Come and take a look at some of the most unique ice creams on the planet. Whether you’re into lollies or three scoop sundaes there’s something for everyone!
Ice creams are an essential part of British Summer time for children. Having one as an adult isn’t quite as exciting, don’t get me wrong, but still, it never fails to take me back to my childhood. I can just picture it. The back doors open, the sun is shining and the paddling pool is full.
After a few hours of mayhem I’d come running inside and trawl through the freezer. I’d shift countless rocket lollies and ice pops aside to find it and there it was, staring right back at me in its overly luxurious packaging, the prestigious, classic magnum.
Let’s be honest, you didn’t click on this article to see me blabber on about Magnums, Twisters or even a Soleros. You came here to discover what other ice cream this great big planet has to offer. So hop aboard the rocket lolly and buckle up because we’re going abroad!
First stop…
JAPAN
Taiyaki Fish shaped ice cream
Taiyaki is a traditional Japanese dessert pastry shaped like a fish often filled with red bean paste. However, recently they have been popping up filled with Ice Cream. The relatively new innovation involves filling the warm hollow pastry with a cool scoop of ice cream. This modernisation led to a rise in popularity and it is now available outside of Japan in a range of countries.
New York City, USA
The Ice Cream Sandwich
The ice cream sandwich is an iconic summer time treat all over the US even creeping its way across the pond in recent times! The exact origins of the Ice Cream Sandwich isn’t well documented but it is rumoured to have been created by an unidentified pushcart vendor in New York back in 1899. One of the earliest versions of this creamy cookie cocoon on record is the Hokey Pokey, where a scoop of ice cream would be sandwiched between a thin wafer.
THAILAND
Itim Khanom Pang – Thai Coconut Ice Cream Sandwich
In Thailand Coconut flavoured ice cream is the default, in the same way vanilla is in the West. However, the way they deliver their classic scoop is extraordinary. This jam-packed fluffy bread roll is filled with a base of sweet sticky rice and coconut ice cream. To add some crunch it is topped with peanuts or pistachios. It’s a staple street food for Thailand’s ice cream vendors and is a real taste of childhood for locals.
MALAYSIA
Cendol
A bizarre looking dish containing pandan flavoured noodles swimming in shaved ice, sweetened coconut milk and a sweet kick of palm sugar syrup. It is then topped with red beans to provide a nutty taste and texture adding balance to a dish full of varied textures. The combination of the cold ice and chewy noodles creates a satisfying dessert that is popular amongst the locals and tourists across the country.
MEXICO
Paletas
These ice pops are as refreshing as they come. Made with fresh local ingredients spanning from vibrant fruits to creamy dairy, they even do spicy ones! Typical flavours include mango, lime and pineapple creating vibrant natural ice pops. Often sold by street vendors that pride themselves on making them by hand. Their popularity has extended out of Mexico and they have made their way around adjacent areas. They serve as a great refreshing treat to cool you down in the summer months.
Alaska, USA
Akutaq
Akutaq, also known as the eskimo ice cream, is an Alaskan specialty made with whipped animal fat with berries, nuts and syrups folded in giving the dish an airy fluffy base perfect for adding crunchy nuts and sweet fruits. It was created by the indigenous communities of Alaska and is now hailed for it’s unique flavour and cultural heritage. This dish is definitely not for the vegans amongst us!
INDIA
Kulfi
Kulfi is often known as Indian Ice cream in the west. It is known for its distinct taste and texture which differentiates it from regular ice creams. This comes from a unique preparation process of simmering milk until it is thick and adding fragrant spices like cardamom and saffron. This mixture is then frozen creating a dense consistency similar to frozen custard. It is then poured in moulds and set around a stick making a popular street snack ideal when you’re on the go!
SYRIA
Booza – Mastic ice cream
A distinctive ice cream unlike any other. Dating back to around the year 1500 some people believe this Ice Cream was the first ever. Known for its stretchy, chewy texture it is made using milk, sugar and orchid flour. This mixture is slowly heated and then mastic resin is added. It is then pounded and stretched giving it an iconic chewy texture. It is well known for its resistance to melting making it easier to eat in the scorching Syrian summer heat.