TRAVEL TREATS
Frozen for aficionados!
To say that ice cream is popular is to state the obvious. From gelati to soft serve and numerous non-dairy creations (from sorbets to soy and coconut milk bases, and artisanal or hand-crafted daily flavour specials), ice creams are increasing in popularity.
The origins of this chilly sweet are misty. Some think it originated as far back as 3000 BC in China while others suggest 500 BC in Persia. But
Marco Polo is commonly (and probably inaccurately) credited with introducing it to Italy f rom the Far
East in the 13th century. It’s this version that historians believe evolved into ice cream sometime in the 16th century. And the fascination soon spread to France and England, and then presumably elsewhere on the continent.
Here are some interesting ice creams in the world that are awaiting tasting.
JAPAN Japanese cuisine has its own version of cheesecake, pancakes and ice cream too! But while it may not be remarkably different in texture, there are mind-blowing flavours like squid ink and wasabi to be found at establishments like Ice
Cream City in Tokyo. Flavours such as black sesame and matcha are easier to find in regular ice cream parlours.
ITALY Travel documentaries about
Tuscany in general or Florence in particular are sure to feature ice cream. Florence is considered the birthplace of gelato. Bernardo Buontalenti is said to have invented gelato for the Medici court in the 16th century using milk, honey, eggs, bergamot, lemon and a splash of wine… sounds yummy!
INDIA All over the subcontinent from street vendors to five-star restaurants, kulfi reigns supreme. It’s a heat buster and comes in a variety of flavours – the most common being mango, pistachio, rose, cardamom, vanilla and saffron. It’s denser and creamier than regular ice cream, and doesn’t melt as fast.
TURKEY With some flair, playfulness and a little patience, you’ll eventually end up with a Turkish ice cream or dondurma – or at least that’s how I have found it being sold in two different countries. Made of cow, goat or sheep’s milk, salep flour and mastic gum, this ice cream is elastic and doesn’t melt as quickly as the regular varieties.
If you’re an ice cream aficionado or simply want to taste the local flavours of the country you are in, do a random search on Google. Some common flavours in Southeast Asia that are available at supermarkets include jackf ruit, red bean, black rice and mung bean.