#unicornfood for the Instagram hungry

Top Stories

#unicornfood for the Instagram hungry

Fairytale food items that are not 'really' meant to be eaten, but to up the stunning quotient of your food shots on social media.

By Deepa Narwani

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Thu 4 May 2017, 9:16 PM

Last updated: Thu 4 May 2017, 11:18 PM

If you still haven't heard of Starbucks' 'Unicorn Frappuccino' that was rolled out a few days ago in the US, then you've probably been living under a rock. The colourful drink turned the Internet upside down! Yes, the #unicornfood trend has taken Instagram by storm, with some labelling it as the best-looking food of 2017. We bring you a lowdown of the colourful, magical, and Instagram-friendly trend.
The coffee giant started selling the colourful concoction and gave a boost to the existing food trend that was brought to life on Instagram at the end of last year and has become a rage on social media. Reportedly, the drink has been a huge success as it is photogenic and makes for pretty snaps for Instagram and Snapchat. But, when it comes to taste, the reviews are mixed. This fairy-tale trend is having a major moment and its main purpose is that its not really been made to eat, but to take your food photographs to the next level.
So what is #unicornfood? It is any food item or beverage that is jazzed up with dye and decorated with colourful sprinkles and pieces of fruit cut into little shapes or lots of pastel marshmallows or cotton candy. Those going for a more whimsical look might also add a horn, with reference to the mythical creature. The reason for the food trend's success seems to be simple enough, as people are just happy to look at something bright and colourful, and something that would become a talking point on social media. Instagram has become influential in everyday decisions of what to eat and where to eat it. Food bloggers today have a massive following as they often drop by places serving drool-worthy food, and the restaurants too have their own social media handles and are becoming concerned with the value of Instagram, sometimes compromising the taste of the food along the way and focusing on the look.
Some of the most popular unicorn foods that are circulating on social media feeds include toasts, macaroons, popsicles, noodles, cupcakes, and even grilled cheese sandwiches that are lathered with colourful cream cheese. The healthy folks don't use any food colouring and instead use beet juice to make it pink, blueberries for purple and turmeric to add the yellow touch.
The trend seems to be slowly coming to Dubai's shores and it is most likely that you will stumble across it in a handful of hip cafes sometime soon, if you haven't already.
One of the places where you can experience the magic of the food trend is at Gourmet by Kcal (045117373), Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina. They have a unicorn latte on their menu, which is a healthy drink that is served without coffee. It is made from ginger, spirulina, and lemon. Also, it's dairy-free and is made with cashew milk and photographs beautifully. Another place to try this trend is at Cereal Killer Café (043627500), The Dubai Mall. This London import has already become a hit with the young ones - thanks to the variety of cereals on offer. They serve the 'unicorn poop' cereal cocktail and don't let the name stop you from devouring the dish. It comes with ricicles, party rings, marshmallows, and sprinkles. This colourful bowl of breakfast food looks good and tastes amazing as well. For those looking for a more elegant affair, the Hummingbird Bakery (across three locations in Dubai: City Walk, Mall of the Emirates, and The Dubai Mall) offers a rainbow cake, which is a multi-coloured cake of moist sponge layers and comes in both chocolate and vanilla frosting and is perfect for birthday celebrations.
Of course, all these pastel and rainbow-hued treats are almost too beautiful to bite into. So before you indulge, snap a pic, and then start nibbling or sipping. This fun food trend might not always be healthy, but it sure can put a smile on your face!
deepa@khaleejtimes.com
Deepa is a proud geek and an unabashed Harry Potter fan.


More news from