We all know that the world screams for ice cream but did you know that there are endless variations of the sweet dessert besides your usual vanilla cone??
Let us warn you though, the treats you're about to see will have you like:
1. Spaghettieis, Germany
Ever wanted your favourite pasta dish in sundae form? Complete with strawberry 'sauce' drizzling down the sides and a sprinkle of grated cheese, the idea of spaghetti for dessert looks pretty tempting now?
2. I Tim Pad (Ice Cream Rolls), Thailand
Ice cream rolls, or i tim pad, continue to dominate the worldwide frozen dairy market. You can choose from unique flavors like green tea, taro or even dragon fruit! Top it all off with fresh fruits, rainbow sprinkles and nuts for an added crunch?
3. Gelato, Italy
If you haven't tried this wonderful Italian frozen treat, then you haven't lived friends. Creamy, smooth and silky, gelato has us wishing we were in Italy right now?
[P.S. Check out our article on 3 Muslim-Friendly Gelato in Italy!]
4. Potong Ice Cream, Malaysia
If you grew up in Malaysia or Singapore, you know what we're talking about. These rectangular frozen blocks of goodness come in nostalgic flavours from your childhood like red bean, chendol and durian.
5. Faloodeh, Iran
Ever heard of faloodeh? This Iranian cold dessert consists of thin vermicelli noodles made from corn starch, rose syrup and sugar. Squeeze a little lime juice in there for that zesty zing!
6. Akutaq (Eskimo Ice Cream), Alaska
The indigenous people of Alaska have their own distinct ice cream called akutaq. It's traditionally made with whipped fat, mixed with wild berries like cranberries and blueberries plus fish.. Wait what??
7. Frozen Yogurt, USA
Frozen yogurt, or froyo for short, is yet another all-time favourite frozen delight. Tangier than its' sweet ice cream counterpart, many prefer to fill their cup with fresh fruits, M&Ms, gummies and a drizzle of chocolate/caramel sauce.
8. Jipanyi Ice Cream, Korea
Tired of the typical wafer cone? Then, J ice cream is for you! Jipangyi, meaning cane in Korean, is a long and hollow stick made of puffed rice or corn. Holding this large, crunchy treat in public might attract some stares but hey, it's a fun way of getting your sweet fix?
9. Es Puter, Indonesia
You can find this next treat at most roadsides in Indonesia. Sold by street peddlers, this refreshing dessert is made using coconut milk or santan instead of regular milk.
10. Bastani Sonnati, Iran
Another traditional dessert from Iran, bastani sonnati is made of rose water, saffron, vanilla and pistachios, making it both extremely fragrant and intoxicating?
11. Kulfi, India
This milky, cone shaped popsicle from India is denser and creamier than regular ice cream. Usually made with crushed pistachio nuts, kulfi takes a longer time to melt due to its density.
12. Dondurma, Turkey
Getting this next treat is a little like a cat and mouse game. So, be prepared to be mercilessly teased by dondurma vendors! They'll pretend to give you the ice cream cone on a stick, but then they'll take it away by rotating the stick around.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL9xHBkhkXC/
But it's all in good fun and you'll get your yummy cone in the end?
14. Bread Ice Cream, Singapore
Singaporeans grew up hearing the ice cream uncle's motorcycle zooming past their block and the incessant bell ringing that came after. In the sweltering heat of Lion City, this frozen block of deliciousness all wrapped up in a soft slice of bread beats the heat and makes for a pretty filling meal!
15. Foot-long Ice Cream, Taiwan
We're not exaggerating about the height of this next treat. The street vendor will literally give you a foot-long worth of soft serve ice cream, that's probably as tall as you?
16. Sorbetes, Philippines
Not to be confused with sorbet, sorbetes is made from a base of coconut milk and cassava. Meaning "dirty ice cream" in Filipino, this frozen dessert is commonly peddled on street carts, earning its' unfortunate nickname .
17. Paletas, Mexico
Usually milk or cream based, paletas are made with fresh fruits which makes it a healthier but still yummy alternative to ice cream. Salty/spicy flavorings are commonly added so don't be surprised if your tongue starts burning from the hidden spices?
18. Mochi, Japan
These adorable bite sized balls of ice cream are wrapped in sticky, chewy dough to prevent it from melting quickly. You can usually find mochi in flavours like vanilla or green tea. But if you're feeling adventurous, try out novelty flavors like eel, squid ink, jellyfish, and soy sauce the next time you're in Japan?
Now, go out there and treat yourself to your favourite ice cream?