Ice Creams Around the World

Few things in the world can rival the popularity of ice cream. Once a luxury that only the elite could savor, this delightful frozen treat is now accessible to everyone, available in countless flavors and forms. Here’s a rundown of some of the most delicious, unusual, and coolest frozen desserts you can find around the globe.

Did you know that…

Ice cream is believed to have originated in China?

While many nations have claimed to be the creators of this beloved dessert, it’s likely that the first version was concocted in China around 200 BC. Legend has it that Marco Polo brought the idea back to Italy, sparking a love affair with ice cream.

The world’s tallest ice cream cone was crafted in Norway?

Standing at over 3 meters high, this towering strawberry ice cream cone earned a Guinness World Record. The cone itself weighed nearly a ton and had enough ice cream to treat an entire town!

Last year, Americans devoured an average of 18.3 liters of ice cream each?

China may lead the global market for ice cream, but when it comes to the most ice cream consumed per person, the US is still the reigning champion.

The priciest ice cream can be found in Dubai?

Known for its extravagant lifestyle, Dubai boasts an ice cream made from the finest vanilla, saffron, and black truffle. Adorned with 23-carat gold and served in a Versace bowl, just one scoop will set you back a staggering £530!

Traditional ice creams

Gelato, Italy

What sets a traditional Italian gelato apart from its creamier counterparts is its lower milk fat content and unique churning process, resulting in a denser, more flavorful treat.

Kulfi, India

Resembling the UK’s frozen custard, kulfi has roots that trace back to the Mughal Empire, making it a rich part of culinary history.

Clotted cream ice cream, England

Various regions in the UK proudly claim to have the best clotted cream ice cream. With its high fat content and luxurious texture, it’s a decadent dessert that pairs perfectly with a nice cup of tea.

Frozen yoghurt, USA

By choosing regular milk over cream, fro-yo becomes a healthier option that comes in nearly every flavor you can think of.

Helados de paila, Ecuador

This delightful treat has roots that trace back to the Inca era. It’s made by mixing fruit juices, cane sugar, and sometimes milk in a large pan, then stirring it vigorously until it freezes.

Halo-Halo, Philippines

This Filipino ice cream had a close race with ‘the cronut’ for the title of unofficial sweet treat of 2013. It turns out that having beans in dessert isn’t as strange as it sounds!

Ice Cream Breakfast, Sicily

Ever fantasized about having dessert for breakfast? A trip to Sicily might be just what you need! There, you can join the locals in starting the day with a brioche bun stuffed with ice cream. Give it a try when you visit Sicily!

Flavours for the brave

Crocodile egg ice cream, Philippines

An ice cream shop in Davao City has introduced a unique twist by using crocodile eggs instead of regular chicken eggs, and it’s been a surprising hit!

Spaghettieis, Germany

At first glance, you might think you’ve been served a sad pasta dish with old tomato sauce. But don’t be fooled – it’s actually vanilla ice cream squeezed through a rice maker, topped with strawberry sauce.

Fish ice cream, Japan

Known as saury in Japanese, this saltwater fish is soaked in brandy to mask its strong scent. It’s a popular flavor in Japan, so keep an eye out for it in ice cream shops and stores.

Akutaq, Alaska

Instead of cream, this classic local delicacy uses animal fat, with berries mixed in for flavor. Whether enjoyed as a dessert or a meal, it’s definitely a must-try for your bucket list!

Dive into the colorful world of ice creams!

Tiger Tail ice cream, Canada

This unique treat hails from The Great White North. With its sweet orange flavor and delightful chunks of liquorice, it creates a fun stripey effect that’s sure to catch your eye.

Glow in the dark ice cream, Australia

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to enjoy ice cream in the dark? With liquid nitrogen ice cream available in three vibrant fluorescent flavors, you can perfectly match your snack to your outfit at a rave!

Potong, Singapore

Time to mix things up with some carbs in your dairy! This rich dessert is wrapped in multi-colored bread (yes, you read that right!), making it a fantastic way to cool off during a humid city tour.

Brunch, Ireland

This national gem is a bright-pink ice lolly coated in biscuit crumbs. It’s like the sweet version of Marmite – you either adore it or can’t stand it. If you’re in Dublin, you’ve got to give it a try!

Cool and chilly venues

Ca’n Joan de Saigo, Mallorca
If you find yourself in Palma, don’t miss Ca’n Joan de Saigo – an ice cream parlor that’s been a beloved part of the city since the 1700s. It’s a must-visit!

