It’s undeniable that the sun and summer are synonymous with ice cream. When the heat hits, so does the craving for cold and delicious treats to cool us down. That’s why, for National Ice Cream Month, Expat Explore has rounded up the top spots around the globe for your fill of ice cream! From creamy gelato in Italy to stretchy dondurma in Turkey, grab a spoon and let’s dive into this summer sensation.
Are you ready for a mouthwatering adventure? Let’s embark on a delightfully delicious journey around the globe to try some ice cream and its interesting pairings!
Related: Speaking of sweet pairings, try these international chocolate cake recipes!
Take a look at the best travel destinations for ice cream lovers:
Gelato Galore in Italy
Our fantastic frozen adventure kicks off in one of the most iconic ice cream spots in the world! None other than the gelato capital itself – Italy! As expected, visitors will find many streets of Venice, Rome and Florence lined with gelato shops stocking tempting flavours such as stracciatella, pistachio and tiramisu. You’d regret not stopping for a scoop or two of heavenly gelato from as many Italian gelaterias as your stomach can handle!
Related: Check out some more tasty tips for travelling through Italy.
Dondurma Delights in Turkey
The next stop on our frozen journey is the vibrant Turkey, known for its rich culture and history but also, prepare to be amazed by the iconic Turkish dondurma! Not only is this Turkish summer staple delicious, but it’s also quite the show to witness. The skilled dondurma vendors quite impressively rangle this stretchy sweet treat. And don’t be shocked if you enter a game of tease while trying to grab your cone! This truly is an unmissable ice cream experience that’ll put a pleasant twist on your summer.
Just a little way across the Aegean Sea in Greece, you can find a similar special icy delight. While ice cream has existed in Greece for centuries (apparently snow with honey and nectar was a favourite of Alexander the Great), modern versions have been heavily influenced by Turkish dondurma. Pagoto Kaimaki is the most unique flavour as it is made out of mastic resin, to give it a chewy texture, and Salepi to prevent melting. On a sunny day on the Greek Islands, this is the perfect way to cool down!
Related: Experience all the highlights of Turkey when you tour with Expat Explore!
Mochi Muchness in Japan
Our frozen fantasy continues in Japan! Dessert lovers will be delighted to try this Japanese equivalent of their favourite frozen treat. Mochi, a Japanese staple made from short-grain glutinous rice called mochigome, is not quite ice cream but it’s close enough for frozen fans to find enjoyment in it. Although, if you’ve still got your sights set on ice cream, many variations of mochi also exist where ice cream is placed at the centre for a delicious Asian-American fusion. Either way, your trip to Japan should definitely include a sweet bite!
Related: While you’ve got an appetite for Japan, try these Japanese foods!
Have a Halva in the Middle East
Are you ready for our next stop on the treat train? Enter the Middle East’s take on frozen goodness – sweet, candy-like halva ice cream! Made from mashed sesame seeds to form a paste, halva is used in many Middle Eastern dishes, including this delicious summer staple. If you ever find yourself exploring on a hot day, make sure to join the locals in enjoying a halva ice cream to cool off!
Sundae Funday in the United States
Have room for more? Good, because it’s time for our next stop – the USA. Now, if you’ve seen any American film depicting summertime, you’ll know that soft serve is a favourite. Whether it’s in a cone, a cup, a cake or a decadent sundae, the Americans sure love this soft and sweet treat! Visiting New York City? Try a towering sundae at one of the many iconic parlours. Stopping in San Francisco? Treat yourself to their classic ice cream sandwiches. One thing’s for sure, when you visit the United States, you can have your ice cream and eat it too – any which way you want!
Related: Try these American meals before you dig into dessert.
Helado Helpings in Argentina
Heading a short way down to South America, our sweet tram stops in Argentina for some helado. In Argentina, especially the enchanting streets of Buenos Aires, helado has a special place in the hearts of locals. This custom creation, somewhere between ice cream and gelato, is soft and silky and packed with flavour! Be sure to treat your taste buds to this one-of-a-kind delight when you visit Argentina.
Related: Explore more of South America with Expat Explore!
Creative Combinations in Thailand
Our decadent adventure continues in Thailand – home of delicious and unique street food packed with flavour. So it should come as no surprise that the street vendors at bustling Bangkok markets are also known for their innovative creations. Try coconut ice cream served in a fresh coconut or choose adventure in the unique and infamous durian flavour. Thailand is even right on trend with many rolled ice cream stands that offer expertly crafted ice cream rolls finished with your choice of toppings.
Cool Kulfi in India
Our tasty tour ends off in India for a unique twist on the classic! Kulfi is a mix of sugar, condensed milk, and exotic flavours like cardamom or saffron that forms a dense frozen dessert similar in texture to custard. Be sure to give it a try in India’s street markets when you visit!
And just like that – from the charming gelaterias of Italy to the moreish sundaes in the States, our tasty journey has taken us to some of the sweetest spots around the world! What better excuse than National Ice Cream Month to treat yourself and give into those ice cream cravings while you travel?
Now that you’ve gotten a taste of the delicious ice creams the world has to offer, you can set out to try them all when you tour with Expat Explore!