Indulging in desserts for breakfast? Explore these European locales known for mouthwatering, region-specific sweets that make touring absolutely worthwhile.
In the heart of Turkey, Dondurma, the traditional Turkish ice cream, is a beloved treat enjoyed at village fairs and Istanbul's bustling promenades. Made with goat's milk, salep (orchid root flour), mastic (resin), and sugar, this elastic, chewy, and slow-melting dessert is often eaten with a knife and fork [1].
Across the Mediterranean, in Sicily, ice cream is a common breakfast item, particularly in the form of brioche con gelato. This delightful treat is a split, slightly sweet brioche bun filled with creamy gelato or granita, often topped with whipped cream or nuts [1]. For a truly memorable taste, visit Don Peppinu in Catania, Sicily, renowned for its legendary pistachio brioche con gelato [2].
Moving north, Germany presents a playful ice cream creation known as Spaghettieis. This unique dessert resembles spaghetti but is made of vanilla ice cream squeezed through a press and topped with strawberry sauce "marinara" and white chocolate "Parmesan" [1]. Eis Fontanella in Mannheim is the original place to try this inventive dish, while in Munich, Eiscafé Sarcletti offers numerous creative variations [1].
In the Czech Republic, ice cream flavors take inspiration from local culinary traditions. Klobasa (spicy sausage) and Tvarůžky (stinky cheese from Olomouc) are among the unusual and savory options available in Prague and nearby towns [2]. For a more traditional dessert-inspired experience, try the frozen versions of Koláč, a fruit crumble cake, available at Kus Koláče and Ralsko Ice Cream Parlor [2].
Finland and Sweden offer cloudberry ice cream, a prized treat in the Arctic. Foraged in late summer, these wild fruits have long been a staple of Indigenous Sami traditions. In Finland, the Arctic Ice Cream Factory, and in Sweden, the Brandon Lodge, are popular spots to enjoy this delight [1].
Berlin stands out as a prime destination for ice cream lovers, boasting a wide range of excellent artisanal and gelato-style ice creams, as well as Asian shaved ice varieties [4].
Lastly, for those seeking a taste of history, a visit to Café de la Paix in Paris, overlooking the Palais Garnier opera house, offers the chance to savour the classic café liégeois, a drink-dessert hybrid featuring coffee-flavored ice cream, chilled coffee, and Chantilly cream [1].
These treats reflect distinctive regional tastes, often blending local culinary traditions with creative ice cream artistry. To experience these unique delights, consider visiting Germany for spaghettieis in Mannheim and Munich, Sicily for brioche con gelato, Prague and nearby Czech towns for unique flavors inspired by traditional desserts, and Berlin for diverse modern artisanal options [1][2][4].
References:
[1] The Culinary Backstreets. (n.d.). Europe's Best Ice Cream Treats. Retrieved from https://www.theculinarybackstreets.com/articles/europes-best-ice-cream-treats
[2] Time Out. (2021, June 22). The best ice cream in Prague. Retrieved from https://www.timeout.com/prague/things-to-do/the-best-ice-cream-in-prague
[3] Haagen Dazs. (n.d.). Flavours. Retrieved from https://www.haagendazs.co.uk/en-gb/products/ice-cream/flavours
[4] The Culinary Backstreets. (n.d.). Berlin's Best Ice Cream. Retrieved from https://www.theculinarybackstreets.com/articles/berlins-best-ice-cream
- Discovering unique food-and-drink experiences, one might venture to Germany to savor the playful Spaghettieis, a creative ice cream dish resembling pasta, or travel to Sicily to indulge in the delicious combination of brioche and gelato for breakfast.
- For a taste of local culinary traditions in ice cream form, one could journey to the Czech Republic, where flavors such as Klobasa and Tvarůžky are infused into the frozen treats, or visit Finland and Sweden to sample the cloudberry ice cream, a prized Arctic treat with roots in Indigenous Sami traditions.
