Prototype Issue
Get the Scoop: LA’s Tastiest International Frozen Treats
By Jennifer Garbee
(page 2 of 2)Before modern-day ice creams landed in India, kulfi (boiled milk frozen in molds rather than whipped) was the icy treat of choice. Sample it here, or try the dense, creamy ice cream loaded with spices such as saffron, pistachio and chikoo (sapodilla fruit). It’s served in convenient to-go cups or scooped into a traditional Indian falooda (a milkshake with basil seeds and crunchy noodles).
18744 Pioneer Blvd., Artesia (Little India) 562-809-4554 www.saffronspot.com
Singapore’s Banana Leaf
On sweltering weekends, head straight to the back corner of the LA Farmers’ Market to Singapore’s Banana Leaf, a Malaysian take-out café. Try the kacang, sweet beans tucked beneath a mound of shaved ice and evaporated milk with preserved jackfruit and two sugary syrups (rose and pandan). The cendol, a sweet drink of shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar and crispy rice noodles, is just as refreshing.
6333 W. Third. St., Ste. 122, LA 323-933-4627
Scoops
Owner Tai Kim’s 2-year-old ice-cream shop is known for its ever-changing global smorgasbord of flavors: dragon berry lychee, chocolate wasabi, chocolate jalapeño (for the Mexican-food fan) and even walnut-raisin Gorgonzola. Vegans can join in the fun with dairy-free creations such as ginger beer and sorrel. Kim is always tinkering with a new spice from lands far and near, so go with an open mind–and palate.
712 N. Heliotrope Dr., LA 323-906-2649
Heartschallenger
Partners in crime Leyla Safai and Benjamin Pollock turned an old mail truck into this bubblegum-pink roving treat stand. The driver doles out icy international treats to Sunset Blvd. passersby while electro-funk tunes, compliments of the couple’s own band, Heart’s Revolution, blast from the driver’s seat. Sample Russian ice-cream cones (stubby fellas stuffed with fluffy ice cream), Armenian teddy-bear bars (eponymous vanilla creams dipped in caramel), Mexican paletas, Japanese mochi ice cream and very American fudge bars. For the daily route (typically Sunset Blvd., between Echo Park and West Hollywood), go to www.myspace.com/heartschallenger.
888-566-3338 www.heartschallenger.com
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