

If spring had a flavour, it might just taste like tiramisu: light yet indulgent, nostalgic yet endlessly adaptable. Timed with the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, World Tiramisu Day on March 21 is fitting for a dessert whose very name translates to “pick-me-up”.
First crafted in Italy’s Veneto region, tiramisu is less a recipe and more a ritual. Espresso-soaked ladyfingers, clouds of mascarpone, and a delicate cocoa finish come together in comforting layers.
Whilst modern menus have reimagined this popular dish in countless ways—from deconstructed forms to drinkable renditions—the essence remains irresistible. Tiramisu is more than just a dessert: it’s a mood, a moment, and quite possibly the most delicious way to welcome a new season.
Ahead, some absolute unmissables.
Americano, Mumbai
Perhaps the most synonymous with tiramisu, Americano is where everyone in the know heads to for their fix. Tap the delicious cocoa veil to let the crackling chocolate give way to study in espresso-soaked ladyfingers with velvety mascarpone.
Cafe Dali, Delhi
Crafted in the spirit of an Italian nonna’s kitchen, this tiramisu is slow-layered to perfection. Each savoiardi is delicately soaked, the mascarpone luxuriously whipped, and the cocoa finish deep and lingering.
La Loca Maria, Mumbai
Looking for something beyond the classic fare? This deconstructed tiramisu plays with coffee crisps and coffee ice cream to deliver a playful interplay of crunch and creaminess.
Drnk, Mumbai
If you’re into toeing the line between dessert and drink, the tiramisu latte is perfect. Think rich espresso, creamy undertones, and a whisper of cocoa, all layered into a sip for those who prefer their decadence on the go.
Neighbors, Goa
This tiramisu leans into boldness, with robust espresso notes cutting through impossibly smooth mascarpone layers. The cocoa dusting adds just the right touch of bitterness, creating a beautifully balanced dessert, perfect for languid, sun-soaked evenings.
Gustoso, Mumbai
A purist take, this rendition resists reinvention in favour of authenticity. Coffee, savoiardi, and mascarpone come together in precise harmony, deeply satisfying in its timeless appeal.
Lupa, Bangalore
Infused with warmth, this tiramisu generously celebrates the classic pairing of chocolate and coffee. It invites slow enjoyment—ideally alongside espresso and biscotti—turning dessert into a ritual.
Lead image: Getty
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