Tale of Tiramisu

Every time when you are enjoying your piece of delectable cake, have you ever pondered upon the origin of the cake? Have you wondered if there’s a story behind it? What caters to its taste? Why is it sweet or bitter, plain or fanciful, spongy or firm?

We often buy cakes for birthday celebrations and we usually choose a pretty one, but what happens if beneath that pretty cake hides a tragic story? Do we still consider it as a birthday cake? Wedding cakes exist for obvious reason and mooncakes has its legendary origin. What about your favourite? Just like how you make an effort to understand your friends to draw the distance closer, I believe a cake is worth more of an appreciation when you know more about it.

I'm a tiramisu lover. I source around for the best tiramisu and it will be divine if I could taste an authentic one in Italy itself. Thus, I have a thought of researching for the origin of Tiramisu and here’s what I found:

"It was believed that Tiramisu was first created during the First World War. Women in northern Italy made these desserts for the men to take with them as they were being sent off to war. Apparently to remind them of their love together; as the bitter-sweet taste of the dessert alludes to the perplexing feeling of love itself. In practical aspect, they believed the high caffeine and energy content of these desserts will give their men more energy to fight and help bring them home safely.

Yet another story dates back even further. During the Renaissance periods, Venetian women made these to be shared with their men during the late hours because they believed it would give them the energy to make more vigorous love later.”


Whichever story is true, it tells that Tiramisu defines a strong relationship between women & men. Whether it ties the love or sexuality, Tiramisu portrays romance.

In case you are wondering, “Tiramisu” means “pick me up” in Italian.