London's most viral dishes and desserts: 9 bites that are taking social media by storm

The food industry is constantly evolving, from the flavours people are obsessed with (was there even a time before salted caramel and miso took over the dessert scene?), to the techniques chefs use in the kitchen. But perhaps one of the biggest changes to capture the food industry is people's obsession with Instagram. Rarely do we visit a restaurant these days without seeing the bright light of a flash going off as someone captures a photo of their steak and chips, or the wall of phones that appear as a waiter serves up pasta straight from the pan to your dish. While some traditionalists might argue that this obsession with 'doing it for the 'gram' spoils the atmosphere of what is otherwise a lovely meal out, the truth is that it can be a great thing for restaurants.

With a global audience at their fingertips, restaurants can now entice new customers that would otherwise have been difficult to reach before phones and social media. With trends constantly coming and going, the potential of a dish to go viral in a matter of hours can take an establishment from zero to hero, before they even realise it’s online.

London’s most viral dishes and desserts include a line-up of ever-changing creations that capture the attention of the modern foodie. Some only manage a brief moment in the spotlight, while others maintain a hype that can last for months. Unfortunately, as is often the case with social media, food can follow the path of style over substance, so we’ve made sure to pick out our favourites that will leave your taste buds feeling as happy as your followers.

Have a scroll through our up-to-date list of food trending in London right now. If you like what you see, we won't judge if you fancy popping down to one to grab a photo for yourself. Because if a picture doesn’t make it onto the 'gram, did it even happen?

Hong Kong French Toast, Hoko London

What: Hoko is the nostalgic offering to those after a taste of authentic Hong Kong. It prides itself on its milk tea, but it’s the Hong Kong french toast that’s got chins wagging on social media. Made with a triple-decker sandwich of milk, bread and peanut butter, it’s then dipped in egg and deep fried until crisp and golden, before being topped with condensed milk and butter (and yes, it’s as good as it sounds). It’s no wonder London’s obsessed with these pillowy soft sandwiches.
Where: 224 Brick Lane, E1 6SA
Book now: Hoko London

Beef Cheek & Guinness Suet Pudding, The Devonshire

What: Assuming you’ve not been living under a rock for the past few months, you’ll have heard of The Devonshire in Soho; the traditional pub that's taken London by storm, and gained an army of followers through both its perfect pints of Guinness, and grill restaurant upstairs. One dish in particular has caught the attention of instagrammers - it’s the beef cheek and suet pudding - and it just so happens to pair wonderfully with a glass of the good stuff.
Where: 17 Denman Street, W1D 7HW
Book now: The Devonshire

Pizza 'Pies', Crisp

What: Pizza has long been one of the world’s most-loved foods, so how can it make it onto our list of viral dishes, we hear you ask? Well, Crisp in Hammersmith seems to have taken a hold over London's food scene like no one has before. People travel far and wide to get a taste of what food critics are calling the best pizza in London, and the hype doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. The pizzas here are called 'pies', and come in cheese, pepperoni, nduja and mushroom variations. As the name suggests, their famed for being ultra crisp, and slightly charred at the edges, then topped with simple, fresh ingredients. Find it inside The Chancellors pub, but make sure to book ahead as they regularly sell out.
Where: 25 Crisp Road, Hammersmith, W6 9RL
Book now: Crisp

Hot Chocolate, Italian Bear Chocolate

What: Okay so this one isn’t technically food, but who doesn’t love a good hot chocolate? Italian Bear Chocolate stands out from the crowd with its instantly recognisable aesthetic; think mugs doused in melted white, milk and dark chocolate that trickle down the side, and that’s before the drink’s even made an appearance. Of course the flavour hits the mark too - using only the finest Italian chocolate, it’s a chocoholics paradise.
Where: 41 Broadwick Street, W1F 9QL
Book now: Italian Bear Chocolate

Pepperoni Pizza, Detroit Pizza

What: Detroit Pizza offers something a little different from our West London based friends previously mentioned, because this one’s all about the deep dish style slices. Images of these dough-licious treats have been plastered all over Instagram thanks to the irresistibly cheesy toppings and ultra crispy edges, with the pepperoni and honey being a clear favourite. If you’re feeling particularly peckish, don’t forget to try the deep fried lasagna too - it’s epic.
Where: 75 Commercial Street, E1 6BD
Book now: Detroit Pizza

Chicken Parm, Grasso

What: Italian American food is having a real moment in London, and we’re totally here for it. Grasso is ideally located in Soho to satisfy all of those cravings, and you can expect plenty of tomato based sauces, cheese, and fried things in the process. The chicken parm has proven to be particularly visually appealing with an oversized slice of breaded chicken that’s smothered in cheese and finished with some tomato sauce. Add some spaghetti pomodoro on the side for the full experience.
Where: 81 Dean Street, W1D 3SW
Book now: Grasso

Smash Burger, Bun and Sum

What: Smash burger spots are opening up across London, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed on Instagram. The latest eatery has stolen hearts for its fully loaded versions with everything from 12 hour brisket to coffee rubbed ribs with house honey sauce. But if you like them classic, you’ll find some equally delicious versions available with single and double patties.
Where: Bow Triangle Business Centre, Eleanor Street, E3 4UR
Book now: Bun and Sum

Giant Croissant, Philippe Conticini

What: We’ve had croissants turned into ice cream cones, and there was even the cubed croissant at Le Deli Robuchon that had its five minutes of fame, but the newest kid on the block is the GIANT croissant from Philippe Conticini. The equivalent of about five regular-sized croissants, it’s certainly not for the faint hearted, but we would recommend sharing with friends and dipping it into some rich hot chocolate. A word to the wise - it also does a pain au chocolat version…
Where: 24-25 Cromwell Place, South Kensington, SW7 2LD
Book now: Philippe Conticini

Fluffy Japanese Pancakes, Fuwa Fuwa

What: Fuwa Fuwa is home to the UK’s original Japanese souffle pancakes, that are light, airy and give a whimsical jiggle with the slightest nudge - meaning they not only look great in photos, but make for the perfect slow-mo reel. If that wasn’t convincing enough, they also come in a range of delicious flavours like Lotus Biscoff, summer fruits and banana with Nutella.
Where: Soho cafe, 57A Dean Street, W1D 6AJ
Book now: Fuwa Fuwa Soho

Would you rather eat food that has passed the test of time, instead of something that only enjoys a fleeting moment in the spotlight? Thankfully, London has it all, and we’ve searched far and wide to find our favourite dishes so that no matter what you’re in the mood for, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our list of London’s most famous restaurants to get started.