What Makes Thai Ice Cream Unique?
The magic of Thai ice cream lies in its incredible flavor profiles. Local artisans draw inspiration from traditional Thai desserts and fruits, creating unique ice cream flavors you won’t find anywhere else. Think mango sticky rice, Thai tea, durian, and passionfruit, all transformed into a scoop of frozen perfection.
Bangkok’s Best Ice Cream Havens
The capital city is a bustling hub of culinary innovation, and its ice cream scene is no exception. Here are the top spots to get your fix in Bangkok.
Rintaro
Originally from Japan, Rintaro has captured the hearts of Bangkok’s ice cream lovers with its commitment to fresh, daily-made gelato. They famously use Thai sugarcane instead of white sugar and offer an array of creative flavors, often changing with the seasons.
- Must-Try Flavors: Camembert & Mixed Nuts, Japanese Sweet Potato, Corn Soup.
- Location: Asoke, Bangkok
Guss Damn Good
With a “feel-good” philosophy, Guss Damn Good creates craft ice cream with stories behind each flavor. Their dense, creamy, and complex creations are for the serious ice cream enthusiast. They have several branches across the city, making it easy to find a scoop of happiness.
- Must-Try Flavors: Don’t Be a B*tch (vanilla with sea salt), Here’s Your Damn Good Chocolate, Bonfire (burnt caramel).
- Location: Multiple branches in Bangkok
Ghignoni Gelato
For an authentic taste of Italian gelato in Thailand, Ghignoni is the place to be. This award-winning gelateria uses traditional Italian techniques and high-quality ingredients to produce silky smooth gelato and refreshing sorbets.
- Must-Try Flavors: Pistachio, Dark Chocolate, Yuzu Sorbet.
- Location: EmQuartier & CentralWorld, Bangkok
More Bangkok Scoops to Savor:
- Natthaporn Ice Cream: An old-school institution famous for its traditional Thai coconut ice cream.
- Creamery Boutique Ice Creams: Known for its sizzling lava cookie ice cream creations.
- Ampersand Gelato: Offers a journey of flavors from around the world in a cup.
Chilling Out in Chiang Mai: Northern Delights
The charming city of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand has a vibrant and growing ice cream culture, with several standout shops offering unique local twists.
Kobs’ Ice Cream
A local legend in Chiang Mai, Kobs’ is known for its incredible variety of homemade ice cream. With dozens of flavors on display, from classic vanilla to exotic fruits, the hardest part is choosing just one. The quality and value here are unbeatable.
- Must-Try Flavors: Thai Tea, Passionfruit, Rum Raisin.
- Location: Old City, Chiang Mai
i-like ice cream
This small, unassuming shop is a hidden gem beloved by locals and expats. They serve homemade ice cream with a focus on natural ingredients and both classic and uniquely Thai flavors. It’s a perfect stop after exploring the nearby temples.
- Must-Try Flavors: Black Sesame, Coconut, Mango.
- Location: Old City, Chiang Mai
Other Must-Visit Shops in Chiang Mai:
- On Cloud Nine: A whimsical café with premium gelato and creative desserts.
- Soft Serve Story: Specializes in rich soft-serve ice cream with various toppings.
Phuket’s Tropical Treats
On the beautiful island of Phuket, you can enjoy delicious ice cream with a side of sea breeze. The island’s parlors offer the perfect respite after a day on the beach.
Thaivetro Ice Cream
Located in Phuket Old Town, Thaivetro stands out with its incredibly creative and beautifully presented ice cream. They are famous for their popsicles shaped like flowers and other intricate designs, as well as their delicious gelato scoops.
- Must-Try Flavors: Butterfly Pea with Lime, Durian, Mango Sticky Rice.
- Location: Phuket Town, Phuket
Fresco Gelato & Ice Cream
Fresco offers a fantastic selection of homemade gelato, sorbets, and ice creams right near the popular Kata Beach. They use fresh, local ingredients to create intense flavors that are perfect for a hot island day.
- Must-Try Flavors: Salted Caramel, Coconut, Watermelon Sorbet.
- Location: Kata Beach, Phuket
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous ice cream flavor in Thailand?
The most iconic and famous ice cream flavor in Thailand is undoubtedly “itim kati,” which is Thai coconut ice cream. It’s traditionally made with coconut cream, making it incredibly rich and fragrant. It is often served in a coconut shell and can be customized with various toppings like roasted peanuts, sweet corn, and sticky rice, offering a quintessential Thai dessert experience.
Can I find vegan or dairy-free ice cream in Thailand?
Yes, finding vegan and dairy-free options is becoming increasingly easy in Thailand, especially in major cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Many parlors offer fruit-based sorbets which are naturally dairy-free. Furthermore, traditional Thai coconut ice cream is often made with coconut milk instead of cow’s milk. Many modern artisanal shops also specifically label their vegan-friendly flavors.
Is ice cream expensive in Thailand?
The price of ice cream in Thailand varies widely. A scoop from a street vendor or a simple local shop can be very affordable, often costing around 30-50 Thai Baht. However, at premium artisanal gelato shops and high-end parlors, especially in tourist areas, you can expect to pay more, typically between 80-150 Thai Baht per scoop, which is comparable to prices in Western countries.
Are there any unique toppings for ice cream in Thailand?
Absolutely! Thailand offers a range of unique toppings that you might not find elsewhere. Besides roasted peanuts, popular local toppings for coconut ice cream include sweetened sticky rice, palm seeds (look chit), sweet corn, nata de coco (coconut jelly), and shredded pumpkin. These toppings add a wonderful texture and a distinctly local flavor to the dessert.
What is “ice cream buffet” in Thailand?
An ice cream buffet is a concept offered by some parlors and restaurants where customers pay a fixed price for all-you-can-eat ice cream for a certain period. This often includes a wide variety of flavors and a large selection of toppings, sauces, and other desserts. It’s a popular choice for groups and anyone looking to indulge their sweet tooth to the fullest.
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References
- Rintaro Gelato: https://www.instagram.com/rintaro.gelato/
- Guss Damn Good: https://www.gussdamngood.com/
- Ghignoni Gelato Thailand: https://www.facebook.com/GhignoniThailand/
- Kobs’ Ice Cream: https://www.facebook.com/kobicecream/
- Thaivetro Ice Cream: https://www.facebook.com/thaivetro/
