Ask, and I will find: treacle sponge pudding

Rosanne said...

You know what I want. Treacle sponge! My research hasn't turned up any in Vancouver...

May 16, 2009 3:29 PM

Rosanne is referring to treacle sponge pudding, which Wikipedia describes as "a British dessert dish consisting of a steamed sponge cake with golden syrup or molasses cooked on top of it, sometimes also poured over it and often served with hot custard".

In this case, a picture is worth 31 words.

I'm pleased to report that I have located the said dessert.

In Vancouver, it's sold at some British convenience shops (let me know if you want the names), but if you want it like you had in England, head to The Diner -- "an authentic English-style Diner, complete with kidney pie and and mushy peas. Breakfast is served all day".

It's not on the regular menu, but they'll make it for you as a special request if you call ahead 24 hours before you want it. The owner, Stella (a very sweet lady), estimated that it will cost around $7 (I asked about how much it would be for one to two people, so I don't know whether it's a one or two person serving she was referring to).

I've eaten there before, and it seems like the real deal. I went for the steak and kidney pie, and my friend went for the fish and chips. She really enjoyed her dish; as for me, not so much -- kidney just isn't my cup of tea, but the owner had warned me to go with something more traditional since I wasn't a British native, so I'm not complaining. On the menu were baby liver and onions, bangers and mash, shepherd's pie, and more.

Shall we make a pudding date, Rosanne? I need to go back and try their bread pudding!

Have any of you tried treacle pudding or something similar? I've heard it's insanely sweet, but I do have a massive sweet tooth. What did you think of treacle pudding? If you haven't tried it, now's your chance!

It's recommended that you try their British breakfast (I haven't yet). It's a really homey place and is worth checking out.

The Diner is on 4556 West 10th Ave. I think it's closed on Sundays (because I was supposed to eat there with another friend once and had to go to Burgoo instead because I hadn't checked ahead to see if it was opened).

Keep the questions coming!