Introduction
Ever scroll through your social media feed and see a food trend that makes you either drool instantly or recoil in horror? The internet is a breeding ground for culinary creations, some brilliant, others… questionable. But how do you know which viral sensations are actually worth the hype, and which are destined for the culinary graveyard? That’s where we come in.
Today, we’re diving headfirst into the chaotic world of viral food trends with a simple question: Smash or Pass? For the uninitiated, “Smash or Pass” is a quick and dirty judgment: would you enthusiastically devour it (“Smash”) or run screaming in the other direction (“Pass”)?
Consider this your ultimate, lighthearted, and brutally honest guide to navigating the delicious (and sometimes terrifying) landscape of internet-famous foods. We’ll be dissecting the taste, texture, presentation, and overall vibe of each trend, ultimately delivering our definitive verdict. Remember, taste is subjective, but we’re here to offer a general compass in the wild world of eating.
Get ready to find out if that trendy Korean corn dog is really all that, or if that rainbow bagel should be banished from existence. Let the games begin!
Cloud Bread: Light as Air or Flop of the Century?
Cloud bread exploded onto the scene as a low-carb alternative to traditional bread, promising a light-as-air texture and a guilt-free indulgence. Made primarily from egg whites, cream cheese, and a touch of sweetener, it’s often touted as a keto-friendly dream. But does it live up to the hype?
Reasons to Smash (Pros)
- Low Carb Lifestyle Friendliness: For those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, cloud bread offers a rare opportunity to enjoy something resembling bread without derailing their dietary goals.
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe typically calls for just a few readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up at home.
- Textural Novelty: The airy, almost meringue-like texture is undeniably unique and can be a fun sensory experience.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the flavor profile by adding spices, extracts, or different sweeteners.
Reasons to Pass (Cons)
- Texture Can Be Off-Putting: The same airy texture that some find appealing can be described as rubbery, spongy, or even eggy by others. The lack of gluten can result in a strange mouthfeel.
- Lacks Flavor: Without added flavorings, cloud bread can taste bland and eggy, lacking the satisfying flavor of traditional bread.
- Not a True Bread Substitute: While it can be used in place of bread in some applications, it doesn’t have the same structural integrity or versatility. It’s not ideal for sandwiches with wet fillings.
- Can Be Tricky to Make: Achieving the perfect texture can be challenging, requiring precise measurements and baking times.
Our Verdict
Pass. While the low-carb appeal is undeniable, the often-disappointing texture and lack of inherent flavor make cloud bread a less-than-satisfying experience for most. The slight eggy taste is hard to mask and it’s generally not a great bread replacement. It’s a noble effort, but ultimately falls short.
Dalgona Coffee: Whipped Coffee Wonder or Arm Workout in a Cup?
Dalgona coffee, the whipped coffee sensation that took the world by storm during lockdown, is made by vigorously whisking instant coffee, sugar, and hot water into a thick, creamy froth, then spooning it over a glass of milk. A simple concept that yielded impressive results… or did it?
Reasons to Smash (Pros)
- Visually Appealing: Dalgona coffee is undeniably photogenic, making it perfect for sharing on social media. The layered effect is very satisfying.
- Intense Coffee Flavor: The concentrated coffee froth delivers a powerful caffeine kick and a bold coffee flavor.
- Relatively Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients.
- Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and coffee strength to your liking.
Reasons to Pass (Cons)
- Requires A Lot of Whisking: Unless you have a milk frother or electric mixer, preparing Dalgona coffee requires significant elbow grease. It’s quite the arm workout!
- The Texture Can Be Grainy: Depending on the quality of the instant coffee and the whisking technique, the froth can sometimes be grainy or gritty.
- Overly Sweet for Some: The high sugar content can be overwhelming for those who prefer their coffee less sweet.
- The Novelty Wears Off Quickly: After a few cups, the novelty of whipped coffee can wear off, and the effort required may not seem worth it.
Our Verdict
Smash (with reservations). Dalgona coffee is fun to make and looks great, but the excessive sugar and potential for a grainy texture can be drawbacks. It’s worth trying once for the experience, but it’s probably not going to become a daily habit. Investing in a milk frother is highly recommended to make the process easier.
Birria Tacos: Savory, Cheesy, Dippable Deliciousness or Just Another Taco?
Birria tacos, also known as quesabirria, are a Mexican street food sensation made with slow-cooked, shredded beef (birria) that’s dipped in its own flavorful cooking broth and then grilled with cheese until crispy and melty. They’re typically served with a side of consommé (the cooking broth) for dipping.
Reasons to Smash (Pros)
- Incredible Flavor: The slow-cooked birria is incredibly flavorful, tender, and rich, infused with aromatic spices and herbs.
