Ice-cream? I Almost Screamed!

Strawberry, mint choc chip, pistachio … wasabi??? There are some mad flavors doing the rounds on menus and in ice-cream stores in Beijing this summer. Here are a few of the most unlikely, and yet so likeable.

Beetroot Ice-cream (RMB 48, Le Cabernet)
Le Cabernet is serving a three-course set menu based on beetroot this month – right up to the dessert. Created by their professional French culinary team, the ice-cream is dyed and sweetened by the beetroot, and laid on a pineapple “carpaccio” with cinnamon syrup. Hurry up, as it’s only available until May 22. What will they be serving next month – artichoke ice-cream?

Popcorn Ice-cream (RMB 15, La Pizza)
La Pizza’s Sanlitun branch has just launched a range of new gelatos. The watermelon flavor is effective for cooling down the summer heat, but for a more memorable taste, go for the popcorn ice-cream. A hint of burnt toastiness tells you there’s popcorn in there – if only we could take it into the nearby Megabox to enjoy with a movie!

Wu Liang Ye Ice-cream (RMB 68, Chynna)
Hilton Bejing Wangfujing’s Chynna has made waves with its innovative localized takes on ice-cream. You’ll be addicted once you try the decent ice-cream accented with Wu Liang Ye (五粮液), that popular Chinese spirit fermented with wheat, rice, corn, sorghum and glutinous rice. If you hadn’t had enough of baijiu, try the “Mao tai” （茅台）ice-cream. Just don’t get too drunk.

Sichuan Peppercorn Ice-cream (RMB 25, Mosto)
The heavenly chocolate soufflé served in Mosto is paired with Sichuan peppercorn ice-cream. The numbing flavor adds a touch of sophistication to the thickness of the molten white chocolate filling. If you want to enjoy the spicy sweetness alone, pay RMB 25 for a scoop.

Wasabi Ice-cream (RMB 15, Hibiki)
Looks are deceiving, so don’t mistake it for green tea ice-cream. The wasabi is evenly mixed with the ice-cream to create a creamy composition taming the pungency of the wasabi. However, a spicy aftertaste does rise up as the ice-cream melts. This is the perfect way to challenge your palate after a pleasant contemporary Japanese meal at Hibiki. If you want to really push the boat out, you could even try it as a dip to pair with the tuna and salmon sashimi.

Hibiki Dining Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-11pm. 2/F, Bldg 2, Blue Castle Apartment, 3 Xidawanglu, Chaoyang District. (8599 9889) 响料理, 朝阳区西大望路3号蓝堡公寓2号楼2层