Many tourists have come across the phrase “fried ice cream in Thailand” or “Thai fried ice cream.” Instantly, you might picture ice cream steaming away, just taken off the fire and served to a hungry traveler. Is that really what it’s like? Is it true that Thai ice cream is cooked over a flame rather than in the standard freezer, as in most “civilized” countries? Let’s find out in this article! So, what is Thai fried ice cream, and how do people eat it?
What Is Thai Ice Cream, and How Is It Served?
Thai ice cream, in terms of ingredients, doesn’t differ from typical ice cream in, say, St. Petersburg or Moscow. It’s made of the same base components: milk (or cream) or a yogurt base, plus flavoring to create a specific taste.
The ice cream itself is formed into little rolled-up “mini-rolls” of frozen creamy mixture, placed into a cup, and sprinkled on top with chocolate, toppings, and so on.
The main highlight of Thai ice cream is the filling. Yes, the creamy base matters, but more important is what goes inside. Possible options include:
- Cookies
- Fruit
- Chocolate
- Candy
- Chocolate dragees
- Cinnamon, vanilla, caramel
- Liquid toppings
- Honey
- Jam
There are many possibilities, and this is far from a complete list.
How Thai Fried Ice Cream Is Prepared
Thai ice cream is made in three steps:
- On a flat surface, the vendor pours milk (or cream); some sellers add coconut milk (giving it a special coconut flavor and Thai charm). They also add chopped exotic fruit (based on the buyer’s choice) and, in some cases, sugar or other ingredients.
- The vendor then quickly mixes everything into a uniform mass, which freezes. After it sets, they gather it up 3–4 times and mix again.
- Once the mixture is uniform, they smooth it out into a thin layer on the frozen metal surface, divide it into equal parts, and gently roll each part into a “roll,” which they place into a cup.
You can see photos of the preparation process below (borrowed from the site mirthailand.ru).
The recipe is quite simple, and if you have the right equipment at home, you can make Thai “fried” ice cream yourself.
Which Equipment Is Used?
To “fry” ice cream, you need special equipment called a “freezer,” from the English word “freezing.” The freezer is essentially a refrigeration unit with a flat metal plate on top, acting as the “frying” surface.
Buying such equipment and starting your own business is not difficult, as these freezers are sold everywhere. A freezer for Thai-style ice cream costs about 450–1000 USD, depending on the power and additional features.
However, you don’t necessarily need specialized equipment to make this culinary wonder at home. A regular freezer and a baking tray can do the job if it fits for a while.
Once you have that, you’ll need ingredients:
– Condensed milk and a little cream for the base.
– Anything you want as the filling.
The preparation process is straightforward: mix condensed milk with cream (the cream helps the frozen mixture roll up without breaking).
Once you have a uniform mixture, pour it onto the baking tray and add your chopped filling of choice.
Then, place the liquid ice cream in the freezer for an hour. After it solidifies, carefully roll it into little rolls.
Why Is Thai Ice Cream Called “Fried”?
Why is it called fried ice cream if it has nothing to do with real fried ice cream (the kind that’s dunked in hot oil)? The word “fried” was coined by the Thais themselves, because the process really does look a bit like making a crepe, where the “batter” gradually solidifies on a hot surface.
In Thai, the word “thaad” means “to heat or fry.” Because of linguistic nuances, this term is also applied to situations like cooking ice cream on searing cold.
Below is a video showing how it’s made:
You can watch the transition of the mixture from liquid to solid for quite a while—it’s no wonder there are as many curious onlookers as paying customers in front of these street stalls. And as they say, appetite grows while eating, so the key tactic for the vendors is visual appeal. It’s not just about making 3–4 rolls; it’s about entertaining the audience and enticing them to buy.
Visiting Thailand and not trying the famous fried ice cream is practically a crime, so when you go out, be sure to spend a little time and money to sample this treat.
The price ranges based on the filling but generally is 40–80 baht, and it’s truly worth it.
Hundreds of enthusiastic reviews can’t be wrong!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does “fried ice cream” mean (“what is Thai fried ice cream”)? It means they “fry” it on a plate so cold it’s like a blazing-hot skillet, but actually sub-zero.
- What is fried ice cream called? – Thai fried ice cream.
- Which country serves fried ice cream with seafood? – Thailand.
- What does fried ice cream taste like? – Like regular ice cream (taste depends on the ingredients).
- Where can you buy fried ice cream in Bangkok? – At Creamery Boutique Ice Creams restaurant.
- How much does Thai ice cream cost in Thailand? – From 60 baht.
- What do Thais chew when “frying”? – Thai fried ice cream.
