Many of us are familiar with the outstanding talent of the great Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. However, Pavlova is not only a famous dancer but also the name of a cake! Yes, don't be surprised, this dessert is part of New Zealand cuisine, although Australians often dispute this claim.

The story began in 1926 when Anna Pavlova was touring abroad, including in New Zealand. One day, while staying at a hotel in Wellington, she dined at a local restaurant. The chef, learning about the famous guest, decided to surprise her and created an original dessert. The cake consisted of meringue, whipped cream, and was topped with berries and pieces of tropical fruits such as passion fruit.

However, in Australia, it is believed that the recipe for this dessert was first invented by chef Bert Sachse in 1935 when he worked at the Esplanade Hotel. The cake was made in honor of a birthday, and the chef, presenting it, exclaimed: "As airy as Pavlova." Thus, the dessert got its name.

There are over 600 recipes for this dessert, and in 2008, a book titled "The History of the Pavlova Dessert: A Piece of New Zealand Culinary History" was published, detailing its origins. The Pavlova cake remains popular today.