Sampling the local cuisine is undeniably an essential part of the travel experience — especially when the local speciality is sweet, creamy, crunchy, gooey and oh so good! Even though delicious traditions have now spread across the globe, there’s nothing quite like sampling a treat in the country where it was invented and perfected.
Craving something sweet? Here is where you can find some of the world’s most popular desserts.
Pavlova in Australia or New Zealand
Where was this sweet treat invented? It depends on whom you ask: both New Zealand and Australia claim ownership of the pavlova. The dessert was reportedly served in honour of Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova during her tour of New Zealand back in the 1920s, but some sources say similar recipes were found in rural cookbooks in both countries before then.
What sets this dessert apart from traditional meringue is cornstarch — the addition helps form a crunchy outer shell while allowing the centre to stay soft, rather like a marshmallow. The sweet concoction is then covered with whipped cream and fruit in countless variations. You may never uncover the mystery as to where the pavlova first appeared, but you’ll enjoy trying to find out who makes it best.
Cheesecake in New York City, USA
New York City can’t take credit for inventing the cheesecake, but the city put its own spin on the centuries-old import from Europe. While other cheesecake varieties use cheeses like ricotta or cottage cheese, the New York-style cheesecake gets its rich reputation from heavy cream, cream cheese and eggs. Baked in a deep, spring form pan with a complementary graham cookie crust, you’ll often find this treat adorned with a fruity sauce.
So where is the best place to indulge? You can’t go wrong with the two restaurants that made the dessert famous. Lindy’s promises “world famous cheesecake” while Junior’s boasts the “most fabulous cheesecake and desserts”. We’ll let you be the judge.
Turkish Delight in Istanbul, Turkey
Legend has it confectioner Ali Muhiddin Hadji Bekir developed these jellied morsels to please the harem of reigning Sultan Abdul Hamid. Known as lokum in Turkey, these treats were made from humble ingredients like a gel of starch and water but soon became a feature at every feast. They’re made with a variety of flavourings — including lemon and rosewater — and the more expensive varieties contain nuts and dried fruit.
Over the centuries, Turkish delight spread around the world courtesy of travellers. However, the shop Haci Bekir established in 1777 in Istanbul’s Old City is still serving up these tasty treats — a tradition carried on by his descendents. Unlike many desserts you’ll find in your travels, lokum is easy to package and travels well — making it perfect for gifts. (For more information, visit the Haci Bekir Confectioners website.)
