Filipinos love putting twists to anything ordinary, and we always bring our ingenuity in everything we do. Even in ice cream flavours, we made sure that we don’t just settle for the typical vanilla or chocolate. Why be happy with the usual strawberry when there are thousands of possible flavours waiting to be our next favourite dessert?
Also read: Get Your Sweet Fix at These 7 Dessert Specialty Restaurants in the Philippines
1. Crocodile Ice Cream
Image credit: kisheekunn
You won’t usually see crocodile and dessert in one sentence, but in Davao, it’s actually one of the best attractions. Before you freak out, please know that they use crocodile egg and not crocodile meat in the process. It comes in two varieties, too—crocodile pandan and crocodile coffee.
Where to get it: Crocodile Park Davao, Gadi Road, Talomo, Davao City, Davao del Sur
2. Lechon Ice Cream
Image credit: lovetoseethings
Whoever thought of this flavour was probably really hungry because how else can anyone think that a suckling pig ice cream is a good idea? Well, apparently it does and we should just be thankful. The ice cream is sweet and salty at the same time, and the crispy lechon skin on top makes it extra special.
Where to get it: Azon’s Boneless Lechon Matina, Mcarthur Highway, Davao City
3. Tilapia Ice Cream
Image credit: Nicolas Trentesaux via pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph
Tilapia? Are you kidding me!? You probably won’t dare to taste this ice cream when you know it’s made of Tilapia, a kind of freshwater fish. But I tell you, it doesn’t taste or smell ‘fishy’ at all. A project of the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), this award-winning ice cream got the Salon International de L’Agroalimentaire (SIAL) Innovation Gold Award during the SIAL ASEAN Manila 2016. I don’t know with you, it’s definitely something worth a try!
Where to get it: Daerrys Tilapia Ice Cream, Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
4. Bacon and Cheese Ice Cream
Image credit: Carousel Creamery
Some people are obsessed with bacon, while some cannot get enough of cheese. Then there are those obsessed with both, and this ice cream is definitely the one for them.
Where to get it: Carousel Creamery, 8 Missouri St., Greenhills, San Juan, Manila
5. Ebun Malat Ice Cream (Salted Egg)
Image credit: nikkidedios
It’s salty and sweet at the same time, and it tastes different but definitely good. Right in the heart of Makati, you can walk in Apag Marale, a restaurant specialising in Kapampangan cuisine, and order Ebun Malat—a salted egg ice cream.
Where to get it: Apag Marangle Restaurant, Space 16 & 17, Park Square, Ayala Center, San Lorenzo, Makati City
6. Green Mango and Bagoong Ice Cream
Image credit: poisonayvi
Tangy and tart ice cream topped with salty bagoong, and you have in your hands the most uniquely flavoured and seasoned ice cream. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but for some, it’s something they don’t mind coming back to. In fact, it’s been a mainstay and a favourite on their menu for years now.
Where to get it: Sebastian’s Ice Cream, Second Floor, Entertainment Mall,Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City; Fourth Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Centre, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City; Ground Floor, Regis Center, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
7. Champorado and Dilis
Image credit: mk_snaps
For Filipinos, the sweet champorado (chocolate pudding) is best partnered with dilis, or dried anchovies. But champorado ice cream topped with salty, crunchy dilis? Yes, it actually tastes pretty good!
Where to get it: Sebastian’s Ice Cream, Second Floor, Entertainment Mall,Mall of Asia Complex (MOA), Pasay City; Fourth Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Centre, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City; Ground Floor, Regis Center, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City
8. Mangga at Suman (Mango and Suman)
Image credit: Manila Creamery
The brains behind Manila Creamery believe that they do not need to cross seas to find inspiration to find the perfect recipe. Just like most of the flavours in the list, the Mangga at Suman flavour derives inspiration from a local Filipino favourite combination.
Where to get it: Manila Creamery, 249, UP Town Center Cinema, 216 Katipunan Ave, 1108 Quezon City
9. Laing Ice Cream
Image credit: jay_jao
Spicy ice cream? Yes, Laing Ice cream tastes just like the real thing. This means that you can actually taste the coconut milk, Thai chilli, and dried taro leaves on the first bite. It’s pretty weird at first but you’ll soon fall in love with the weirdness.
Where to get it: Alab Restaurant, Scout Rallos, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103
10. Tamarind Chili Sorbet
Image credit: carouselcreamery
Apparently, it’s best eaten with a sprinkle of salt. The tart taste of tamarind mixed with a dash of chili and salt? Well, if that’s not an interesting ice cream flavour, I do not know what is.
Where to get it: Carousel Creamery, 8 Missouri St., Greenhills, San Juan, Manila
11. Taho Gelato
Image credit: chichicles
Taho is a well-loved Philippine snack made of silken tofu, sweet arnibal and sago pearl. It’s best enjoyed while hot but in ice cream form? It tastes just as good—maybe even better! A scoop of this gluten-free and vegan Taho gelato can put anyone in a good mood.
Where to get it: Bono Gelato. See all branches here.
Also read: 15 Unique Ice Cream Flavours in Singapore That Buzzfeed Forgot to Insult
12. Sampaguita Ice Cream
Image credit: buddhabanana
This has to be the most fragrant ice cream there is. Sampaguita is the Philippine’s national flower, and just by having a whiff of it, you know you wouldn’t regret ordering this vanilla-based ice cream flavour.
Where to get it: ILUSTRADO Restaurant, 744 Gen. Luna St, Intramuros, Manila
13. Guyabano Ice Cream
Image credit: blueaujeans
Guyabano (soursop) flavour? Why not? The fruit may not usually be on anyone’s list of favourite fruits, but its sour flavour and unique texture actually make for a pretty awesome dessert. Lucky for us, there are a couple of places offering the sweet delight. Heck, Bohol Bee Farm even gives it a spicy twist.
Where to get it: PatisTito Garden Cafe, 285 Brgy. Sta Cruz, (Putol), San Pablo City, Laguna; Bohol Bee Farm Resort and Restaurant, Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol
Also read: 25 Weird Ice-Cream Flavours in Japan You Have to Taste to Believe!
In the Philippines, even indulging in the homegrown desserts is an adventure in its own. What uniquely weird ice cream do you want to try first?