Buzz
Japan is renowned for its diverse and world-class cuisine, but few know that the country is also home to dozens of unconventional dishes that not every diner dares to try. Below, we introduce you to 7 delicious yet extraordinary ice creams made entirely from raw ingredients.
Unique Fresh Ice Cream Creations
Thanks to its abundant seafood resources, the Japanese have crafted hundreds of unique and fresh dishes. While sushi, sashimi, Udon noodles, and Takoyaki have long captivated tourists, these ice cream flavors are sure to leave you spellbound.
1. Crab Ice Cream
Are you accustomed to strawberry, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, or taro flavors from fast-food ice creams? Would you ever imagine trying seafood-flavored ice cream while traveling in Japan? Hesitant to give it a go? My sincere advice is to grab a cup of crab ice cream and savor it without hesitation.
I guarantee you won’t find this unique ice cream anywhere else during your international travels. This refreshing treat is crafted by a company using fresh crab from Hokkaido, aiming to deliver the rich, briny essence of the ocean to its customers. It’s hailed as the perfect dessert after indulging in Hokkaido’s seafood delicacies.
2. Eel Ice Cream
Eel is a prized delicacy in Japan, cherished by locals. When eel ice cream was introduced, it quickly became a favorite among both residents and tourists. You can find this unique treat at convenience stores across Japan and enjoy it in a park filled with blooming cherry trees. It’s an unforgettable experience for any traveler.
3. Fish Ice Cream
If you’ve ever tried sushi or other Japanese raw dishes, don’t hesitate to indulge in this one-of-a-kind creation. This ice cream captures the distinct flavor of mackerel, a fish celebrated in Japan. Its creamy, refreshing taste, combined with the salty, briny notes of the fish, might seem unusual at first, but once you try it, you’ll be hooked on its unique charm.
4. Shrimp Ice Cream
With crab, fish, and eel ice cream already on the list, shrimp ice cream is a must-try. When you travel to Japan, make sure to sample this delicacy, as shrimp is a highly favored seafood in the country.
5. Snake Ice Cream
Domestic travel surely can’t offer such unique experiences, right? Once you try this, it’s unforgettable. The snake is meticulously processed to remove all toxins and aged for months before being transformed into ice cream. Fun fact: this ice cream is packed with nutrients, so go ahead and enjoy it with confidence.
6. Beef Tongue Ice Cream
This ice cream originates from Miyagi District (Hokkaido) and is made from finely chopped beef tongue blended with sour cream. Many have praised its surprisingly pleasant flavor.
7. Chicken Wing Ice Cream
Nagoya is famous not only for its specialties like Kishimen, Ogura, and Miso Katsu but also for its delicious Nagoya Kochin chicken. This chilled chicken wing ice cream captures the rich, crispy aroma of fried Kochin chicken wings.
