20 Ice Creams from around the world – How many types of Ice Cream have you tried?
Ice cream is undoubtedly one of the world’s most beloved treats, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. But did you know that there are numerous types of ice cream found around the globe, each with its own unique flavors and history? In this whimsical journey, we’ll embark on a delightful exploration of the world of ice cream, uncovering its origins and uncovering 16 different types of ice cream that you absolutely must try!
A Brief History of Ice Cream
Before we dive into the tantalizing world of ice cream varieties, let’s take a moment to appreciate its rich history. While we can’t pinpoint the exact moment of ice cream’s invention, we do know that it dates back to the 2nd century. Legends abound, with mentions of ice cream enjoyed by historical figures like Alexander the Great, King Solomon, and Nero Claudius Caesar. However, it wasn’t until much later, in the 16th century, that ice cream began spreading across the world.
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- Marco Polo introduced a sherbet-like dessert to Italians.
- Catherine de Medici brought ice cream to France.
- Procopio Cuto opened Cafe Procope in France, a pioneer in serving ice cream to the public.
- In the United States, ice cream gained popularity among presidents like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
- By the 1800s, ice cream became accessible to the middle and lower classes.
Today, ice cream is a global sensation, with various cultures and innovations influencing its flavors and production. In the United States alone, over 6.4 billion pounds of ice cream are produced annually.
Types of Ice Cream Around the World
Now, let’s embark on our delightful journey to explore the diverse types of ice cream found worldwide. Each type is accompanied by a fun intro phrase and a list of popular flavors:
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Halvah | Middle East
- Popular Flavors: Sesame, Sunflower, Silan (Date Syrup)
Halvah ice cream is a Middle Eastern delight that combines the rich, nutty flavors of halvah with creamy ice cream. Halvah, a sweet confection made from sesame seeds or sunflowers, is crumbled and swirled into a vanilla ice cream base. The result is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that’s simply irresistible. You can find this delectable treat in countries like Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Turkey, and India.
- Gelato | Italy
- Popular Flavors: Pistacchio, Mandorla, Limone
Italy is renowned for its gelato, a luxurious and velvety ice cream that’s made with whole milk, sugar, and cream. What sets gelato apart is its slow-churning process, which results in a denser, smoother, and more intensely flavored treat. From the classic pistachio to the zesty lemon, gelato offers a wide range of flavors to tantalize your taste buds.
- Fried Ice Cream | China
- Popular Flavors: Green Tea, Vanilla, Taro
Fried ice cream is like a crispy surprise hiding a cool, creamy secret. It’s believed to have originated in China and is made by encasing a scoop of ice cream in a crispy batter shell, then quickly deep-frying it to perfection. The contrasting textures of the warm, crispy exterior and the cold, smooth ice cream inside make for a delightful culinary adventure.
- I Tim Pad | Thailand
- Popular Flavors: Vanilla, Matcha, Strawberry
I Tim Pad, also known as rolled ice cream or stir-fried ice cream, hails from Thailand and is as much a visual spectacle as it is a delicious treat. Vendors mix a milk-based mixture with various flavors and ingredients on a freezing cold surface, creating thin rolls of ice cream that are then stacked together. It’s not just ice cream; it’s a work of art!
- Mochi Ice Cream | Japan
- Popular Flavors: Green Tea, Mango, Chocolate, Strawberries, Red Bean
Mochi ice cream is a delightful Japanese invention that wraps bite-sized balls of ice cream in a sweet, chewy rice dough called mochi. The result is a perfect fusion of contrasting textures and flavors. Whether you’re savoring the traditional green tea or exploring more adventurous options like red bean or mango, mochi ice cream is a delightful treat.
- Glace | France
- Popular Flavors: French Vanilla, Chocolate, Caramel Fleur de Sel
France, the land of culinary excellence, offers Glace, a classic ice cream that’s rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent. Made with egg custards, cream, gelatin, sugar, and milk, Glace is known for its luscious and velvety texture. Whether you prefer it in a goblet, a tinfoil wrap, or a classic cone, Glace is a timeless French delight.
- “J” Cone | South Korea
- Popular Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry, Orange
South Korea brings its unique twist to ice cream with the “J” Cone. These ice cream cones are shaped like the letter “J,” with soft-serve ice cream that crowns both ends. It’s a playful way to enjoy your ice cream, and the cones are often made from ingredients that support your immune system and reduce cholesterol levels.
- Dondurma | Turkey
- Popular Flavors: Plain, Pistachio, Cocoa
Dondurma, also known as Maras ice cream, originates from Turkey and boasts a unique ingredient list. It includes cream, whipped cream, sugar, mastic, and salep. Mastic, derived from resin, imparts a distinct pine-like flavor and chewy texture to the ice cream. Dondurma is also famous for its entertaining presentation by street vendors who playfully tease their customers.