- Cheesy Goodness: The addition of melted cheese elevates the tacos to another level of deliciousness, adding a creamy and salty component.
- Dipping Consommé is Key: Dipping the tacos in the consommé adds another layer of flavor and moisture, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
- Texture Contrast: The combination of crispy tortillas, tender meat, and melty cheese creates a delightful textural contrast.
Reasons to Pass (Cons)
- Can Be Messy: Eating birria tacos can be a messy affair, with dripping broth and melty cheese.
- High in Fat: The slow-cooked meat and cheese make these tacos relatively high in fat and calories.
- Authenticity Matters: A poorly made birria can be disappointing, lacking the rich flavor and tender texture of the real deal.
- Availability: Finding authentic birria tacos may be challenging depending on your location.
Our Verdict
Smash! A resounding Smash! Birria tacos are a culinary masterpiece. The combination of slow-cooked, flavorful beef, melty cheese, and dipping consommé is simply irresistible. The messy eating experience is part of the fun. If you have the opportunity to try authentic birria tacos, don’t hesitate.
Korean Corn Dogs: Fun on a Stick or Deep-Fried Disaster?
Korean corn dogs are a popular street food in South Korea, taking the classic corn dog to a whole new level. They’re typically made with a sausage or mozzarella stick coated in a batter (often containing rice flour), then deep-fried and coated in various toppings, such as sugar, potato cubes, breadcrumbs, or ramen noodles.
Reasons to Smash (Pros)
- Variety of Flavors and Textures: The customizable toppings offer a wide range of flavors and textures, from sweet and savory to crunchy and chewy.
- Fun and Novelty: The unusual toppings and vibrant presentation make Korean corn dogs a fun and exciting eating experience.
- Instagrammable: They’re undeniably photogenic and perfect for sharing on social media.
- Savory and Sweet Combination: The combination of savory sausage or mozzarella with sweet toppings like sugar creates a unique and satisfying flavor profile.
Reasons to Pass (Cons)
- Can Be Overwhelmingly Sweet: Some toppings, particularly the sugar, can make the corn dogs excessively sweet for some palates.
- Deep-Fried Guilt: They’re undeniably deep-fried, making them a less-than-healthy indulgence.
- Quality Varies Widely: The quality of the ingredients and the cooking technique can significantly impact the final product.
- Ingredient Overload: The abundance of toppings can sometimes overwhelm the underlying flavor of the sausage or mozzarella.
Our Verdict
Smash or Pass? It’s a toss-up, leaning slightly towards Smash, but proceed with caution. The sheer variety and fun factor of Korean corn dogs are undeniable. However, the potential for overwhelming sweetness and the deep-fried nature mean they’re best enjoyed as an occasional treat. Choose your toppings wisely!
Over-the-Top Milkshakes: Dessert or Dietary Overload?
Over-the-top milkshakes have become a social media phenomenon, featuring towering stacks of desserts, candies, cookies, and other decadent toppings piled high on a milkshake base. They are visual masterpieces of sugar.
Reasons to Smash (Pros)
- Visually Stunning: These milkshakes are designed to be eye-catching and Instagram-worthy.
- Ultimate Indulgence: They’re a decadent treat that satisfies any sweet craving.
- Shareable Experience: Often large enough to share, they make for a fun group dessert.
- Customizable: Restaurants often offer a wide variety of topping options.
Reasons to Pass (Cons)
- Sugar Overload: The sheer amount of sugar can be overwhelming, even for the biggest sweet tooth.
- Expensive: These elaborate milkshakes can be quite pricey.
- Difficult to Eat: Actually eating one of these creations can be a logistical nightmare.
- Calorie Bomb: They are incredibly high in calories and fat.
Our Verdict
Pass. With Extreme Prejudice. While visually appealing, the sheer excess of these milkshakes borders on the absurd. The sugar overload, difficulty of consumption, and exorbitant price make them more of a spectacle than a satisfying dessert. It’s more about the photo than the actual enjoyment.
Conclusion
So, there you have it: our definitive “Smash or Pass” verdicts on some of the internet’s most talked-about food trends. Out of the dishes we reviewed, two got a resounding “Smash!”, one received a hesitant “Smash,” and two landed squarely in the “Pass” territory. The online food world is indeed a varied one.
Now it’s your turn! What are your “Smash or Pass” opinions on these foods? Which viral food trends have you tried and loved (or hated)? Let us know in the comments below! And if there are any other foods you’d like us to review, be sure to suggest them. We’re always hungry for the next culinary adventure (or misadventure).
Thanks for joining us on this delicious journey. Until next time, happy eating (and trend-watching)!
