All Kinds of Ice Cream Around the World
Published by lesongtoanz on
All Kinds of Ice Cream Around the World.
Introduction
Ice cream is a universal delight, enjoyed in countless variations across the globe. While we all love a classic scoop of vanilla or chocolate, different cultures have developed unique ice cream styles that reflect their traditions, climates, and available ingredients. Let’s explore some of the most fascinating ice creams from around the world, what makes them special, their original countries, textures, flavors, and where to enjoy them in Calgary.
1. Bingsu - Korea
What Makes It Special?
Bingsu is a Korean shaved ice dessert that is as beautiful as it is delicious. Traditionally made with finely shaved ice and topped with sweetened condensed milk, fruit, and red beans, this dessert is a must-try for ice cream lovers.
Texture & Flavors
Unlike traditional ice cream, Bingsu has an airy, snow-like texture that melts instantly in your mouth. The flavor is usually light and refreshing, with fruity or nutty elements adding depth.
📍 Calgary
Y Not Today. Bingsu and Board game cafe – 4339 Mcleod trail SW
Within Calgary, Y Not Today would be the ultimate board game cafe offering a wide range of delicious desserts like bubble tea, croffles, cheesecake, and more. Enjoy hours of fun with a variety of puzzles and board games, along with exciting events. Perfect for friends, family, and game lovers
2. Mochi Ice Cream - Japan
What Makes It Special?
This delightful Japanese treat consists of bite-sized ice cream wrapped in soft, chewy mochi rice dough.
Texture & Flavors
A unique contrast of creamy ice cream and chewy rice dough. Popular flavors include matcha, red bean, mango, and vanilla.
📍 Calgary
Itoko Sushi – 10 Chaparral Drive SE
3. Gelato - Italy
What Makes It Special?
Gelato is famous for its rich, creamy texture and intense flavors. It contains less air than regular ice cream, making it denser and more flavorful.
It has a smooth, silky consistency with flavors ranging from classic chocolate and pistachio to modern variations like tiramisu and stracciatella.
📍 Calgary
Amato Gelato – 2104 Kensington Rd NW
4. Kulfi - India
What Makes It Special?
Kulfi is a dense, creamy frozen dessert made by slow-cooking milk with sugar and aromatic spices.
Texture & Flavors
It has a firmer texture than regular ice cream and comes in flavors like cardamom, saffron, rose, and pistachio.
📍 Calgary
Royal Paan – 5075 Falconridge Blvd NE
5. Dondurma - Turkey
What Makes It Special?
Turkish ice cream is known for its stretchy, chewy texture, thanks to the inclusion of salep (orchid root flour).
Texture & Flavors
It’s thick, elastic, and doesn’t melt quickly. Popular flavors include mastic, chocolate, and vanilla.
📍 Calgary
Dairy Lane CafĂ© – 319 19 St NW
6. Sorbet - France
What Makes It Special?
Sorbet is a dairy-free frozen treat made from fruit, sugar, and water.
Texture & Flavors
Smooth and refreshing, it comes in fruity flavors like raspberry, lemon, and mango.
📍 Calgary
Village Ice Cream – 820 49 Ave SW
7. Helado - Argentina
What Makes It Special?
Argentine ice cream is similar to gelato but often richer due to high butterfat content.
Texture & Flavors
Creamy and indulgent, popular flavors include dulce de leche and mate-infused ice cream.
📍 Calgary
Carribean teast – 1314 9 Ave SE
8. Rolled Ice Cream - Thailand
What Makes It Special?
This Thai street food favorite is made by pouring a liquid ice cream base onto a frozen pan and scraping it into delicate rolls.
Texture & Flavors
Light and airy, flavors range from mango and taro to cookies and cream.
📍 Calgary
Sweet Tooth Ice Cream Bar -206 Centre St S
9. Akutaq – Alaska
What Makes It Special?
Also known as “Eskimo Ice Cream,” Akutaq is a frozen Alaskan dessert traditionally made by indigenous people. Unlike typical ice cream, it uses a combination of animal fat, berries, and sometimes fish.
Texture & Flavors
Akutaq’s ingredients can include:
Reindeer fat or seal oil
Berries (cranberries, blueberries, or cloudberries)
Snow or water
Fish (optional but common in traditional recipes) This combination creates a surprisingly smooth and rich texture that is unlike any other ice cream.
Where to Have It in Calgary?
Finding authentic Akutaq outside of Alaska is rare, but some indigenous events and specialty stores might offer it occasionally. Keep an eye on cultural festivals or specialty grocery stores.
10. Halva – Israel
What Makes It Special?
Halva ice cream is a rich and creamy dessert inspired by halva, a Middle Eastern confection made from tahini (sesame paste) and sugar. This ice cream brings the nutty, slightly sweet flavor of halva into a frozen treat.
Texture & Flavors
Tahini gives Halva ice cream a deep, nutty taste that balances sweetness with a hint of bitterness, making it incredibly unique compared to other ice creams.
