Shaved ice

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Shaved ice is a type of dessert made from finely shaved ice and typically flavored with syrup or other sweeteners. It is popular in many countries and regions, including East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific Islands.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "shaved ice" is a direct translation of the English words "shaved" and "ice". In different regions, it is known by various names such as "bingsu" in Korea, "kakigōri" in Japan, and "halo-halo" in the Philippines.

Description[edit | edit source]

Shaved ice is made by shaving or grinding blocks of ice into a fine, snow-like consistency. The ice is then typically served in a bowl or cup and topped with flavored syrup, sweetened condensed milk, fruit, or other toppings. The texture of the ice and the specific toppings used can vary widely depending on the region and specific variation of the dessert.

Variations[edit | edit source]

There are many regional variations of shaved ice, each with their own unique characteristics and flavors.

East Asia[edit | edit source]

In East Asia, shaved ice desserts are popular in countries such as Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. In Japan, the dessert is known as kakigōri and is often flavored with syrups such as strawberry, cherry, lemon, green tea, and sweet plum. In Korea, the dessert is known as bingsu and is often topped with sweetened condensed milk, fruit, and red bean paste. In Taiwan, the dessert is known as baobing and is often served with a variety of fruit and sweet toppings.

South Asia[edit | edit source]

In South Asia, shaved ice desserts are popular in countries such as India and Pakistan. In India, the dessert is known as gola and is often flavored with syrup and lemon juice. In Pakistan, the dessert is known as gola ganda and is often topped with condensed milk and fruit syrup.

Southeast Asia[edit | edit source]

In Southeast Asia, shaved ice desserts are popular in countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In the Philippines, the dessert is known as halo-halo and is often served with a variety of sweet toppings including sweetened fruits, jellies, and leche flan. In Malaysia and Indonesia, the dessert is known as ais kacang and is often served with sweet corn, grass jelly, and palm seeds.

Americas[edit | edit source]

In the Americas, shaved ice desserts are popular in countries such as the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. In the United States, the dessert is known as snow cone or Hawaiian shave ice and is often flavored with syrup. In Mexico, the dessert is known as raspado and is often flavored with tamarind, mango, or chamoy. In Puerto Rico, the dessert is known as piragua and is often flavored with tropical fruit syrups.

See also[edit | edit source]

Shaved ice Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD