Get Adventurous With New Ice Cream Trends In The City Of Joy

Ice-O-Metry is really popular for its flavours and unique concoctions. No wonder it’s a city favourite. Charcoal Vanilla with Rum, anyone? This popular gastro-scape in the city is wooing millennials with its quirky, organic, fat-free, flavour-packed ice creams with a grown-up vibe. They have 'normal' and alcohol-infused versions of the most loved softy—all 100% vegetarian. Our favourite is the Tequila-Infused Coffee Softy. You’re gonna want to come back for more. Trust us!

Giani’s, the more than 60-year-old iconic brand from Delhi, opened an outlet in our city a few years ago and we just can't get enough. Although their menu will leave you spoilt for choice, you must try the house special Royal Falooda with its unmistakably aromatic rose flavour and dollops of vanilla ice cream. Not a fan of falooda (vermicelli) in your ice-cream? Go for the matka kulfi and thank us later. Best part? They are available at quite a reasonable price considering the top-notch quality.

Haagen Dazs’ frozen delicacies are as much a treat for the eyes as they are for the palate. You must try The Chocolate Bomb. A big chocolate ball filled with four scoops of different ice cream combinations, topped with choco brownie, whipped cream, butterscotch chips and seasonal fruits. You really have to stop yourself from salivating too hard while you pour the hot chocolate fondue (served with ice-cream) on to the chocolate ball to make it melt.  

We have all heard of the classic ice cream, but have you heard of hand-folded ones, crushed and moulded on marble tops? Icy Fusion has great variety on their menu. You must try the Fruit Basket, which is a combination of plum, kiwi, apple and other seasonal fruits infused with delicious mixed fruit ice cream and topped with fresh fruits. There are other unique flavours available too but this is our favourite. Plus, it’s affordable.

Think Gelato, think Mama Mia. They have a wide selection of unique ice cream flavours. The range is massive and tastes oh-so-good but it’s time that you move on from the classic vanilla gelato and make way for Stardust Vanilla! Made with premium vanilla and activated charcoal, this black beauty is the star attraction at Mama Mia. Did you know that activated charcoal, though black in colour, whitens your teeth and also cures hangovers? Well, guilt-free indulgence it is. Tempted already?

Moving on to something super desi! If you are a kulfi and a paan fan, we have found the perfect match to satiate your post-meal cravings. Say hello to Kulfiano—a one-of-a-kind ice cream parlour devoted entirely to the classic Indian frozen dessert. Because, come on, who doesn’t like kulfi?! They have a whole range of them–from black currant to Rajasthani Matki to even imli (tamarind) on their menu. A super traditional dessert experience but with a twist. We love it! 

Rollick, Kolkata’s good-old ice cream parlour, serves this amazing and fun-filled ice cream taco called Nutties Overload Taco. It has vanilla and chocolate ice creams and nutties drizzled with truffle chocolate sauce and topped with nuts and served to you in a freshly-baked waffle taco. Sadly, they’ve done away with the fruit and oreo chocolate tacos but, hey, trust us when we tell you that this one more than makes up for it.

The Fat Little Penguin needs no introduction. This artisanal ice cream brand's unique and delicious flavours are an absolute treat for the senses. We absolutely love the Jalapeno Creamcheese flavour—salty vanilla ice cream with a tart of spicy jalapeno at its centre, sandwiched between two layers of biscuit. The sweet and sour cream cheese gives way to the spicy jalapeno crust inside. This is one place that never fails to surprise. Well, our mouth’s watering already!

If there is one place in the city you should drop in to try out unique ice cream flavours, it has to be Pabrai's. We all love their signature Nolen Gur flavour, but there are a couple of more flavours that you must try. The sweet and sour phalsa sorbet made using real phalsa berries pulp is an absolute delight in this sultry weather. It feels like slurping on a khatta-meetha barf gola—one that is definitely going to appeal to your soul and also give you some respite from the heat.

How about a taste of Turkey in Kolkata? Yep. You read that right. Ditch the regular ice cream parlours for once and go for the exotic. Turkishyano’s Turkish ice creams made with natural as well as exotic ingredients are a treat to the tastebuds. They’ve got several flavours but we love the Turkish Pistachio flavour because it is rich, dense and creamy as it's prepared with a paste of pistachios sourced from Turkey among other places. This one makes for a filling dessert. So, be sure to keep some room for it. 

Xis O Krim is known for its live ice cream rolls station, and rightly so because they’re absolutely amazing! They use fresh, natural, and exotic ingredients to create unique flavours that are a treat for the senses. We love the Turkish Coffee flavour as well as the Fire Paan. If you’re a Nutella and Ferroro Rocher fan, then try Everything Will Be Alright or Don’t Worry Be Happy if you love Oreo. We also loved Starry Nights made with pure chocolate.