Dying in the summer heat? Stay cool with these desserts from around Asia.
(Ron Diggity / Creative Commons)
1. Halo-halo
Translated as “mix-mix,” this Filipino dessert is a collection of sweets. Chunks of beans, fruits, jellies and rice crispies (pinipig) are mixed with shaved ice and milk. On top, you will often find ube (purple yam) ice cream, although no one will stop you from using your favorite flavors instead.
(Screenshot from Rahshri Food)
2. Kulfi
It may look like an ice cream bar, but don’t be mistaken – this frozen Indian dessert is much denser and creamier than its American companion. Since it’s not whipped, it lasts longer too! While your friends are struggling to finish their popsicles fast, you can relax on your kulfi all day.
(Screenshot from RunAwayRice)
3. Chè Ba Màu
“The three color dessert” is a popular drink in Vietnam, especially for hot summer days. The vibrant colors are made with a mix of beans and jellies, all covered in sweetened coconut milk.
4. Bubble Tea
Cheap and easily made and already familiar to Americans, bubble tea (or simply boba) is an easy fix for the heat of summer. These ice-blended drinks are readily available in all kinds of flavors. Whether you’re looking for the fruity variety or the milky kind, you are bound to find the flavor you were craving.
(Gunawan Kartapranata / Creative Commons)
5. Es Cendol
This sweet drink from Indonesia, which gets its vibrant green from the pandan leaf, is made with sweetened coconut milk, shaved ice, palm sugar, and a mix of beans and jellies.
6. Kuzumochi
This Japanese dessert consists of mochi cakes made with kuzuko. It is served chilled and topped with kuromitsu and kinako, making it perfect for summer time.
(Debbie Tingzon / Creative Commons)
7. Bingsu/Baobing
Bingsu is the Korean version of China’s baobing, and both are popular not just in those countries but all across Asia. Both are made with ice shavings and various ingredients like condensed milk and syrups. It can be topped with fruits, nuts, ice cream, chocolate, and jellies – really, anything your sweet tooth desires!
(Screenshot from RinS CookBook)
8. Tub Tim Krob
This Thai dessert is made with water chestnuts dipped in cassava flour. The chestnuts are then severed in a chilled coconut milk and lightly salted.
Leave us comments on your summer favorites!
