Dishes inspired by viral TikTok recipes – where to try them in the USA

Çilbir. Photo by Alexandra Tran on Unsplash

Though this simple dish has been devoured since the Ottoman period, it wasn't until 2023, that the world started to actively talk about it. Çilbir, or Turkish eggs, is a protein-rich runny poached egg recipe served on a bed of garlicky labneh (yogurt) and then drizzled with spiced olive oil along with fresh herbs.

Thanks to TikTok users showcasing their cooking skills on the platform, this breakfast food quickly became an international phenomenon and the most viral brunch item of 2023. Normally, the wholesome meal is accompanied by pita, but in the online version, crusty buttered bread is offered for mopping up all the luscious zingy flavors. We would highly recommend you try your hand at recreating çilbir in the comforts of your home or just drop in at the Agora restaurant in Washington, DC.

Located in the vibrant Dupont Circle district, Agora is the ultimate Mediterranean culinary destination that combines vibrant traditions of Turkey with the flair of Lebanon and Greece. The fun and thriving group dining place accommodates numerous parties for friends or family. The kitchen specializes in a small plates menu for lunch and dinner, made up of a variety of hot and cold mezze inspired by eclectic flavors of homestyle Middle Eastern cooking.

Indulge your taste buds in a gastronomic journey of Turkish delights like beef sausage with pesto, çilbir with spiced parsley emulsion, smoked salmon with capers, hummus with pita in tahini, thyme-flavored roasted red peppers with feta cheese, ground lamb on a flatbread with pickled onions, and sautéed eggplant with garlic confit. In desserts, do not miss out on their signature items like baklava with vanilla ice cream and künefe with pistachio. Along with the versatile food, they also offer an extensive beverage selection of international wines, beers, and fruity cocktails like the Lion's milk mix made with raki.

Average bill – $32

Big Mac tacos. Photo from https://www.facebook.com/maddogandbeans

Unless you are not from Earth, there is a very low probability of you not knowing of Big Macs. According to TikTok's annual report, the number 2 trend of the year was the Big Mac smashed tacos. It managed to garner over 230 million views and 145 million mimicry.

True to its name, the meal is everything one loves about the legendary McD item minus buns. The recipe requires pressing seasoned ground beef patties onto a tortilla and then cooking on a hot skillet like a smash burger till it is crispy. Then add American cheese and douse the whole thing with the special sauce, lettuce, crunchy white onions, and two slices of pickles. Most people fancy this dish as it is healthier and satisfies all the fast food cravings. But we will let you be the judge of that.

There is no better spot to sample a taco in the Big Apple than at Mad Dogs & Beans. Nestled inside a 19th-century building, it is a warm and rustic space with decor inspired by the Mexican Revolutionary period. The dining room has many wood elements, a large open bar counter, brick-lined walls, and vintage furniture. There is also an outdoor curbside terrace on the worn cobblestones under canvas canopies with a view of the nearby Battery Park.

The kitchen team presents a lovely authentic Latin American menu brimming with mouthwatering dishes. Start your meal with their made-to-order guacamole and chips, hot chicken wings with ranch, or charred corn on the cob with chipotle mayo, accompanied by a glass of refreshing margarita. Move on to entrées, including cast iron skillet shrimp fajitas, Big Mac tacos with salsa verde, beef steak briskets with pico de gallo, and roasted pepper enchiladas. End your dinner on a sweet note with dessert items, such as churros with strawberry coulis and rum flan with blueberries.

Average bill – $47

Hwachae. Photo by Brenda Godinez on Unsplash

Our next food item comes from South Korea and is called hwachae (pronounced kwacha). The refreshing cold fruit bowl might turn into your ultimate summer meal. Though this dessert has been a staple among Korean youngsters for some time, it wasn’t until TikTok @amyflamy1's midnight mukbang video that it became a viral sensation.

One day, the influencer woke up severely dehydrated and decided to order hwachae which garnered over 16 million views in a matter of few hours. This led thousands of subscribers to follow in her footsteps and make their versions of the reel. It was such a popular trend that even the members of BTS created their bowls on TikTok. The dish primarily consists of cut-up fruits (canned or fresh), mixed in a large container with Sprite or strawberry milk, and a few ice cubes. It is a great way to keep yourself refreshed during dangerous heat waves.

