In the heart of London's bustling Borough Market, a new plant-based brunch dish is causing a serious stir on social media. Mallow's Tiramisu French Toast has captivated thousands online, but does the reality match the glossy, viral hype? Our journalist visited to find out.
A Viral Vegan Sensation Put to the Test
With Veganuary in full swing during January 2026, the search for exceptional meat-free alternatives is on for many Londoners. Enter Mallow, a fully plant-based restaurant just steps from Southwark Cathedral and famously close to Bridget Jones's fictional flat. Its latest creation, a decadent Tiramisu French Toast, has become an online phenomenon, praised for its layers of creamy white chocolate mousse and coffee 'cream'.
The dish is, without question, a visual masterpiece. It presents as a dessert cunningly disguised as brunch – dramatic, glossy, and engineered for the camera. But the crucial question remained: is it as delicious as it looks?
The Verdict on the Star Dish
The answer is a resounding yes. The tiramisu French toast is undeniably delicious. It's a plateful of creamy, intensely sweet indulgence that showcases significant technical skill in vegan cooking. The frothy mousse and rich, buttery brioche (made without any dairy butter) are so convincing that even committed meat-eaters would be impressed.
It's the kind of richly satisfying dish you might order for a special treat, fondly remember for days, and find renders lunch entirely unnecessary. However, our reviewer, Abigail Rabbett, who visited on 13th January 2026, has a potentially controversial alternative suggestion.
The Unsung Hero: Pistachio and Cherry French Toast
While the tiramisu version wins the beauty contest, the pistachio and sour cherry French toast emerged as the more rounded and ultimately preferable dish in this taste test. The sharpness of the cherries expertly cuts through the sweet richness, while earthy pistachios and a whisper of matcha create a complex, grown-up flavour profile.
It remains sweet but is beautifully balanced, with enough acidity to prevent it from becoming cloying. This cherry edition feels surprising, sophisticated, and is just as worthy of social media fame. If the tiramisu is the glamorous poster child, the cherry version is its brilliantly talented understudy.
More Than Just a Sweet Tooth's Paradise
Mallow's appeal extends beyond its viral sweet offerings. The restaurant also provides excellent savoury options for those not in the mood for a sugar rush. The real triumph of Mallow, however, is its atmosphere. The staff are noted as friendly and cool, complementing an all plant-based menu that leaves little room for improvement.
It epitomises the concept of 'vegan without realising it' dining, making it a compelling destination at any time of day. With its prime location and killer views, Mallow in Borough Market is a restaurant that deserves a spot on any 2026 London hit list, regardless of dietary preference.
