A Selection of the Worst-Rated Desserts From Around the World 

For millions of people who devour delicious bites on a regular basis and indulge in the odd five course meal, the perfect end to a sumptuous serving of grub is a delectable dessert. From a British classic like sticky toffee pudding, to an American favourite like New York Cheesecake, there are plenty of stunning choices from around the world. Not every dessert necessarily hits the mark, though. 

In fact, certain countries are behind some rather forgettable desserts. Of course, we aren’t suggesting that their dessert game is poor all-round, but there are certainly some nations that offer some rather unique sweet treats alongside some more popular offerings. So, with that in mind, below is a brief look at a selection of the worst rated desserts from around the world. 

Plum pudding – UK 

While the Brits have nailed a number of gorgeous desserts, such as the aforementioned sticky toffee pudding, plum pudding is definitely one to avoid unless you adore plums, of course. Steeped in history, this warming dish comes in a variety of versions, but it tends to contain plum as its core ingredient, which is then mixed together with spices and fat to create a Christmas pudding-like dessert that dates back to the 15th century. Admittedly, some people will enjoy this particular ending to a meal, but it certainly divides opinion. 

Strawberry soup (zupa truskawkowa) – Poland 

If you’re passionate about having a sweet tooth, perhaps by regularly polishing off sweet treats, watching shows like The Great British Bake Off for baking inspiration, and even fighting off boredom with a candy-filled game like Sweet Bonanza by Pragmatic Play, then you might like the sound of this traditional fruit-based soup originating from Poland. Made with strawberries and sugar, with noodles or sour cream also added, this rather strange concoction is pureed to create a smooth consistency before being served hot or cold. No thanks. 

Ħelwa tat-tork – Malta 

While helwa tat-tork is enjoyed throughout Malta, not many visitors to the country necessarily take to it. In fact, this unique blend of dissolved tahini and sugar, which is then supplemented by roasted almonds to create a dense paste, is certainly an acquired taste. Essentially like a nut fudge, it’s another dessert that not everyone in the country is partial to, including tourists. It’s probably worth giving it a try for yourself, though. 

Fortune cookie – USA

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A slightly controversial inclusion perhaps, particularly given the warming messages they typically contain, but fortune cookies are fairly forgettable overall, aren’t they? A rather bland taste, these crispy folded wafers hide an entertaining “fortune” inside, which is easily the best bit about them. The actual taste of the cookie itself, though, tends to be forgotten about as people discuss the various messages that are housed within them. While they’re impressively made, and they have a distinctly crunchy texture, fortune cookies are hugely overrated when it comes to taste. 

Pandolce – Italy 

The Italians know how to do dessert, but pandolce definitely isn’t one of them. A sweet Italian Christmas bread from Genoa, it’s typically munched on during the most wonderful time of the year. A real family affair, people generally come together to make and eat it, which is wonderful, but the actual taste itself is hugely underwhelming, particularly compared to other Italian desserts, such as panna cotta, tiramisu, granita, sfogliatella, and bonet. Sorry Italy, but you can’t get everything right when it comes to food. 

Special mention must also go to sweet potato pudding (Jamaica), gomme (Norway), saltwater taffy (USA), Tirggel (Switzerland), mung bean cake (Vietnam), meskouta (Morocco), and inipit (Philippines). 

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