Mint Ice Cream
Mint ice cream is a type of ice cream characterized by its refreshing mint aroma and light taste. It is one of the frozen desserts enjoyed around the world, and in recent years, it has increasingly been served as rolled ice cream, especially in Hanoi, Vietnam. In the local area, alongside traditional ice cream culture, various visually appealing and convenient versions are popular at street stalls and cafes, attracting both tourists and young people.
- Taste Rating
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- Price
- ? Dong
- Meal Date
- 7/17/2022
- Food Travel Log
- Like a craftsman!
In Vietnam, it’s not uncommon to see children working. They chat while cooking and even use smartphones, and I love this homey atmosphere.
The ice cream looked stylish but tasted like ordinary mint ice cream! They tried to film me with a GoPro at the end but messed up, haha. As someone who loves kids, this was such a happy experience.
AI Gourmet Analysis
Mint Ice Cream (An Example of Rolled Ice Cream in Hanoi, Vietnam)
Mint ice cream is a dessert that has long been enjoyed in many countries, characterized especially by its refreshing and cooling flavor. In Hanoi, Vietnam, ice cream culture has been influenced by Western and Southeast Asian countries, and in recent years, the form known as rolled ice cream has spread, especially in street markets and areas popular with tourists. As seen in this photo, rolled mint ice cream adopts the technique of rolled ice cream, which originated in Thailand, by spreading a liquid ice cream base thinly on a specially cooled plate, freezing it instantly, and then rolling it up with a spatula.
Overview and History
Mint ice cream itself became popular in the 19th century as a type of frozen dessert in the United Kingdom and the United States, with well-known varieties such as "mint ice cream" and "mint chocolate chip ice cream," which combine the refreshing flavor of mint with the richness of dairy fat. In Asia, including Hanoi, imported dairy products and herbs have been incorporated into local food culture, leading to unique developments. Especially since the 2010s, "rolled ice cream" that can be easily enjoyed at street stalls, cafes, and as street food has rapidly spread and become a popular item in tourist areas.
Preparation Method and Features of Rolled Ice Cream
Rolled ice cream (English: Rolled Ice Cream, Thai: ไอศกรีมผัด) is made by pouring a milk-based or flavored liquid onto a chilled metal plate, spreading it thinly with a spatula, and solidifying the base by mixing and freezing it at below -20°C. The thinly spread ice cream is then scraped and rolled up with a spatula to form a rolled shape. The process of preparing it on a cooling plate itself has gained popularity as a performance, and its live preparation in front of customers as well as its Instagram-worthy appearance are reasons for its support.
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Milk or coconut milk, sugar, cream, mint extract, etc. |
| Processing Method | Freezing, shaping, and serving in cups on a cooling plate |
| Shape | Rolled (spiral shape) |
| Regional Characteristics | Throughout Southeast Asia (has recently spread worldwide) |
| Additional Elements | Toppings such as fruits, chocolate, jam, sauces, etc. |
Rolled Ice Cream and Street Culture in Hanoi
In the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, rolled ice cream like this has recently been gaining popularity alongside traditional frozen desserts such as "kem." It is popular among local youth and tourists for its easy availability at night markets and open-air marketplaces, with photogenic containers and cute character cups also attracting attention on social media. Another feature is that young people and children can often be seen participating in the preparation at the stalls, representing a part of Vietnam's family-run businesses and community-centered enterprises. Rather than being just a cold dessert, it has built a unique culture as an "experiential street food" that includes not only the dessert itself but also the preparation process and communication.
International Spread and Contemporary Significance
Rolled ice cream spread from Thailand to the United States, Europe, China, and Japan during the 2010s, and has established itself worldwide as a symbol of "a new way to enjoy ice cream." Various flavors such as mint, mango, strawberry, and matcha are available in different regions, and vegan-friendly products have also appeared. Rolled mint ice cream in Vietnam can be seen as an example of modern Southeast Asian street food, where tradition and innovation, local society and international culture, are fused together.