- Kulfi | India
- Popular Flavors: Rosewater, Pistachio, Saffron
Kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream prepared by boiling the ingredients and then freezing them. Unlike most ice creams, kulfi doesn’t use preservatives or eggs, making it a healthier option. Its rich, creamy texture and exotic flavors like rosewater, pistachio, and saffron make it a beloved dessert in India.
- Tartufo | Italy Italy isn’t just about gelato. Tartufo, which means “truffle” in Italian, is a delightful ice cream treat consisting of a ball of vanilla ice cream stuffed with a cherry and ground nuts, all coated in chocolate. It’s a decadent dessert that’s perfect for indulging your sweet tooth.
- Sorbetes | Philippines
- Popular Flavors: Cheese, Cookies and Cream, Mango, Chocolate
The Philippines has its unique take on ice cream called sorbetes. What sets it apart is how it’s sold by sorbeteros, who use portable ice cream carts and travel around with bells to attract customers. Sorbetes are often made with carabao’s milk or coconut milk, resulting in a sweeter, thicker, and quicker-melting ice cream. The flavors are diverse, ranging from cheese to mango, making it a delightful Filipino treat.
- Paletas | Mexico
- Popular Flavors: Pineapple, Coconut, Passionfruit
Paletas are Mexican popsicles that offer a burst of refreshing fruit flavors. They are typically made with fresh fruits, water, condensed milk, and sometimes chunks of fruit or vegetables. These frozen delights are a great way to beat the heat in Mexico, with flavors like pineapple, coconut, and passionfruit offering a tropical escape in every bite.
- Soft Serve | New York
- Popular Flavors: Black Cherry, Earl Grey Ice Cream, French Vanilla
Soft serve ice cream, popularized by New York’s iconic ice cream shops, is known for its creamy, swirl-like appearance. It’s often served in cones, offering a delightful contrast between the soft, velvety ice cream and the crispness of the cone. The flavors are diverse, ranging from classic vanilla to innovative creations like earl grey ice cream.
- Snow Cream This East Asian dessert, especially popular in Taiwan, combines shaved ice with an array of toppings such as fresh fruit, sweetened condensed milk, chocolate, and more. It’s a light and refreshing treat that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
- Ais Kacang | Malaysia
- Popular Ingredients: Grass Jelly, Sweet Corn, Palm Nuts, Diced Fruit
In Malaysia, Ais Kacang is the ultimate icy delight. It starts with a mountain of shaved ice and gets topped with a colorful assortment of ingredients, including grass jelly, sweet corn, palm nuts, diced fruit, and condensed milk. Ais Kacang is like a vibrant snow cone loaded with flavors and textures.
- Spaghettieis | Germany
- Popular Flavors: Vanilla, Strawberry, Chocolate
Spaghettieis is a playful German ice cream dessert that’s designed to look like a plate of spaghetti. Created in Mannheim, Germany, it features vanilla ice cream pressed through a Spatzle press or potato ricer to resemble pasta. It’s then topped with strawberry or chocolate sauce and grated almonds or coconut flakes to mimic Parmesan cheese. It’s a whimsical treat that’s both fun and delicious.
- Akutaq | Alaska Akutaq, also known as Alaskan ice cream, is a traditional Native Alaskan dessert made with ingredients like animal fat, berries, and sometimes Crisco. It’s a unique frozen treat that showcases the culinary traditions of Alaska, with variations that include berries like blueberries, cranberries, salmonberries, crowberries, or cloudberries.
- Clotted Cream Ice Cream | England
- Popular Flavors: Classic Clotted Cream
Cornwall in England is famous for its clotted cream, which is used to create a sumptuous clotted cream ice cream. Clotted cream is made by heating full-fat cow’s milk and allowing it to cool slowly, forming a thick, creamy layer on top. When transformed into ice cream, it becomes incredibly rich and indulgent, a must-try for ice cream connoisseurs.
- Pagoto | Greece
- Popular Flavors: Nutella Banana with Strawberries, Pavlova Gelato, Passionfruit Sauce with Meringue
Greece’s contribution to the world of ice cream is Pagoto, a delightful frozen dessert with a Greek twist. It features flavors inspired by traditional Greek desserts like Baklava, Diples, and Kataifi, along with more modern options like Nutella Banana with Strawberries. Pagoto is a sweet journey through Greece’s culinary heritage.
- Ice Cream Sandwich | San Francisco
- Popular Flavors: Neapolitan, Vanilla, Chocolate Chip
San Francisco is the birthplace of the iconic ice cream sandwich, known as It’s It Ice Cream. These delectable treats consist of a scoop of ice cream sandwiched between two oatmeal cookies and then dipped in chocolate. Whether you prefer classic flavors or more adventurous combinations, the ice cream sandwich is a timeless favorite.
With these 20 delightful types of ice cream from around the world, you have a delightful array of frozen treats to explore. Each one offers a unique flavor, texture, and cultural experience, making the world of ice cream a truly magical and delicious place. So, the next time you’re craving a sweet and chilly indulgence, consider trying one of these international ice cream delights!
