From SCREEN to PLATE

Journey through iconic dishes made famous by pop culture.

- TAN SU FEN

“If you are what you eat, then I only want to eat the good stuff,” says Remy from Ratatouille. Surely most, if not all, of us can relate to that quote. With food and pop culture playing a big part in our lives, is it any wonder that iconic dishes from movies and TV shows to video games have made their way from screen to plate over the years? In such cases, said dishes not only enhance storytelling but often become so beloved that fans seek to recreate them in real life, turning fictional meals into culinary phenomena. Let’s dive into some of the most iconic pop culture dishes that have become part of our real-life experiences.

BUTTERBEER FROM HARRY POTTER

No fictional drink out there is arguably as magical — or as widely recognised — as Butterbeer from the Harry Potter series. First introduced in J.K. Rowling’s books as a deliciously frothy drink enjoyed by wizards at the Three Broomsticks Inn, Butterbeer quickly captured fans’ imaginations. When the Harry Potter theme parks opened at Universal Studios, visitors finally got a taste of the “real” thing with theme park versions available in various forms: cold, hot and even as ice cream. The drink’s unique buttery, butterscotch-tinged flavour has since inspired countless homemade recipes, making it a staple at Harry Potter-themed parties worldwide.

THE DOUGHNUT FROM THE SIMPSONS