Pandan, a tropical plant known as the 'vanilla of Southeast Asia', is on the verge of becoming a major food trend in the UK, following in the footsteps of matcha. Already appearing on menus at chains like Black Sheep Coffee, which launched pandan-infused lemonade and iced pandan matcha in April 2026, the ingredient is expected to proliferate across cakes, ice cream, biscuits, coffees, and cocktails.
What is pandan?
Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) is a tropical plant with long, blade-like fragrant leaves used in cooking across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines for centuries. According to Vhari Russell, founder of The Food Marketing Experts, its flavour profile sits 'somewhere between vanilla, coconut, and jasmine' with 'a soft, earthy grassiness'. She describes it as 'warm, aromatic, instantly distinctive, and extraordinarily versatile'. The leaves are added directly to dishes for aroma or blended into an extract.
Why pandan is poised for a 'matcha moment'
Russell emphasises that pandan is not a manufactured fad but a genuine cultural ingredient with 'deep roots and a devoted following'. She attributes its rising popularity to the growing Southeast Asian diaspora, Gen Z's appetite for global flavours, and its vivid natural green colour, which is 'perfectly suited to a social-media-first food culture'. She draws a direct comparison to matcha: 'Five years ago, matcha felt niche and slightly inaccessible to mainstream UK consumers. Today it's in every coffee shop... Pandan is at exactly that early stage.'
The natural green hue also appeals to brands and consumers wary of synthetic dyes, aligning with the 'clean label' movement. Russell notes that pandan offers a 'long-term opportunity' for food brands, similar to the chamoy condiment craze, rather than a fleeting trend.
Where to try pandan in London
London offers several venues to sample pandan. Pandan Bakery, a Malaysian dessert company founded in 2012, appears at market stalls in Battersea and Putney, selling a signature pandan chiffon sponge created by head baker Ling, who has made the cake for over 40 years. The plain cake starts at £13.50 and is described as 'soft, light and airy', made with pandan and coconut, and dairy-free. The bakery also offers pandan coconut brioche, pandan kaya spread, and pandan kuih (layered steamed cake). They provide nationwide delivery online.
Lil Wong Bakes, run by Sam Wong (dubbed the 'Pandan Queen'), holds pop-ups around London. Her next event is July 11-12, 2026, at Turn Up Truck in King's Cross, featuring pandan sandos—pandan cake with fresh cream and fruit. Some creations, like pandan, raspberry & white chocolate chip cookies (three for £8), are available on the online marketplace DELLI.
Other options include Chinatown Bakery for pandan sponge cakes, Crosstown Doughnuts for seasonal pandan specials (notably for Lunar New Year), and Bun House Disco in Shoreditch for a Pandan Espresso Martini with pandan, espresso, coffee liqueur, and Finlandia Vodka.
