Starting Sweetly

Origins Behind Famous Desserts Around the World

For many people, a meal is only complete when there is dessert. Did you know that the tradition of finishing a meal with something sweet has its origins in France? The word “dessert” emerged in the seventeenth century, derived from the French verb “desservir” which means “to clear the table” in English. Etiquette dictated that napkins and tablecloths be changed before the final course, which at the time, was a delicate fruit course. In a courtly context, the course itself was known as “le fruit”, but the bourgeois renamed it “dessert”. After the French Revolution, the aristocratic “fruit” was fully replaced by “dessert”. Like the word “dessert”, the following sweet concoctions from around the world have fascinating origins which offer a glimpse into a country’s past, reflecting the diverse traditions and stories of their homelands. Let us now uncover the sweet stories behind some of the world’s most beloved desserts. These origins not only highlight the culture and creativity of their creators, but also celebrate the universal love for sweets that transcends borders and generations.

TIRAMISÙ

ORIGIN: ITALY

Tiramisù, which translates to "pick me up" in the Treviso dialect "tireme su", is a layered coffee-flavoured dessert that epitomises Italian culinary elegance. The combination of ladyfingers soaked in espresso, layered with mascarpone cheese and dusted with cocoa, has remained an international favourite since its popularisation in the 1980s. Yet, despite its decades-long international popularity, its origins and history are still widely disputed.