Much to the dismay of my dentist, I love sweets.
Chocolate, ice cream, cookies and cakes. You name it, I’ve devoured it.
Just like some people yearn to complete the epic Camino trail, it’s my dream to embark on a culinary journey in which I sample the most famous desserts from around the globe. One chocolate-coated pretzel at a time.
So after researching, discussing (and of course, sampling) the best of the best, I’ve managed to compile a drool-inducing list that I think most sweet-toothed travellers will appreciate. You’re welcome.
And for those people who don’t delight in dessert? Well, I’m onto you. You’re as puzzling to me as the Milo that sits at the top of my milk (but that’s another story).
1. Pineapple DoleWhip® – Oahu, HAWAII
Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Highway, Wahiawa, Oahu
Not just a humorous Family Guy skit, DoleWhip® is a frozen soft serve dessert that was once only reserved for the Disney theme parks. Nowadays, you can get the treat in various locations, including the famous Pineapple Plantation in Hawaii (pineapple flavoured, of course).
2. Trigona Panormatos – Thessaloniki, GREECE
Elenidis Patisserie, 69 Komninon St, Panorama, Thessaloniki, Greece
Apparently this local delicacy is nearly more famous than the Greek city’s vibrant culture. Hand made at the popular little establishment in Thessaloniki, the crunchy, sweet, cream-filled triangles have been satisfying the sweet tooths of visitors since 1960.
3. Peanut Butter Nutella Cupcake – New York City, USA
Molly’s Cupcakes, 228 Bleecker Street, NYC, USA
Magnolia Bakery may have had its time in the spotlight, but it’s got nothing on Molly’s in the West Village. Known for their famous, centre-filled cupcakes in an array of decadent flavours like Cake Batter, Crème Brulee, Cookie Monster and Peach Cobbler…but I simply can’t resist the mouth watering Peanut Butter Nutella.
4. Apple Pie – Amsterdam, NETHERLANDS
Winkel43, Noordermarkt 43, 1015 NA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Touted as the best apple pie in the world (big call, I know) this notorious dessert is essentially like a deep-dish pizza, filled with huge chunks of sweet baked apples, wrapped in a buttery crust and loaded with freshly whipped cream. Trust me, it lives up to the hype.
5. Kladdkaka – Stockholm, SWEDEN
Café Kladdkakan, Stora Nygatan 32, Stockholm, Sweden
This dense, sticky chocolate cake with a gooey centre is similar to a brownie, and is a chocolate-lover’s dream come true. Often served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, the Swedish dessert is so sinfully sweet, you’ll be repenting for days.
6. Canadian Maple Bacon Sticky Buns – Vancouver, CANADA
Cadeaux Bakery, 172 Powell Street, Vancouver, Canada
From the people who brought us maple syrup covered everything, I present you with this Canadian gem – a traditional cinnamon scroll coiled with bacon and coated in a maple syrup glaze. So good, we can forgive them for Justin Bieber.
7. Memphis Mafia Doughnut – Oregon, USA
Voodoo Doughnuts, 22 SW 3rd Avenue, Portland Oregon, USA
A trip to the States isn’t complete without a doughnut tasting, and there’s no better spot to indulge than the famed Voodoo Doughnuts in Portland. Channel The King himself with the over-the-top Memphis Mafia doughnut – fried dough with banana chunks and cinnamon covered in a glaze with chocolate frosting, peanut butter, peanuts and chocolate chips on top. BYO defibrillator.
8. Jack Daniels Raison Ice Cream – Tennessee, USA
Prince’s Parlor, 22 Short Street, Lynchburg, Tennessee, USA
Of course, you’ll find Jack Daniels flavoured ice cream in Tennessee – it’s the home of the highest selling American whiskey, after all. But who knew it would actually taste so good? Enjoy it with the whiskey chocolate sauce for an extra taste sensation.
9. Belgian Waffles – Brussels, BELGIUM
Maison Dandoy, Rue Charles Buls 14, Brussels 1000, Belgium
Satisfy your cravings for the scrumptious treat that is renowned the world over. The Belgian waffles at this popular restaurant are light, airy and crispy in texture and come with a choice of various toppings. Drench yours in chocolate, ice cream, strawberries, brown sugar – you name it. Simply, the best.
10. Pavlova – Sydney, AUSTRALIA
Icebergs Dining Room & Bar, 1 Notts Avenue, Bondi Beach NSW 2026
Okay so technically we stole this sugary treat from New Zealand and claimed it as our own (much like Russel Crowe, Phar Lap and Crowded House) but there’s no denying the mighty pav is a part of our cultural fabric. For a fancified version, dig in to Pompelmo e Campari – Icebergs’ modern pavlova with grapefruit and Campari granita, mascarpone, beetroot sorbet and meringue. Served while looking out over the famous Bondi Beach, you can’t get more Aussie than that
(Feature image: 8ware)
