Looking for a dessert to cool off during the summer? Try Korean shaved ice — known as bingsu, with flavors such as Matcha, Red Bean and Mango.
Having lived Wangjing for 7 years, I know summer has started when I see a huge bingsu sticker on Paris Baguette’s glass wall. Bingsu is a mouth-watering dessert consisting of a mountain of finely shaved ice, topped with sweet toppings such as fruit, red bean, biscuits, or even chunks of cake. Its creamy and sweet snowflakes melt in your mouth, providing a refreshing treat on a hot summer day. You can enjoy this summer treat at Paris Baguette chain stores located across the city.
p.s. If you have a sweet tooth aversion, you can ask the employee to use less condensed milk.
“请在我的冰沙里少放些炼乳” Qǐng zài wǒ de bīng shālǐ shǎo fàng xiē liànrǔ
Red Bean Bingsu (RMB 43) is the classic king of shaved ice. Its body consists of shaved ice or condensed milk, crowned with sweetened red bean paste and injeolmi (glutinous rice cakes), and sprinkled with injeolmi powder. The flavor is comparable to peanut butter as it has a wonderfully nutty, creamy texture. This bingsu is an all-time favorite of my Mom and Dad because they prefer a savory and nutty flavor over the sickly-sweet and creamy of my fav, which is…Mango Bingsu!
Mango Bingsu (RMB 43) is essentially a fruity twist on the traditional Red Bean Bingsu—instead of red bean, luscious mango cubes, and a mango purée top fine shavings of frozen milk. You will cry tears of joy over how beautifully the mix of milk flakes and the mango drizzle melt on your tongue.
Matcha-Red Bean Bingsu (RMB 43) is the red bean bingsu, but green. This one is a perfect alternative to Matcha ice cream, which is hard to find in local stores. It tastes similar to — but not exactly — matcha as it tastes more sweet than bitter. I recommend this bingsu to matcha fans or those of you who enjoy a light matcha flavor.
How is bingsu different from Bao bing?
Baobing is a popular chinese-style shaved ice topped with fruits, condensed milk, adzuki beans, mung beans, tapioca balls, taro balls, grass jelly and more! While baobing is enjoyed with a variety of toppings on crushed ice, bingsu is best enjoyed with a little purée on a spoonful of frozen milk.
Photo credits: Jia Lee, Julia Liu
