Ground Meat Ice Cream
Minced pork ice cream is a type of ice cream served at Snow King Ice Cream, a long-established ice cream shop in Taipei, Taiwan. It is characterized by a unique flavor that combines sweet ice cream with stir-fried minced pork, resulting in a taste where sweetness and saltiness coexist. This flavor is considered one of the innovative attempts reflecting Taiwanese food culture and preferences, and among the shop’s unique lineup, it is particularly known as an unusual option.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- 130 New Taiwan Dollar
- Meal Date
- 5/5/2023
- Food Travel Log
- The reason behind the birth of strange gourmet dishes: Seeking quirky ice cream in Taiwan led me to "Xue Wang Ice Cream." Faced with an array of mysterious flavors, I dared to try minced meat ice cream. The quality ice cream mixed with the chewy and salty minced meat created a mystical sweet-salty balance. It turns out these unusual flavors were developed so people with diabetes could still enjoy ice cream—how thoughtful!
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview of Minced Pork Ice Cream
Minced pork ice cream is a uniquely innovative ice cream offered at "Snow King Ice Cream" (雪王冰淇淋) located in Taipei, Taiwan. This product combines traditional sweet ice cream with savory minced pork (ground pork stir-fried with seasonings), resulting in a sweet-and-salty flavor profile. Established in 1965, Snow King Ice Cream is a long-standing ice cream parlor known for its diverse menu offering both traditional flavors made with seasonal fruits and globally rare, creative flavors. Among these, minced pork ice cream stands out as one of the most adventurous offerings.
Origin and Development Background
The birth of minced pork ice cream is deeply rooted in health considerations. It was developed to allow people with diabetes or those who must restrict sweet foods to enjoy ice cream. Taiwanese cuisine often features dishes in which meat, seafood, and vegetables are prepared with a sweet and savory balance, establishing a culture of flavor fusion. Within this context, the idea of using minced pork—typically not found in desserts—in ice cream reflects the flexibility and creativity of Taiwanese food culture. Additionally, minced pork is a staple in home cooking in Taiwan, commonly used in dishes such as "lu rou fan" (braised pork rice). By adding salty and umami flavors to a cold dessert, the ice cream achieves a multidimensional taste that goes beyond mere sweetness.
Unique Menu at "Snow King Ice Cream"
A key feature of Snow King Ice Cream is its selection of over 70 flavors, utilizing ingredients from every category such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, Chinese medicinal ingredients, and alcoholic beverages. In terms of meats, offerings include not only minced pork ice cream but also chicken, ham, and fish ice creams. Other unique flavors—such as bitter melon, green onion, whiskey, and beer—stand out as rarely seen in Japan. The use of unique Taiwanese ingredients, traditional items from the Chinese-speaking world, and global alcohols demonstrates both an experimental spirit and respect for tradition.
Culinary Culture and the Significance of Minced Pork Ice Cream
Taiwanese food culture has developed by valuing the balance between sweetness, saltiness, and umami. At the dining table, new taste experiences often arise from unexpected combinations. Minced pork ice cream symbolizes this open-minded approach to food in Taiwan, challenging the conventional idea that "desserts must be sweet." Moreover, its consideration for allowing those with dietary restrictions to enjoy ice cream alongside others reflects the spirit of thoughtfulness in Taiwanese society. Blending Western-style ice cream with a savory Chinese dish, this product exemplifies a facet of Taiwan's modern, globalized culinary culture.