1. Ais Kacang, Malaysia
This iconic ice cream from Malaysia is a beloved treat, especially due to the hot climate. Known as Ais Kacang, it is essentially shaved ice topped with a variety of ingredients like jelly, corn, condensed milk, and most notably, brightly colored sweet syrups. The vivid colors of the syrups make it a visually appealing way to beat the heat.
Similar to the shaved ice desserts from childhood in Vietnam, the unique twist in Ais Kacang is the assortment of toppings, where you can mix and match different syrups and add as many toppings as you like, from dried fruits to cookies. It’s a fun, customizable treat that's easy to make at home, especially since the key ingredients are shaved ice and syrup – perfect for those scorching summer days.


2. Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, Vermont
Ben & Jerry's is an iconic ice cream brand famous for its unique flavors, available in supermarkets across the United States. Originating from Vermont, this ice cream is sold in convenient tubs, making it a beloved treat. The reason for its popularity in the U.S. is the delightful sweetness and the wide range of flavors. Plus, it comes in a hygienic and easy-to-handle paper tub, which makes it even more convenient for consumers.
The factory where Ben & Jerry's is made, along with other varieties like Cherry Garcia and Chuck Hubby, is located near Burlington. Visitors can tour the factory and enjoy freshly packed ice cream, preserving the full, original taste. There's no doubt that the freshly made ice cream tastes better than one that has gone through the shipping process, right?


3. Milk-Covered Ice Cream, Cornwall, England
Milk ice cream is a famous treat from Cornwall, England. Made with fresh milk, it is gently steamed and cooled until a thick, creamy layer forms on top. The result is a soft, melt-in-your-mouth ice cream with a sweet, rich flavor.
This ice cream is made by heating the milk and then cooling it in a shallow pan. As it cools, a creamy layer rises to the surface, creating the distinctive texture that gives the treat its name. The creaminess and texture are what make this ice cream so unique and beloved.
Often enjoyed with a crunchy cone, this ice cream is served with a scoop on top, drizzled with sweetened condensed milk, chocolate, or fruit. Alternatively, it can be placed between two crunchy wafers and drizzled with chocolate for a delicious, portable treat. When paired with fresh fruits that are both sweet and tart, the combination of flavors creates a refreshing contrast, especially perfect for a summer day.


4. Halva Ice Cream, Israel
If you ever visit Israel, make sure to try this unique ice cream. It's made from crushed sesame seeds and honey, creating a flavor you won't find anywhere else. In Tel Aviv, this treat is extremely popular and a favorite among tourists.
Halva ice cream is crafted from a special ingredient – sunflower seed candy. After roasting, the seeds are mixed with sugar, honey, coffee, and finely ground sesame seeds, creating a sweet, rich ice cream. The combination of these ingredients results in a delightful sweetness that melts in your mouth, leaving you wanting more.
Additionally, small sunflower seeds hidden within the creamy ice cream offer a fun texture and enhance the experience with each bite. This delicate flavor profile is likely what has made Halva ice cream addictive to visitors from all over the world. There's truly no better way to cool down on a hot day than with a scoop of this amazing ice cream.


5. Dondurma Ice Cream, Turkey
The Turkish take great pride in their rich and diverse culinary heritage. Turkish cuisine is famous for its ancient origins, with many of its iconic dishes rooted in centuries of tradition. Dondurma, often known as 'ice cream with a twist,' is one of the most beloved desserts of the country.
What started as a simple snow-cone-like treat, over time, evolved into a rich variety of flavors and enticing desserts. The defining feature of Dondurma is its uniquely chewy, elastic texture. When frozen, this ice cream becomes so firm that it can't be scooped and must be sliced with a sharp knife. It is also so cold that, in some cases, you might need a fork or knife to enjoy it.
The act of cutting the ice cream into small pieces is part of the experience, giving it a playful and unique character. Unlike other creamy ice creams like Italy's Gelato, Dondurma's chewy, non-melting texture makes it stand out. Its sweet, mild flavor and refreshing consistency have made it a favorite for many visitors to Turkey, captivating the hearts of travelers from all over the world.


6. Kulfi Ice Cream, India
Kulfi Ice Cream, or Quilfi, is a traditional Indian dessert dating back to the 16th century. Similar to American ice cream, it is made from frozen milk, but it is prepared in a way that prevents excess air from entering the ice cream. This results in a denser, richer flavor and a more solid texture, reminiscent of Italy's gelato.
The ice cream is infused with saffron, whipped until soft peaks form, and flavored with condensed milk. Kulfi can be prepared with various spices, and versions often include cardamom and delicate rosewater. Crushed pistachios are added for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Other variations may use almond flour or pureed mango to create different versions of this iconic treat.
This dessert is traditionally frozen in molds or paper cups, with wooden sticks inserted. Popular among India's youth for its simplicity and affordability, Kulfi has become a beloved treat in Indian restaurants across Vietnam as well.


7. Spaghetti Ice Cream, Germany


8. Gelato, Italy
Gelato is an Italian culinary treasure, often considered a passion and inspiration for the Italian way of life. This ice cream comes in various flavors and boasts a smooth, creamy texture that's unique to gelato. Unlike other ice creams, Gelato contains no preservatives, making it fresh and quick to melt. As you taste it, you'll feel it melt instantly in your mouth, leaving behind a rich, creamy, and refreshing aftertaste.
Originating from Italy, Gelato is a beloved frozen dessert made primarily with 3.25% milk and sugar. It typically has less fat and air compared to other frozen treats, giving it a denser, more flavorful experience.
Considered one of the best ice creams in the world, Gelato's special recipe uses more milk and eggs than regular ice cream, resulting in a velvety texture that is rich yet not overpowering. With an array of delicious flavors, it's a treat that never gets old.


9. Mochi Ice Cream, Japan
Mochi, a traditional Japanese rice cake, is a favorite treat in Japan. The Japanese have taken this beloved cake and combined it with ice cream to create the unique mochi ice cream. The traditional mochi filling is replaced with various ice cream flavors.
When you bite into mochi ice cream, the first thing you'll notice is the soft, chewy outer layer made from rice flour, followed by a smooth, sweet ice cream center. These treats are typically round, small, and wrapped in the chewy mochi layer, with cornstarch coating to prevent sticking. The most popular flavors include green tea, vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and red bean.
Today, this dessert can be found in nearly every supermarket and convenience store in Vietnam, offering a budget-friendly option with its chewy texture and creamy, refreshing filling. Loved by both young people and adults alike, it's a treat that's hard to resist.


10. Helado Ice Cream, Argentina
Helado is just as delicious as Italy's Gelato, with its rich and creamy texture. This Argentine ice cream is famous for its sweet, intense flavors. While there are many varieties, the most popular choice remains 'dulce de leche', a sweet caramel flavor.
With its indulgent, creamy taste and diverse flavor options, Helado is a must-try. The 'dulce de leche' flavor stands out as the top favorite. This ice cream is known as one of the best in the world, and it's not to be missed.
What makes Helado special is that all its flavors are made from fresh, high-quality ingredients without the use of preservatives, artificial colors, or flavorings. To ensure top-notch quality, Helado is made in limited batches each day to maintain its freshness and avoid any artificial additives.
If you're a fan of fresh ice cream, Helado offers an array of tempting flavors. You can enjoy traditional options like vanilla, coconut, chocolate, and green tea, or try more unique flavors such as coffee, red bean, lime butter, mango, and jackfruit.