Heladería Coromoto, Venezuela

With a jaw-dropping 860 flavors, this spot has earned its place in The Guinness Book of World Records. It’s a dream come true for ice cream enthusiasts everywhere!

Pet Pavilion, UK

Originally from the US, dog-friendly ice cream is taking the world by storm. This chic London gelateria is the perfect stop for your furry friends to indulge on a sunny day.

It’s-It ice cream treats, San Francisco

Imagine ice cream nestled between oatmeal cookies and dipped in chocolate – that’s the magic of It’s-It, a treat with a 90-year legacy. And if you can’t make it to the Bay Area, don’t worry; you can order their ice cream online!

Foodie flavors

Queso, Philippines

Locally known as a type of sorbetes, this cheese-filled ice cream is sold from vibrant carts lining the city streets. You can enjoy it in a cone, a cup, or even as a sandwich – trust me, this cheddar treat is way tastier than it sounds!

Halva, Israel

This frozen delight is named after the sesame seed that goes into making it, and it’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. Some say it has a flavor reminiscent of a Snickers bar, and you can enjoy it plain or topped with a sprinkle of pistachios.

Faloodeh, Iran

When you think of desserts, noodles probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind. But in Iran, that’s exactly what you’ll find! Semi-frozen with rose water and lime juice, Faloodeh is a delightful way to beat the heat on a sweltering summer day.

Helado de Queso, Mexico

Despite what the name might imply, this dessert doesn’t actually contain any cheese. Made with three different types of milk, it might look like a block of cheese during prep, but the taste is a whole different story!

Patbingsu, Korea

One of Korea’s favorite summer snacks is Patbingsu, which features shaved ice topped with red bean paste. Adorned with colorful fruits and pieces of rice cake, it’s just as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.

For those special occasions

Turron ice cream, Spain
Crafted from ground almonds and honey, Turron is a must-have during any Spanish Christmas feast. It’s so beloved that a Turron-flavored ice cream has made its way into the dessert scene as well!

Cinnamon ice cream, Malta

This sweet treat is a wedding favorite, guaranteed to make the church bells ring and your taste buds dance. If you're curious about its flavor, why not take a trip to Malta and savor it for yourself?

Ice cream cake, Australia

The ultimate birthday treat, this cake is a hit for celebrations and special occasions all across Australia.

Mochi, Japan

These chewy rice cakes are a beloved choice for welcoming the New Year, enjoyed by Japanese communities worldwide.

Fresh and fruity

Es Campur, Indonesia

A vibrant and sweet dessert, packed with various jellies, you can find this delightful dish everywhere from bustling food courts to upscale restaurants.

Açaí na tigela, Brazil

Originating from the Amazon, this nutritious bowl features blended açaí pulp as its star ingredient. It's a popular choice for breakfast or a refreshing post-workout snack.

Paleta, Latin America

With its roots in Mexico, these small ice blocks are bursting with fresh fruit and whole berries. Whether you go for a milk-based or water-based version, you’re in for a treat!

Sweet street food

Dondurma, Turkey

When you think of ice cream, "chewy" and "stretchy" might not come to mind—unless you’re talking about this unique Turkish variety. Street vendors put on quite a show while serving it up!

Check out our hotel deals in Turkey.

Thai Roll ice cream, Thailand

In just a few minutes, a street vendor transforms milk and fresh fruit on a cold surface into a delicious cold paste. Watching the process is just as enjoyable as indulging in the ice cream!

Has our list of mouthwatering treats sparked your cravings? Discover the ice cream that will tantalize your taste buds at your next destination. Click here to choose your perfect holiday.

Photo credits:

Flickr - Mark and Andrea Busse – Halo Halo

Flickr – Artizone – Kulfi, India

Panom – Shutterstock – Dondurma

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did ice cream originally come from?

Ice cream is believed to have originated in China around 200 BC. The idea is said to have travelled to Italy through Marco Polo, where it became popular.

What is the world’s tallest ice cream cone?

The tallest ice cream cone was made in Norway. It stood over 3 metres high and contained enough strawberry ice cream to serve an entire town.

Which country eats the most ice cream per person?

While China leads the global ice cream market, people in the United States consume the most per person, averaging about 18.3 litres each per year.

Why is Dubai known for the world’s most expensive ice cream?

Dubai offers an extravagant ice cream made with premium vanilla, saffron, black truffle and topped with edible gold. A single scoop costs around £530.

What makes Italian gelato different from regular ice cream?

Gelato has less milk fat and is churned more slowly, creating a denser and richer flavour compared to other ice creams.

What is kulfi from India?

