Top 10 Unique Icecream Trends You Must Try in Lahore

You scream, I scream, we all scream for icecream, however, it’s time we get to experience something other than a scoop of Walls or Hico. With the rise of new technologies and a mass appeal for innovative food ideas, the possibilities for new icecream trends are endless. For that purpose, we have searched and visited multiple avenues, to compile a list of the 10 most unique icecream trends in Lahore right now. Moreover, below you’ll find the list of our final contestants. Note that this list isn’t a comparison since each trend is unique and special in its own regard. Let’s begin:

10. Mini Melts
  9. Samosa Icecream
  8. Smoke Icecream
  7. Charcoal Icecream
  6. Tawa/Roll Icecream
  5. Doughnut Cone
  4. Frozen Yogurt
  3. Soft Serve
  2. Premium Pops
  1. Super Premium Icecream

 

Unique Icecream Trends in Lahore: Mini Melts

We all know that a new trend in Pakistan is basically a tried and tested trend from the US or alike. However, sometimes rip offs are so exciting, that we can forgive ourselves for cheating. Mini Melts in its simplest form is good old icecream that has been cryogenically frozen. The process is such that the icecream mixture is dispersed in a freezing chamber in the size of small droplets. The ultra-cold liquid nitrogen chamber freezes the droplets before they hit the bottom of the collection chamber. Hence this process creates exciting mini ball shaped icecream AKA “MINI MELTS”.

Mini melts is basically a copy cat of the brand “Dippin Dots”. This style of icecream was invented by a microbiologist by the name of Curt Jones, who already had a background in cryogenics and was interested in the process of flash freezing. Hence, the miracle of dippin dots was born in the late 1980s and the rest is history. At the moment, only mini melts offers this beaded icecream variant in Lahore.

Give your family & friends a refreshing treat this summer by taking them to Mini melts. Their first outlet is conveniently located in Emporium mall. Personally, the author of this article visited their stall around 5 months ago and here is his review on their offerings: the icecream itself was fine flavor wise. It didn’t have the premium rich taste that you would expect out of brand like Hifny Tifny, however, the texture and mouthfeel of the small beads of icecream enhanced the experience and made the visit worthwhile. Also watch out if you have tooth sensitivity because these icecream pebbles are ultra cold and melt in your mouth very quickly. Mini melts recently opened in Fortress square mall as well, so stop waiting and beat the heat with Mini Melts.

Unique Icecream Trends in Lahore: Samosa Icecream

Yes, we know, it sounds ridiculous and it is! In Ramazan 2021, Chaudairy icecream introduced a variety of unreal and unheard off flavors such as pakora icecream and even dahi ballay icecream. The bizzarre combos have peeked the interest of many icecream lovers all over Lahore.

Chaudairy icecream started around two three years ago and have caught the attention of most Lahoris almost instantly ever since then. They started out with their tawa icecreams which were handcrafted with pure cream and fresh ingredients like fruits, good quality chocolate and nuts. Nowadays, the business offers a wide array of other icecream related offerings such as shakes and icecream tubs

We personally haven’t tried the samosa icecream but the reviews seem to suggest that it is worth the try. Creativity has always been a great asset for business owners, especially in the age of high competition and demand. “Chaudairy Icecream” is the only brand that offers the weird samosa icecream delicacy and their outlet is open in:

• Johar Town
• DHA (Ghazi Road)
• Khayaban-e-Firdousi (Main Boulevard)

On top of that, this brand offers a wide variety of other more understandable flavors such as cadbury marshmallow melt and M&Ms. Our personal favorite at Hifny Tifny is their malteser roll icecream. Do try them out and let us know whether their samosa icecream is all the craze or just a phase (in the comments).

Unique Icecream Trends in Lahore: Smoke Icecream

Smoke Icecream AKA Nitrogen icecream is made when you instantly flash freeze the liquid icecream mix with ultra-cold liquid nitrogen. Much like the “mini melts” process, the nitrogen freezes the icecream to solid in around 45 seconds creating an almost near perfect icecream structure. The faster the mixture cools, the smoother the texture of the icecream and hence this variant of icecream really gives you the bang for your buck.

Moreover, smoke icecream is completely safe since it is made utilizing a non- toxic naturally occurring gas which is odorless, colorless and tasteless. Breathing in the gas is no cause of concern and only serves to maximize the icecream experience. As you can see in the video below, it’s both mesmerizing and fun to try out:

Right now, we know three parlors that sell smoke icecream in Lahore. Namely:

• Blossom Nitro Icecream (Amanah Mall)
• N2 Café and Creamery (Johar Town)
• The Sweet Factory (Multiple Locations)

All three of these parlors sell nitrogen infused icecream and one bite can allow you to literally blow of steam. If you want to spice up your Instagram stories then smoke icecreams are the way to go. Become a smoke breathing dragon and enjoy weird reactions from your friends as you try each scoop. As for the review, the flavor of the icecreams themselves are not something to brag about, however, the experience itself is worthwhile.

