In cafes and restaurants across India, from Bengaluru to Delhi, a classic Italian dessert has taken the culinary world by storm. Tiramisu, along with its creative variations like tiramisu latte, rasgulla tiramisu, and masala chai tiramisu, has become the most viral dessert trend of 2025.
The Unexpected Comeback Story
What makes this trend particularly interesting is that tiramisu isn't a new discovery for Indian food lovers. The dessert featuring mascarpone, eggs, sugar, and espresso-dipped ladyfinger biscuits has been popular across the country for years. Yet, 2025 has witnessed an unprecedented obsession with this Italian classic.
The history of tiramisu reveals some surprising facts. Contrary to popular belief, the modern version of tiramisu dates back only about 60 years rather than centuries. The dessert was reportedly invented by Le Beccherie restaurant in Treviso, northern Italy, during the early 1970s.
According to culinary history, restaurant owner Alba Campeol created the dessert while pregnant with her son Carlo. Her mother-in-law would prepare her a breakfast of zabaglione and coffee to help regain strength. This inspired Campeol to develop a menu item that captured the essence of this comforting combination.
An alternative origin story suggests the dessert emerged from brothels around Treviso, where it was served as Il tira me su, literally meaning pick me up. The simple recipe and easily available ingredients helped tiramisu spread globally by the late 1980s and 1990s, reaching restaurants in the US, UK, and India.
India's Coffee Culture Fuels the Trend
The question remains: why has tiramisu become viral now in 2025? According to Sahil Mehta, pastry chef and owner of Paris My Love in New Delhi, India's burgeoning coffee culture plays a crucial role.
Increasingly knowledgeable coffee consumers are driving demand for coffee-related treats, making tiramisu ripe for a nostalgic makeover. The dessert's Instagram-friendly presentation also contributes to its popularity.
High-end establishments like LUPA in Bengaluru have capitalized on this by offering interactive tableside tiramisu preparation. Meanwhile, coffee shops like SUBKO present innovative versions such as Not Your Nonna's Tiramisu - a gluten-free, coffee-forward dessert featuring Savoiardi biscuits soaked in espresso and rum.
Across India, tiramisu variations tend toward the sweeter side with a moist texture, possibly influenced by serving creamy desserts in humid conditions. However, purists like Mehta emphasize that a classic tiramisu should balance bitterness from coffee with the sweetness of mascarpone, achieving perfect texture with eggs and biscuits.
Global Phenomenon with Local Twists
The tiramisu trend extends beyond traditional preparations. Enrico Signorelli, who previously worked with Deliveroo in Italy, noticed an opportunity in Mumbai's food scene during his 2023 visit. Despite finding tiramisu on many menus, nothing satisfied his homesickness for authentic versions.
Earlier this year, after sourcing ingredients from Italy and testing recipes suitable for Mumbai's weather, Signorelli launched Mami Bombay - a tiramisu-only delivery service in Bandra. The venture offers classic tiramisu in transparent takeaway boxes and a 1.3kg version, both frequently selling out.
Signorelli observes that modern consumers want either something new or iconic, and tiramisu successfully straddles both categories. The global tiramisu craze is equally impressive.
The Tiramisu World Cup in Treviso generated massive interest this year, with 100 available judge spots selling out within 12 hours. In New York City, Cafe Two by Two features 18 different tiramisu varieties, including original, peach lychee, taro mochi, and even seaweed pork-floss taro versions.
Social media has accelerated the trend globally. Chinese street stalls showcase colorful tiramisu trays on TikTok, while Manchester's Onda restaurant gained attention with its tiramisu drawer videos. One viral moment featured a content creator attempting US airport security with a clear plastic handbag full of tiramisu.
The Tiramisu Cake challenge, featuring a song by Korean indie pop band We Are The Night, swept through Asian social media last year. The lyrics describing a woman as sweet like tiramisu cake inspired local bakeries to create special versions aligning with the trend.
On Instagram, users encounter creative interpretations including tiramisu focaccia, protein-enhanced tiramisu baked oats, and decadent tiramisu lattes. Google Trends data confirms upward movement for tiramisu searches in India.
Whether as sweet indulgence or escape from chaotic modern life, tiramisu has firmly established its place in India's culinary landscape. As the trend continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: this Italian classic has found a permanent home in Indian hearts and menus.
