From Japanese Mochi to British clotted cream: the world's favourite ice creams

Recipes


From Japanese Mochi to British clotted cream: the world's favourite ice creams

By Harriet Hall

9 years ago

When it comes to summer, even if the rain is drizzling and the clouds are here to stay, there’s simply no better food than ice cream. The jingle of the ice cream van incites so much joy in children and adults alike, that we simply can’t resist regressing to childhood and getting as many scoops as will fit into a cone.

But did you ever think that, perhaps, your favourite ice cream might translate completely differently elsewhere? That the Japanese or the Mexicans have a different idea of what makes the best frozen treat?

Well, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts have created an infographic to reveal just that.

The infographic explores some of the most famous and favourite ice creams from around the world, from India’s Julfi to Turkey’s Dondurma and, of course, Italy’s Gelato.

Each beautifully illustrated image tells the story of the history of each recipe, and what makes them unique.

So if you’d like to know the story behind your scoop of glory, look no further.


The Germans love Spaghetti-eis - a dish that tricks you into thinking you're getting a spag bol, but is actually ice cream that has been pushed through a potato press. While the classic vanilla/strawberry combo is the most popular, you can opt for other options that resemble other pasta dishes. Ice cream Carbonara, anyone?


In India, Kulfi is the ice cream of choice. A popular street food, Kulfi is made from milk that has been simmered for hours and is then flavoured with pistachios, saffron or cardamon. Apparently the consistency is something akin to frozen custard.


You've only got to head to head to Itsu or Snog to see how popular frozen yoghurt has become. But, it turns out, when it was first launched (as Froghurt) in the US in the 1970s, it was a flop. Relaunching in the 1980s when the aerobics trend was in full swing, 'Fro-Yo' finally had it's time and is now wildly popular. 


If you've ever been to Italy, chances are you've had a taste of their world-famous gelato. The creamiest ice cream you'll ever taste, Italian schoops are served at a lower temperature to prevent that dastardly brain freeze. 


Japanese Mochi (sticky rice cakes) are a favourite here in the West - but we've only been given a slither of the wide range of foods the country offers. Case in point: mochi ice cream. Just like the normal, squishy treats you can hold in your hand, but with an ice cream centre instead of the usual bean. We've booked our flights to Japan just to get our hands on one...


If you head down to Cornwall this summer, chances are you'll be tucking in to some oh so silky clotted cream ice cream. Afternoon tea with scones and strawberries simply isn't complete without it. The recipe is so key to our British summers, that it's even been protected. 


In Malaysia and Singapore, Ais Kacang is the star of the show. Translating literally to 'ice beans', the dish is made of shaved ice and cooked red beans, then topped with creamed sweet corn, Durian fruit or nuts. 


When it comes to the hot hot heat of Mexico, only an ice lolly will quench you. Made with fresh fruit, Paletas can either be juice or milk based. These treats are so ingrained in Mexican culture that there's even a statue of one in the city of Tocumbo. Now that's dedication.


Don't be fooled, this is no sorbet, it's sorbetes. Sold by street vendors and provided in a wafer cone or bun, sorbetes is made from caracao or coconut milk. The most popular flavour is cheese (we know), and vendors often mix it with salt to slow down the melt. 


The Turks are all about Dondurma, a chewy ice cream made from sweetened goat's milk, that must be eaten with a knife and fork. it also contains wild orchid bulbs, so it's like nothing you've ever tasted, and a real must for any Turkish visitors. 


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