Unique Icecream Trends in Lahore: Charcoal Icecream

This list just gets weirder and weirder, we know! Charcoal icecream isn’t just black food coloring mixed in with the icecream base, its actual charcoal powder you’re eating! Technically, activated charcoal is added in the preparation of this this now trendy icecream flavor. So if you’re ever sick of unicorn and glitter covered margaritas then finally, there is a trend that can satisfy the darkest part of your soul #TotallyGothGoals

To try making this at home, check out this recipe:

Before trying out heaps upon heaps of this icecream, keep in mind that you shouldn’t consume more than 100g of charcoal. The side effects of having to much range from constipation, black stool and rarely even blockage of the intestinal tract as well as dehydration. Hence, making this delectable treat one for the dare devils to try. However, let’s not get carried away, every food substance carries a certain amount of risk and eating one cone or two won’t cause much of an impact.

At the moment only “The Sweet Factory” offers the blackest icecream of Lahore. Located in DHA phase 6, this outlet has a few stalls that open up randomly in various towns in Lahore. We personally tried their charcoal chocolate fudge flavor in Askari 10 and the flavor was oddly interesting. It had a strange flavor which seemed to somehow intensify the taste of the chocolate in a really pleasant and cool way.

We highly recommend this place especially since their icecreams are made using liquid nitrogen which makes them smoke as well. As their description says, “It’s the place where science and deliciousness meet” and we agree! Moreover, it is said that charcoal absorbs toxins in the body which can lead to a detox of the gut. That being said, charcoal also absorbs certain drugs that cause them to be ineffective and hence it’s a signal of warning for people under medication.

Unique Icecream Trends in Lahore: Tawa/Roll Icecream

It’s time we take a break from the uncanny and focus on a few classic trends as well. We all know about tawa icecream which go by many other names including icecream rolls, curls and stir fried icecream as well. The history of tawa icecream dates back to 2009 and originated in Thailand by the name of “Thai rolled icecream”. Later USA adopted the trend and ever since then, there are streams upon streams of videos showing the exciting process of creating these rolls. Basically, a mixture of cream and sugar is placed on top of a huge pan/tawa which is cooled to -30 degrees Celsius. The icecream is then “stirred” continuously allowing it to cool into a sheet which is then rolled using a spatula to create what we now know as tawa icecream. Here is a video showing the exact process:

If you’d like to get your hands on one of these bad boys, look no further. Here is a list of the places that provide all the flavors of ice curls you desire:

• Chaudairy Icecream (they have the best rolls in our opinion)
• Ice curl (Were the first icecream roll providers in Lahore)
• Ice roll (Available in Bahria town and Gulberg)
• Curly bites (Open in Amanah & Xinhua mall, as well as H block DHA)

The best thing about tawa icecreams in Lahore is that you can add almost any mix in to the base and create a flavor out of it instantly. Our favorite place to go for tawa icecream is Chaudairy icecream and our top three picks from their never-ending menu would be:

• Reeses peanut butter cup
• Maltesers
• Almond honey

On top of being unique, these rolls can be customized further by adding toppings like jellies and marshmallows. All three of the above stated brands offer pure dairy and fresh icecream which is both stabilizer and preservative free.

Unique Icecream Trends in Lahore: Doughnut Icecream

 

Now that we’re half way done, let’s switch up the conversation and talk about what’s underneath our icecream. Doughnut icecreams are like a pair made in heaven and we’re really scratching our heads over why this wasn’t launched sooner. Simply put, the cone is made with doughnut dough which is rolled into the shape of a cone & then baked. You can then customize the cone by adding chocolate sauce inside and scooping it up with icecream. The concept of pairing icecream with things like cookies and cones have been present for a long time and "Sublime Doughnut’s" owner, Kamal Grant invented the doughnut cone after months of testing. This is how Kamal describes his invention:

“I made it because I thought a doughnut would make a better vessel for ice cream than a standard cone,” he says. “It tastes like taking your girl to a carnival and winning her a stuffed animal.”

If you’re interested in making one yourself, have a look at this recipe:

When it comes to unique icecream inventions, the doughnut cone scores the highest marks in taste. The soft and fresh doughnut base coupled with icecream and chocolate glaze, you might be able to imagine already that we’ve got they've big guns out here. Currently Doughlicious is the only brand that is offering cone-nut icecreams (see what we did there). There first branch is open in DHA, Phase 2 where they serve this delicious fusion, baked in the open, right in front of your eyes. Also the reviews for the place suggest that people are raving for the icecream and now you have another reason to meet your pals for an eat out extravaganza.

Unique Icecream Trends in Lahore: Frozen yogurt

In 2013 Lahore was introduced to frozen yogurt and it took the frozen dessert industry by storm. It was all the craze back then but nowadays, it seems that next to nobody is providing this refreshing treat. In fact frozen yogurt has been in the market for longer than most people believe.

