The global popularity of ice cream most likely stems from the fact that it is one of the most widely and easily available sweet dishes. Not only is it sold in fancy ice cream parlours and confectionaries but also on streets by hawkers and in food trucks. Additionally, ice cream pairs well with a range of other desserts, such as brownies, cookies, and puddings, making it a favourite among dessert lovers as well as dessert makers.
Also Read: Decoding The Love For Ice Cream
From chocolaty to fruity to nutty, people these days have access to a plethora of ice cream flavours. In fact, several countries even have their own unique versions of this classic summertime delight, which is, of course, consumed throughout the year. For example, an ice cream known as Mochi is eaten extensively in Japan, whereas Italians relish a type of ice cream called gelato.
Take a look at some of the most exciting varieties of ice cream from around the globe.
Soft Serve
The mouthwatering soft serve ice cream is believed to have originated in the USA in the 1930s. What sets the soft serve aside from regular ice cream its long, multi-tiered shape, and its smooth texture. Typically available only in the flavours of chocolate and vanilla, or in a medley of both the flavours, this frozen treat is best enjoyed in a cone; it can also be garnished with several fun toppings, such as chocolate sauce and chocolate sprinkles.
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Gelato
A visit to Italy would be incomplete without trying out the luscious gelato ice cream. Gelato is known for the distinctive shape of its scoops, which aren’t perfectly rounded like regular ice cream. That’s because gelato is quite dense compared to regular ice cream as it comprises more milk than cream; it is also churned at a slower pace than regular ice cream. Available in traditional as well as unconventional flavours, gelato can be savoured in either a cup or a cone.
Rolled Ice Cream
As the name indicates, rolled ice cream is rounded strips of ice cream that is a popular street food in several Asian countries, including Thailand, the Philippines, and Cambodia. Taking only about two minutes to craft, this ice cream is prepared by pouring the ice cream concoction and then shaping it into small, appetizing, and visually appealing rolls. Toppings, such as fruit and chocolate can be added to this ice cream to enhance its taste and appearance.
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Dondurma
Let’s travel to the streets of Istanbul to indulge in the traditional Dondurma ice cream. Known simply as Turkish ice cream, Dondurma has risen significantly in global popularity over the last decade or so. This ice cream comprises two secrets ingredients—salep flour and mastic—that make it different from regular ice cream. These ingredients also lend it a thick and chewy consistency and taste, almost like a toffee. Ice cream vendors churn and serve this ice cream in several innovative ways, taking the experience of Dondurma to the next level.
Mochi
Mochi, the quintessential ice cream of Japan, comprises adorable bite-sized treats that are filled with ice cream, and wrapped in a sweet and sticky rice dough. Remarkably, one doesn’t require a cup or cone to eat this ice cream; Mochi must be eaten by hand. This one-of-a-kind frozen delight comes in myriad flavours that are local to Japan, such as red bean and green tea, as well as more traditional flavours, including chocolate and vanilla.
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Kulfi
Thought to have originated in Delhi in the 16th century during the reign of the Mughals, Kulfi is one of the most ubiquitous sweet dishes of Indian cuisine. Resembling more a custard than a regular ice cream, Kulfi comes in a number of vibrant colours and Indian-influenced flavours, such as cardamom, rose, and saffron. Owing to its thick and dense consistency, Kulfi takes longer to melt than regular ice cream, making it ideal to serve on a stick.
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Faloodeh
Native to erstwhile Persia or present-day Iran, Faloodeh is a type of ice cream that is composed of tiny rice noodles. This ice cream is prepared by combining the rice noodles with a concoction of rose water, sugar, and lime juice, resulting in the invention of a highly refreshing and invigorating ice cream dish. Faloodeh is best relished in a cup or a glass.
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Snow Cream
The traditional ice cream of Taiwan, known as snow cream, is a delight to the senses. Shaped typically like a blunt pyramid, snow cream is prepared by freezing a cube of milk and water, which is then pared down to super thin strips, creating an unusually soft and fluffy sweet dish. Ingredients, including chocolate, boba, fresh fruit, and more, can be used as toppings for snow cream.