Bici bici

Bici bici is a traditional Turkish dessert, particularly popular in the Mersin region. It is a type of shaved ice dessert, similar to Filipino halo-halo or Japanese kakigōri.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredients of bici bici are shaved ice, starch noodles, and rose water. The starch noodles are made from cornstarch and water, and are similar in texture to rice noodles. The shaved ice is typically made from pure, clean water, and is shaved into thin, delicate flakes. The rose water is used as a flavoring, and gives the dessert its distinctive, floral taste.

To prepare bici bici, the starch noodles are first cooked until they are soft and translucent. They are then drained and rinsed with cold water to stop the cooking process. The shaved ice is piled high in a bowl, and the cooked noodles are placed on top. The dessert is then drizzled with rose water, and often garnished with pomegranate seeds or chopped nuts.

Cultural Significance

Bici bici is often enjoyed during the hot summer months, as a refreshing treat to cool down. It is commonly sold by street vendors, who carry the ingredients in a special cart and prepare the dessert fresh for each customer. The dessert is also often served at celebrations and festivals, and is a popular choice for breaking the fast during Ramadan.

In recent years, bici bici has gained popularity outside of Turkey, and can now be found in dessert shops and restaurants around the world. It is often included in lists of "must-try" Turkish foods, alongside other traditional dishes like baklava, döner kebab, and lokum (Turkish delight).

See Also

• Turkish cuisine
• List of Turkish desserts
• List of shaved ice desserts