📍 Calgary
Jerusalem Shawarma – 6100 Macleod Trail SW
The Ice Cream of The Future: Exploring the Coolest New Varieties and Innovations
Dairy-Free Ice Cream: A Healthier Alternative
As more people embrace plant-based diets, dairy-free ice cream has become a popular choice. Lactose-intolerant individuals, vegans, and health-conscious consumers alike are flocking to these alternatives. Dairy-free ice cream is typically made with almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or other plant-based ingredients, offering a lighter option without sacrificing flavor or creaminess.
In addition to being kinder to our digestive systems, dairy-free options tend to have fewer calories and lower fat content than their traditional counterparts. Major ice cream brands are quickly jumping on the dairy-free bandwagon, offering everything from classic chocolate and vanilla to exotic fruit-based and even nut butter-flavored varieties.
Low-Calorie Ice Cream: Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth Guilt-Free
For those who love ice cream but want to watch their waistline, low-calorie ice cream has become a game-changer. With clever formulations that reduce sugar and fat content, while still delivering the rich, creamy experience we crave, these treats offer the perfect balance of indulgence and health.
By using alternative sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, and incorporating air into the mixture, manufacturers can create low-calorie options that taste just as good as the real deal. Leading brands like Halo Top and Enlightened have already made waves in the market, and it’s safe to say that low-calorie ice cream is here to stay.
New Flavours: Pushing the Boundaries of Taste
Gone are the days when chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ruled the ice cream aisle. Today’s consumers are all about trying new and exotic flavours. From salty caramel to lavender honey, and even spicy chili mango, ice cream makers are constantly experimenting with new taste combinations to excite your palate.
Flavour trends have evolved to include more unique, international, and even savory ingredients. Imagine sipping a bubble tea-inspired ice cream or indulging in a sweet-salty combination of miso caramel and pistachio. As the world becomes more connected, global flavours are more accessible than ever, making ice cream a truly international experience.
Non-Melting Ice Cream: The Future of Summer Treats
Imagine enjoying an ice cream cone under the hot sun without worrying about it melting all over your hands—sounds like a dream, right? Well, non-melting ice cream is quickly becoming a reality. This innovation is made possible through the use of a special ingredient called “gellan gum,” which helps the ice cream maintain its structure at higher temperatures.
While it might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, the implications of non-melting ice cream are exciting. Not only does it make for less messy enjoyment, but it could change the way ice cream is stored and transported, making it more accessible in hot climates and reducing food waste.
Colour-Changing Ice Cream: A Visual and Tasty Delight
Ice cream isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a treat for your eyes too! Colour-changing ice cream has taken the world by storm, offering a visually stunning experience that’s almost as fun as it is delicious. This ice cream changes colour as it melts or reacts with the temperature of your body.
The science behind this cool trick lies in the use of special natural ingredients that alter their color when exposed to certain conditions. Popular flavours include blue spirulina, which shifts to purple as it warms up. This fun, interactive treat is perfect for Instagrammers and anyone who loves a little visual magic with their dessert.
Glow in the Dark Ice Cream: A Futuristic Experience
Imagine grabbing a scoop of glowing ice cream in a dark room, making the dessert appear even more mystical. Glow-in-the-dark ice cream uses a bioluminescent ingredient (safe for consumption) that makes the dessert glow under blacklight.
While the concept sounds strange, it’s an exciting culinary innovation that adds a futuristic twist to ice cream. The glowing effect is achieved using natural, food-safe ingredients like riboflavin or other glowing compounds. This novelty treat is perfect for late-night gatherings, parties, or as a fun addition to a sci-fi-themed event.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Reimagining the Classic Dessert
The humble ice cream sandwich has been around for decades, but modern versions are taking this classic treat to the next level. Gourmet ice cream sandwiches feature premium ice cream flavors and unique cookie options, creating a combination that’s both creative and indulgent.
Think cookies made from brownies or macaron shells filled with exotic ice cream flavors like matcha or pistachio. Ice cream sandwiches are no longer limited to kids’ birthday parties; they’ve become a gourmet dessert enjoyed by adults who crave something fun and fancy.
Hard Custard Ice Cream: A New Take on Creamy Delights
Hard custard ice cream, while still relatively new to the scene, is becoming a favorite among those who crave an even richer, denser treat. Made with egg yolks and cream, this style of ice cream is churned more slowly than traditional ice cream, creating a smoother, thicker consistency.
Unlike regular ice cream, hard custard ice cream has a more custard-like texture, offering a truly indulgent experience for ice cream lovers. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a more complex dessert, hard custard ice cream is a growing trend that promises to offer a decadent twist on traditional frozen treats.
Conclusion
Ice cream is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a cultural experience. Whether you crave the creamy richness of Italian gelato, the chewy texture of Turkish dondurma, or the refreshing taste of French sorbet, there’s an ice cream style for everyone. If you’re in Calgary, you don’t have to travel the world to enjoy these delights; plenty of local spots offer a taste of global flavors right in your backyard.
Check out our post about Calgary Desserts: Fusion, Innovation, and Cultural Exchange
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