The Coolest Ice Cream Styles From Around The World

From Italy’s creamy gelato to Iran’s refreshing faloodeh, ice cream takes many delicious forms across the globe. In this article, we will share with you some of the world’s most loved ice cream styles.

Who doesn’t love ice cream? Ice cream is the world’s favourite dessert, and we all know there’s something irresistible about a frozen blend of cream, milk, and sugar.

But not all ice-creams are created equal. Some are completely different from what you’re used to. Across different cultures, the world’s favourite dessert has taken on fascinating textures, techniques, and flavours.

From the stretchy, chewy Dondurma of Turkey to the refreshing, fruit-packed Paletas of Mexico, the world of ice cream is as diverse as the people who enjoy it.

Read along to discover some of the most iconic ice cream styles from around the world and let us know which ones you’ve tried.

Rolled Ice Cream – Thailand

Known as I Tim Pad, this visually stunning treat originates from Thailand. Made by pouring a sweetened ice cream base onto a freezing cold metal plate, it’s then chopped, mixed with syrup or fruit, and scraped into delicate rolls. Often topped with fruit, biscuits, or chocolate, it’s as much fun to watch being made as it is to eat!

Ais Kacang – Malaysia & Singapore

Ais kacang, also known as ABC (Air Batu Campur), is a vibrant shaved ice dessert popular in Malaysia and Singapore. Traditionally made with red beans and palm sugar syrup, modern versions include toppings like jelly, sweet corn, peanuts, and even durian for an extra tropical twist.

Gelato – Italy

Arguably one of the most famous frozen treats, Italian gelato is known for its ultra-creamy texture and intense flavours. Unlike traditional ice cream, gelato has a lower fat content and is churned at a slower speed, resulting in a denser and smoother consistency. This delightful dessert has been around since at least the 16th century and continues to be a favourite worldwide.

Tuy Palov (Ice Cream Pilaf) – Uzbekistan

An unusual but intriguing dessert, Tuy Palov is an ice cream dish inspired by Uzbekistan’s national dish, plov (pilaf). It incorporates flavours of nuts, dried fruits, and even a hint of spice, offering a unique fusion of sweet and savoury.

Faloodeh – Iran/Persia

Considered to be one of the oldest frozen desserts in the world, faloodeh dates back to ancient Persia. Unlike traditional ice cream, it consists of thin rice noodles soaked in a sweet, semi-frozen syrup flavoured with rose water and lime juice. The result is an incredibly refreshing, aromatic dessert, often served with pistachios or sour cherry syrup.

👉🏽 Click on the following link to learn more about the oldest recorded Ice cream Desserts – Which Country Invented Ice Cream?

Akutaq – Alaska (Indigenous Inuit & Yupik Communities)

Also known as “Eskimo Ice Cream,” akutaq is a traditional Alaskan treat made by whipping animal fat (such as seal or reindeer fat) with berries, sugar, and sometimes fish. It’s not your typical creamy dessert, but it has been an essential energy-rich food for Indigenous communities for generations.

Dondurma – Turkey

Turkish ice cream is like no other. Made with goat’s milk, mastic resin, and salep (a flour derived from orchid tubers), dondurma has a uniquely chewy and elastic texture. Vendors are famous for their playful serving style, using long-handled paddles to stretch and twirl the ice cream before finally handing it over to amused customers.

Frozen Yoghurt – United States

Commonly known as “froyo,” this tangy, lighter alternative to traditional ice cream became hugely popular in the US. Its lower fat content and probiotic benefits make it a go-to for those looking for a slightly healthier frozen treat.

Jipangyi – South Korea

Jipangyi is all about the cone! This South Korean street snack consists of long, J-shaped, crispy corn cones filled with soft-serve ice cream. The unusual shape not only looks fun but also helps prevent drips – a practical and tasty solution!

99 Flake – United Kingdom

A true British classic, the 99 Flake consists of soft-serve vanilla ice cream in a cone with a Cadbury Flake chocolate bar nestled into the side. Though its origins are debated, Cadbury started making the Flake in the 1920s, and the 99 quickly became a staple of ice cream vans across the UK.

Kulfi – India

Rich, dense, and intensely flavoured, kulfi is India’s answer to ice cream. Made by slowly simmering milk until thick and caramelised, it is then frozen in moulds, creating a firmer texture compared to Western ice creams. Popular flavours include cardamom, saffron, pistachio, and mango.

Dulce de Leche Helado – Argentina

In Argentina, ice cream is taken very seriously, and one of the most iconic flavours is dulce de leche helado. Made with the country’s beloved caramelised milk spread, this ice cream is rich, decadent, and deeply intertwined with Argentinian food culture.

Mochi Ice Cream – Japan

Bite-sized dessert that combines soft, chewy mochi (glutinous rice dough) with a cool, creamy ice cream centre. Available in flavours such as green tea, strawberry, and red bean, mochi ice cream offers a perfect balance of texture and taste.

Soft Serve Variations – New Zealand (Hokey Pokey Ice Cream)

While soft-serve is common worldwide, New Zealand has its own unique take on ice cream with Hokey Pokey. This flavour consists of creamy vanilla ice cream mixed with crunchy, honeycomb toffee bits, making it a national favourite.

Paletas – Mexico

Paletas are Mexico’s take on frozen treats, offering a refreshing burst of natural fruit flavours. These handmade popsicles come in two main varieties: water-based (fruitier and lighter) and milk-based (creamier and richer). They’re such an essential part of Mexican culture that a giant paleta statue stands in the town of Tocumbo!

Snow Cream – China & Various Asian Countries

Snow cream, also known as shaved ice cream, is a light and airy frozen dessert made by shaving ultra-thin layers of ice cream into fluffy ribbons. It’s especially popular in Taiwan, where it’s called “xue hua bing” (雪花冰) and often topped with fresh fruit, boba, or condensed milk.

Frozen Custard – United States

Frozen custard is like ice cream but richer and silkier, thanks to the addition of egg yolks. First created in Coney Island in 1919, this treat quickly spread across the US, especially in the Midwest, where it remains a beloved classic.

Sorbetes – Philippines

Despite its name, sorbetes is not sorbet but rather a traditional Filipino ice cream sold by street vendors. Often served in sugar cones, wafers, or even bread buns, its flavours range from mango and ube (purple yam) to cheese – a surprisingly delicious combination!

Owowcow – Ghana

A lesser-known but beloved street treat, Owowcow is a locally made ice cream in Ghana, often incorporating rich chocolate and tropical fruits like coconut, banana, and mango. It’s a hidden gem of West African desserts.

Spaghettieis – Germany

Easily mistaken for a plate of pasta, but Spaghettieis is pure ice cream genius. Created in Germany, this dessert features vanilla ice cream pushed through a press to resemble spaghetti, topped with strawberry sauce (acting as ‘tomato sauce’) and white chocolate shavings (mimicking parmesan). It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy ice cream.

The Final Scoop – Ice Cream, in All Its Glorious Forms!

Ice cream isn’t just a dessert – it’s a global obsession and as we’ve seen, it takes on different textures, shapes, ingredients, and traditions in every corner of the world.

Whether you love the rich, creamy indulgence of gelato, the chewy deliciousness of dondurma, or the refreshing simplicity of paletas, there’s an ice cream style out there for everyone.

👉🏽 Which of these styles would you most like to try? 👉🏽 What’s the most unusual or exciting ice cream you’ve ever tried? 👉🏽 Have we missed any ice cream styles that you’d like to see featured? Let us know in the comments below.

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – The Coolest Ice Cream Styles From Around The World – learning about the many styles of ice cream available globally. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below and we will be happy to get back to you.

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