content. Whether the algorithm won’t stop showing you videos of people sampling boldly named flavor combinations like “swalty” — sweet and salty — and “swicy” — sweet and spicy — or you can’t escape constant reminders of the next big dessert, drink or “secret recipe,” social media is driving food trends in a big way, and people are eager to taste the fashionable items for themselves. From photogenic dishes to classic choices rebranded by the next generation, here’s where you can try these six viral foods in real life (IRL).
Italian Chopped Sandwich, NYC
A twist on the classic Italian sub that’s hard not to love, the Italian chopped sandwich allows eaters to enjoy flavor-filled bites with every hungry chomp. Instead of layering the quintessential Italian sub ingredients as one traditionally would, chopped sandwich-makers are instructed to cut components into manageable pieces. Then, once the lettuce, deli meats, cheeses, tomatoes, banana peppers and red onions are to their liking, it’s time to add the seasoning: mayo, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper. As for the vessel that transports this mouth-watering combo from bowl to mouth, hoagie rolls are preferred, although any form of bread will do. Honestly, our mouths are watering just thinking about it, and if you find yourself agreeing that this snazzy sub sounds like something worth traveling for, you’ll want to pack your bags for NYC where Farmer in the Deli is cited by TikTok users as having the Italian Chopped Sandwich to end all Italian Chopped Sandwiches.
Fluffy Pancakes, Japan
A tasty creation comprising traditional pancake ingredients and whipped egg whites, Japanese soufflé pancakes — aka “fluffy pancakes” — have taken the internet by storm in recent months. Captivatingly cute and nothing short of mesmerizing to watch as they approach the table, these next-level breakfast entrees jiggle this way and that and are beloved by foodies for the way they dance on a plate. However, their pillowy appearance is just one component of this viral dish’s success, as Japanese fluffy pancakes are available in a variety of flavors, colors and shapes with the most kawaii of the bunch taking on the appearance of charming creatures like bears, bunnies and cats. Those hoping to sample this popular course for themselves will find no shortage of opportunities to do so in Japan’s major cities including Tokyo where restaurants like Micasadeco & Cafe and A Happy Pancake are two of travelers’ favorites.
Smoked Cheese, Various Locations
Smoked cream cheese is trending on social media, and we can’t help but thank the algorithm for sending this comforting spread to the top of users’ feeds as it is inarguably delicious. Speaking of comfort, as we approach the holiday season, now is a great time for travelers to head to their favorite festive market to indulge in some raclette, a stinky, but decidedly scrumptious melted cheese served atop freshly baked bread. While raclette originated in alpine regions in Switzerland and France, it is served at many European-style holiday markets in the U.S. and across the pond, making it easy to try (and smell) IRL.
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Birria Tacos, Mexico
Obsessed with dipping your food? Say no more, fam. The birria consommé craze hit social media apps in 2020 — and has remained popular ever since — for its oh-so-temptingly-dippable nature. Commonly associated with goat or beef tacos, birria is a sort of soup or stew made from a mixture of meat and dried chilies combined with an assortment of aromatics and spices including onion, garlic, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, cloves and bay leaves. While it’s often used as a marinade, the liquid is also great for dipping just about anything — seriously, the internet has “birria-ed” everything from pizza and nachos to tortas and more. Interestingly, this robust dish dates to the early 16th century when Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico. The Spaniards brought with them no shortage of European livestock, and birria was born after Aztecs began eating goats as a solution for overpopulation. Today, birria remains a culinary staple throughout Mexico, with some of the best destinations for sampling the dish being Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Mango Desserts, Various Locations
From pastries to ice cream, mango desserts are making a splash, and TikTok users want to know where they can go to sample the fruity treats for themselves. Luckily, Mango Mango Dessert, a chain restaurant with locations in 10+ U.S. states, can help sweet tooth sufferers get their fix when they visit any of their shops to try popular menu items like the ones seen online. One of Mango Mango Dessert’s most trendy offerings is the insanely photogenic Mango Passionfruit Mousse Cake, an expertly decorated pastry that looks just like an ordinary mango until you crack the surface to reveal the tasty confection that awaits inside. In addition to pastries, other menu categories at Mango Mango include “Sundaes & Snowclouds,” “Crepe/Waffle,” “Hot Desserts,” “Smoothies,” “Milk Teas” and more. Did someone say, “sweet treat o’clock?”
Dubai Chocolate, Dubai
We’d be remiss not to include Dubai chocolate on this list. Something of the granddaddy of modern viral food trends, Dubai chocolate is a milk chocolate bar filled with pistachio butter and crispy toasted kataifi pastry. It’s a modern take on knafeh, a classic Middle Eastern dessert beloved for its sweetness and addicting crunch factor, and people can’t get enough. While Dubai chocolate has become quite mainstream over the last year — you’re sure to have seen it at local retailers by now — to try the original recipe, travelers will want to set their sights on FIX Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai, the shop that doubled as the innovative minds behind the highly-coveted snack.
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