It was invented in the 1970s by an ingenious entrepreneur by the name of H.P Hood. The icecream company “TCBY” noticed that the market for such an invention was massive and around the early 1980s, frozen yogurt took hold of almost 10% of the frozen dessert market. If you’ve ever tried frozen yogurt, you’ll know that it squirts out of nozzles housed in big machines. Hence it seems as if they can only be made commercially. However, this frozen goodness can also be enjoyed at home and you can try out the following recipe for starters:

To be honest, we here at Hifny Tifny are hardcore fro-yo fans. However, sadly the situation for fro-yo has been a come and go scene for a long time. Tutti Frutti opened its doors to Lahore in 2013 and was a massive success. However, with time, the market for frozen yogurt diminished to the point that Tutti Frutti had to come to an end. Then Yogen Fruz established a few outlets but they too met the same fate. If you’re wondering if you’ll ever be able to enjoy frozen yogurt again, you’re in luck because Tutti Frutti tried its luck one last time and has re-opened in DHA phase 2, Lahore.

If you haven’t tried there strawberry flavored yogurt, you are missing out on so much! Frozen yogurt has has an icy mouthfeel, a smooth milky texture and the perfect ratio of tangy to sweet. Hifny Tifny plans on introducing their own line of frozen yogurt soon so you’ll be able to enjoy fro-yo in the comfort of your home with free home delivery. In any case, don’t wait for the last frozen yogurt outlet to close in Lahore and pay a visit with your special someone tomorrow!

Unique Icecream Trends in Lahore: Soft Serve

Soft serve has been around in Pakistan even before icecream was commercialized. For the less informed, soft serve is basically the icecream that comes out of those machines parked outside on streets and in places like Jaybees or Paradise. Soft serve icecream is different from regular hard serve icecream because during the freezing stage, a lot of air is incorporated into the mixture causing it to become soft, airy and less dense.

This delicacy has been selling in the U.S since the 1930s and has been a classic ever since. Not only is it economical, it tastes really good and people simply can’t get enough of it. The company Dairy Queen claims responsibility for inventing soft serve and the inventors were JF McCullough accompanied by his son, Alex both of whom resided in Illinois.  

Soft serve icecream has always been at the locus of the icecream scene in Lahore. However, lately we have come to witness great strides in the once solely, street food industry. Nowadays, we get to see new and exciting combos like waffle cone icecream drizzled with caramel and a modest serving of chopped almonds. Just to name a few, currently the following parlors are serving good quality soft serve icecream in Lahore:

• Jaybees
• Alamgir
• Pomy’s
• Paradise

So if you plan to get good icecream, without spending your arms and legs away, we would recommend avoiding fancy foreign brands for a change and try out soft serve. Its affordable and readily available all over Lahore. If you’ve a bunch of hungry kid’s sweet tooth to satisfy, look no further than Jaybee's special waffle cone. However, be careful because every time we go to buy it, it melts down the sides, and well, no one likes to drive with sticky hands the way back.

Unique Icecream Trends in Lahore: Premium Pops

Honestly, we’re witnessing the age of popsicle battles nowadays. Ever since Pop Bar introduced their line of premium pops in Lahore, we have literally been seeing them pop everywhere (pun intended). The history of the first popsicle ever invented is a funny one: In 1905, Frank Epperson, an 11 year old boy left soda, water and a stirring stick in the water. Due to cold temperatures outside, the cup froze and by tomorrow, the summertime staple was born. Nowadays, more than 2 billion pops are sold each year. Poor old Frank probably didn’t even get to sell one!

While there are a plethora of popsicle brands in Lahore, we would recommend the following to try out:

• Pop Bar
• Lush Crush
• Frozi
• Ice Bear

All these brands offer both pops and bars as well. Our top pick out of the 4 mentioned above is Pop Bar. Their pops are seriously so flavorful and full of that fresh and fruity feel. The best thing about their pops is that they are all natural and use good quality berries that are not available year-round. If we had to pick favorites, try out the following flavors:

• Strawberry bar
• Blueberry bar
• Belgian chocolate bar

Unique Icecream Trends in Lahore: Super Premium Icecreams

Finally let’s end this discussion with the best icecream offering in Lahore. Super premium icecreams are basically the original and true form of icecreams. They are super dense and contain a high percentage of butterfat.

In that regard Hifny Tifny brings you the best icecreams that Lahore has to offer. Each bucket of icecream is made with high quality ingredients such as imported cocoa, fresh cream, milk and fresh butter etc. Take a look at their scrumptious icecreams and judge for yourselves:

Other icecream parlors that offer super premium icecream include Movenpick and Coldstone in Lahore. However, if we compare the cost to value, Hifny Tifny is much more affordable while having the same taste or better. On top of that, Hifny Tifny delivers all over Lahore, free of cost, right to your doorstep.

So if you want to get hooked on icecream heaven, head on to their website here and order now.