In London, a variety of trending food and drink items such as Dubai chocolate, matcha lattes, dirty sodas, tanghulu skewers, and protein coffees have gained popularity on social media and are now prominently featured on cafe menus across the city.
Boshra Alkos, who assists in creating social media content for Viola Gourmet and Cortoba Cafe in southwest London, noted that customers are drawn to trying these trendy treats after seeing them online.
Cortoba Cafe, initially a middle eastern nuts and sweets store opened by Alkos’ husband in 2018, transitioned into a cafe earlier this year. The cafe’s menu was strategically curated to include popular items like Dubai chocolate and matcha-based offerings.
According to Alkos, Cortoba Cafe offers a range of Dubai chocolate treats, including bars, cups, crepes, and milkshakes made with chocolate, pistachio paste, and knafeh pastry, attracting a significant number of curious customers.
Boshra Alkos showcasing a Dubai chocolate cup at Cortoba Cafe in London, featuring chocolate, pistachio paste, and strawberries. (Kendra Seguin/CBC News)
Various local establishments, like Super Crunch Tanghulu, have introduced viral food trends like tanghulu skewers to their offerings, attracting crowds of interested London residents eager to taste these popular items.
Super Crunch Tanghulu, known for its fresh fruit skewers coated in a crispy sugar glaze, recently opened its first storefront in London after operating kiosks in Ottawa. The tanghulu treat has garnered attention, particularly from high school and college students, with many citing TikTok as their introduction to the snack.
Dr. Jamie Hyodo, an expert in consumer behavior at Western University, highlighted the cyclical nature of food trends, emphasizing how businesses can leverage international food trends to attract and retain loyal customers.
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