I scream, you scream, we all scream for Ice Cream! Let’s explore the diverse flavours of this global treat around the world, a joy-inducing treat for all age groups symbolizing summer.
Gelato
Italy’s version of ice cream, Gelato, is a dense ice cream. It contains less butterfat and is churned more slowly. Gelato is also slightly sweeter. Made from frozen milk, cream, and other ingredients (sometimes with egg yolks), gelato offers intense flavours and is served slightly warmer than ice cream, enhancing its taste.
Where: Italy
Mochi
These ice creams are Japanese rice cakes with an ice cream centre in a soft. They are slightly chewy and covered with sweet rice dough. It’s similar to a cross between a marshmallow and a gummy candybut with a subtler sweetness. As you bite into it, the ice cream inside spills out, creating a creamy explosion in your mouth.
Where: Japan
Semifreddo
Another Italian delight, Semifreddo, originated in the 19th century. The name means ‘half frozen’ in Italian. Unlike ice cream and gelato, which are slowly churned before freezing, semifreddo is rapidly whipped into a mousse-like consistency. The result is a lighter, airier treat, frozen into moulds and served by slicing it like a cake.
Where: Italy
Hokey Pokey Ice Cream
New Zealand’s favourite, Hokey Pokey, reveals a lot about fun-loving Kiwis. It features vanilla ice cream studded with crunchy honeycomb toffee bits. A delightful combination of sweet and crunchy, it’s a must-try for ice cream enthusiasts. HokeyPokey, or honeycomb toffee as it is called in other places around the world, is a lovely caramel-flavoured confectionery that is just so tasty!
Where: New Zealand
Spaghettini Ice Cream
Yes, you read it right! Japan takes creativity to new heights with spaghetti ice cream. It looks like a plate of spaghetti, complete with tomato sauce (made from strawberry puree) and grated white chocolate ‘cheese’. The ‘noodles’ are actually gelato strands. It’s a playful and surprising treat that defines expectations.
Where: Japan
Dondurma
Dondurmais the Turkish word for ‘freezing’ and typically includes cream, whipped cream, powdered orchid bulbs, known as salep, and sugar. It’s unique not only in taste but also in texture. Street vendors in Turkey perform entertaining tricks while serving dondurma, making it a memorable experience for locals and tourists alike.
Where: Turkey
Taiyaki Ice Cream
A Japanese fish ice cream is more commonly known as ‘taiyakiaisu’. The taiyaki ice cream cones are made on-site in sizable spinning fish-shaped mould. The fish’s mouth is wide open, waiting to accept a generous scoop of ice cream. The sight of this ice cream is surely a treat for kids.
Where: Japan
Bastani Sonnati
Persian ice cream, known as Bastani Sonnati, is a beloved treat in Iran. Its signature saffron flavour is a blend of rosewater, vanilla extract, and mastic, creating a fragrant and stretchy texture. The ice cream is also topped with bright green pistachio and white flakes of frozen heavy cream.
Where: Iran
Kulfi
Kulfi, a dense milk-based ice cream, originated in northern India in the 16th century. This dessert, made from condensed milk, sugar, and local flavours, has a denser, creamier texture due to slow cooking and is often topped with crunchy pistachios. A must try to taste the Indian culture.
Where: India
Trdelnik Ice Cream
The Trdelnik Ice Cream is the combination of the freshly baked Trdelnik that is roasted golden-brown base coated insugar andcinnamon. The contrast between the crispiness and the smoothness of the velvety ice cream creates a flavourful experience.
Where: Prague
Eskimos Ice Cream
The Eskimos in the Arctic region traditionally make ice cream called ‘Akutaq’ using whipped fat and berries. The dish can contain fish flakes, rice, or blueberries. The ice cream focuses on blueberries, using Crisco as a substitute for animal fat. Seasonal ingredients, like salmonberries and blueberries are topped, with tempting flavours.
Where: Alaska
Halva Ice Cream
Halva, a Middle Eastern sweet confection, is made from sesame seeds, tahini paste, eggs, cream, and sugar. It has a dry, earthy softness and is often topped with pistachios and date syrup. Halva ice cream, an Israeli variation, is popular in Tel Aviv.
Where: Israel