You do not need to fly all the way to Seoul to sample a bowl of hwachae – just visit Oakobing in Koreatown in the City of Angels. The spot is a celebrity haven with the likes of Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly endorsing the trendy café and highly recommending it. Oakobing specializes in bingsoo – a shaved ice dessert that resembles a feathery mountain of goodness. The dish is also an online trending sensation made up of delicate transparent leaves folded neatly on top of each other to create a slightly woozy visual effect reminiscent of Salvador Dalí’s artwork.

Visitors are given the option to customize their meals by choosing from a range of toppings, such as Oreo tiramisu, caramel macchiato, injeolmi – roasted soybean powder, fresh mango pieces, strawberries, melon, and black sesame paste. Besides bingsoo and hwachae, Oakobing also offers a few selections of milkshakes, bubble teas, and fresh bowls of cut fruits.

Average bill – $22

Nature’s Gatorade. Photo by Julia Vivcharyk on Unsplash

Do not be fooled by the name – nature’s Gatorade has nothing to do with the branded sports refreshment. It is a homemade drink packed with electrolytes and highly recommended by many renowned nutritionists on the social media platform. Originally called the haymaker’s punch, this beverage was often used by farmers and laborers to keep themselves hydrated when working long hours in the sun.

But thanks to TikTok users and their recipe obsessions, it has managed to reach millions of people worldwide. The ingredients for creating nature’s Gatorade are very minimal – just mix freshly squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup, ginger water, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of sea salt in a glass full of ice. Though the mocktail does not taste anything like Gatorade, it is full of nutrients and is positively good for your health.

People can always enjoy this drink in the comforts of their backyards, but we advise you to travel down South to San Antonio and savor classic Texan cuisine in an institution that dates back to the 1890s. Carriqui is a large storied mansion with a beautiful and serene lawn seating surrounded by lush greenery. The culinary team led by Executive Chef Jaime Gonzalez, aims to curate a menu that is elevated and approachable, highlighting dishes with brisket, barbacoa, steaks, and seafood.

Sit at the bar counter and begin with a refreshing glass of haymaker’s punch to get energized for the meal ahead. Order a few small plates of appetizers – blackened fish tacos, tuna tostada with chipotle aioli, and Texas redfish ceviche. Jump into decadent main course delicacies, such as barbeque brisket with pickled jalapeño, pastrami hash with potatoes, grilled beef fajitas with salsa, smoked whole quail with corn cake, fire-roasted pork shoulder with braised mushrooms, and gulf shrimp in lemon chili butter. End your evening in a relaxed ambiance – by sitting in their backyard and sipping on strawberry margaritas or enjoying an old fashioned with mole bitters.

Average bill – $40

Brazilian Lemonade. Photo by Keesha's Kitchen on Unsplash

Through the summer of 2023, Brazilian lemonade has conquered every person's FYPs. And why should it be otherwise? After offering a refreshing departure from the gold standard, it became a huge hit, and we are expecting a triumphant comeback this season as well.

The Brazilian recipe has been around for ages, but thanks to TikTok it got a popularity boost on every social media platform, including Instagram and Facebook. The sweet, creamy frozen beverage is made by blending fresh whole-cut limes, condensed milk, sugar, water, and ice cubes. Our experts tried recreating this delight, and we have a pro tip for our readers: by removing the white pith from the quartered limes, you can reduce the bitterness of the zest.

Our favorite spot to sample the citrusy summer drink is at 7 Leaves Cafe in California – a chain of retailers selling Vietnamese beverages and macarons in multiple places. You can find this quaint bistro all across the Golden State, there are even a few establishments in Las Vegas.

Started in 2011 by Sonny Nguyen and six friends, it has expanded to over 40 locations all across the country. Nicknamed the Asian Starbucks, all the outlets are brimming with scrumptious sweets and drinks of unique varieties. Some of the tasty macarons you can relish here are sea salt caramel, matcha, pistachio, green tea, Earl Grey, rose water, strawberry, and chocolate. Do not forget about the exquisite teas and coffee selections, including signature jasmine milk, taro, classic oolong, Assam black, mung bean, green Thai, Brazilian lemonade, and Japanese matcha.

Average bill – $18

After reading the review, do you feel like sampling or recreating these viral dishes? For our foodie community who are fond of home-cooking, we provide a whole digital library of recipes – from simple to advanced. Check them out, try your hand at preparing mouthwatering meals, and don’t forget to share the experience with others in the comments below!