With the hot temperatures we all look for unique ways to cool down, ice cream parlours and gelaterias are lined up out the door, patios are filled with cool brew drinkers, and caffeine junkies turn to frappuccinos for their daily fix.
Billy has introduced me to my new, cool 2015 summer sensation – Bing Soo or Bingsu, simply Korean Shaved Ice. But this is far from your run of the mill slushy or snowcone, sure it starts with similar crushed or shaved ice chips but there is so much more to this dessert.
The original, Patbingsu (translated: red beans with ice) is usually crushed ice, condensed milk, red beans and crushed cereal or nuts. Really bingsu can be any combination of crushed ice, with sweet toppings, often a scoop of ice cream, fruit, syrup and cereal. Locally we’ve seen it at Dae Ji Cutlet House and H Mart on Robson, options include a traditional Patbingsu, with red beans, and a fruit version; strawberry or fruit cocktail toppings.
Look up #bingsoo on Instagram and you’ll see just how creative some establishments are at creating toppings for their bingsoo desserts.
This summer, then the heat is on, look for bing soo in a restaurant near you, it’ll be sure to cool you down!