Kulfi is a traditional frozen dessert dating back to the Mughal era. It has a custard-like texture and is known for its rich and creamy taste.

What is clotted cream ice cream?

Clotted cream ice cream comes from the UK and is made using high-fat clotted cream. It’s rich, smooth and perfect with a cup of tea.

Is frozen yoghurt healthier than regular ice cream?

Frozen yoghurt uses milk instead of cream, making it a lighter and often healthier choice, with many flavours available.

What is helados de paila from Ecuador?

It’s a traditional dessert made by stirring fruit juice, sugar and sometimes milk in a large pan until it freezes. Its origins date back to the Inca era.

What is Halo-Halo from the Philippines?

Halo-Halo is a colourful dessert made with ice, milk, fruits and sweet beans. It’s a popular summer treat with a unique combination of textures.

Do people in Sicily really eat ice cream for breakfast?

Yes! In Sicily, it’s common to enjoy a brioche bun filled with ice cream as a morning treat.

What is crocodile egg ice cream?

In the Philippines, one shop makes ice cream using crocodile eggs instead of chicken eggs. It has become surprisingly popular.

What is Spaghettieis from Germany?

It’s a playful dessert made by squeezing vanilla ice cream through a press to look like spaghetti, then topping it with strawberry sauce.

Is fish-flavoured ice cream real?

Yes. In Japan, fish ice cream made with a saltwater fish called saury is a known delicacy, often soaked in brandy to reduce its strong scent.

What is Akutaq from Alaska?

Akutaq is a traditional treat made with animal fat instead of cream and mixed with berries. It can be enjoyed as a dessert or a meal.

What is Tiger Tail ice cream?

This Canadian favourite blends orange ice cream with liquorice pieces, creating a colourful stripe effect.

Is glow-in-the-dark ice cream real?

In Australia, liquid nitrogen ice cream is made in fluorescent colours that glow under certain lights, creating a fun nighttime treat.

What is Potong from Singapore?

Potong is a frozen dessert wrapped in colourful bread, offering a unique mix of soft and icy textures.

What is a Brunch ice lolly?

This Irish ice lolly features a pink centre coated in biscuit crumbs. It’s well loved, although opinions can be divided.

Where can you find an ice cream shop with hundreds of flavours?

In Venezuela, one ice cream shop offers around 860 flavours, earning recognition in world records.

What is dog-friendly ice cream?

Dog-friendly ice cream is made with pet-safe ingredients. Some shops in the UK now offer special icy treats for dogs.

What are It’s-It ice cream treats?

These treats from San Francisco feature ice cream between oatmeal cookies, dipped in chocolate—a beloved classic for nearly a century.

What is queso ice cream from the Philippines?

Queso ice cream is a cheese-flavoured dessert sold by street vendors and is often served in a cone, cup or even as a sandwich.

What is halva ice cream from Israel?

It’s made with sesame and has a nutty, sweet flavour. Some people compare it to the taste of a chocolate nougat bar.

What is Faloodeh from Iran?

Faloodeh is a semi-frozen dessert made with thin noodles, rose water and lime juice—perfect for cooling down on hot days.

What is Helado de Queso from Mexico?

Despite its name, this dessert doesn’t contain cheese. It’s made from three types of milk and has a soft, creamy taste.

What is Patbingsu from Korea?

Patbingsu is made with shaved ice, red bean paste, fruits and rice cakes. It’s a refreshing and visually vibrant summer snack.

What is Turron ice cream from Spain?

Turron ice cream is inspired by the traditional festive sweet made from almonds and honey. It’s especially popular during holidays.

Why is cinnamon ice cream special in Malta?

Cinnamon ice cream is often served at weddings in Malta and has become a cherished celebratory treat.

What is mochi ice cream?

Mochi ice cream consists of chewy rice cakes filled with ice cream, traditionally enjoyed during New Year celebrations in Japan.

What is Es Campur from Indonesia?

Es Campur is a colourful dessert made with jellies and sweet ingredients, found everywhere from street stalls to restaurants.

What is Açaí na tigela from Brazil?

It’s a nutritious bowl made from blended açaí berries, often eaten for breakfast or after exercise.

What are paletas?

Paletas are fruit-filled ice lollies from Latin America, available in milk-based or water-based versions.

What is Dondurma from Turkey?

Dondurma is a stretchy and chewy ice cream that street vendors serve with entertaining tricks.

What is Thai rolled ice cream?

This dessert is made by spreading milk and fruit over a freezing metal plate, then rolling it into thin spirals. Watching it being prepared is part of the experience.