12 types of ice cream from around the world
Everyone loves ice cream in the summer! But have you ever considered that there are different versions of this sweet and refreshing treat all over the world? Many countries offer a different twist to this classic dessert.
1. Italy – Ice Cream
Italian ice cream is considered the most famous type of ice cream in many parts of the world. This version has less fat, more sugar, and is quite heavy and filling, but so delicious! Also, in Italy, they often use a spatula instead of a scoop of ice cream!
2. Germany – Spaghetti
In all honesty, this gift seems a bit strange. But in Germany, this is a completely normal dessert. You take vanilla ice cream and pass it through a special press. Then you take a small bowl, add a big scoop of whipped cream, add the ice cream on top, and finish with strawberry sauce. Coconut flakes or almond shavings give the “parmesan sensation” on top!
3. Türkiye – Dondurma
Dondurma is as elastic as fresh mozzarella and as sticky as caramel. It contains traditional cream, whipped cream, salep (a type of flour), mastic (vegetable resin) and sugar. It also melts much slower than “our” ice cream and is also somewhat harder.
4. Greece – Payment
This Greek ice cream has a strong influence from Turkish Dondurma, and also contains salep and mastic. But this dessert also has some typical Greek flavors like Pagoto Elaeolado me syko (with olive oil and figs) and Pagoto Mavrodaphne (with Greek dessert wine).
5. Japan – Mochi
Ice cream is a very popular dessert in Japan! Mochi ice cream is made of mochi dough (a sweet, sticky dough made from Japanese glutinous rice) that is spread and wrapped around scoops of ice cream. Popular flavors include vanilla, chocolate, matcha (green tea), and strawberry.
6. Chinese – Fried Ice Cream
There is a worldwide debate about whether this delicious delicacy originates from the United States or from China. The frozen scoop of ice cream is dipped in a tempura batter and then fried for a few minutes. It is finished with cinnamon and sugar and sometimes with mint, whipped cream or honey.
7. Israel – Halwa
This Israeli dessert is made of sesame paste, tahini, eggs, cream, and sugar, and is often garnished with pistachio and silan (date syrup). This treat originates from Tel Aviv and is considered a bit more “granular” than what we are used to.
8. Iran – Falude
Fālūde, or Pālūde, is a Persian sherbet made with very fine vermicelli noodles, rose water, lime juice, and often ground pistachios. The noodles are first overcooked, cut into pieces, and then stirred into the flavored “sugar water.” Before serving, heat in the microwave.
9. India – Kulfi
Although this Indian treat looks suspiciously like vanilla ice cream, the consistency is more solid. The most important ingredients are milk (dried and boiled), sugar, pistachios, almonds, cardamom and the “ruh kewra” flower essence. They are then poured into molds with a stick and frozen – perfect for a warm day!
10. Thailand – I Tim Pad
A very popular “street snack” in Thailand is I Tim Pad. This ice cream is made fresh in front of you! The ice cream mixture is poured onto a frozen plate and then scraped off the plate in small rolls. You have to see it to really understand the technique!
11. Malaysia – Ais Kacang
Ais Kacang or ABC (Air Batu Campur) is made of crushed ice with various syrups on top. So far, so good. But then corn, grass jelly, or beans are added to it. Do you dare to try this dessert?
12. South Korea – J-Cone
The advantage of this unusual “J” shape is that it supports the ice cream so that the drops are enclosed, preventing it from melting. The “cone” is made from popcorn, so it offers a gluten-free treat that tastes like cornflakes. Also, the cone does not get soggy if the ice melts inside it.
