Asian Ice Creams: Our Selection for Standout Flavours

By the Joybuy editorial team, July 5, 2026

Tired of the same old vanilla-strawberry-chocolate trio?? Looking to spice up your desserts with textures and tastes that are truly out of the ordinary?? Asian ice cream is a whole continent of flavours and formats that will revolutionise how you think about frozen desserts.

From the unparalleled softness of an iced mochi and the crunch of a filled wafer to the freshness of an ultra-creamy bar, the most curious palates will find plenty to love. We'll guide you through the most popular options and give you the keys to choosing the perfect original frozen dessert for you, without getting lost in an avalanche of choices.

How to Choose Your Original Frozen Dessert??

Exploring the world of Asian-inspired ice creams is a true adventure. To find that perfect gem, here are a few criteria to keep in mind.

1. Texture Is an Absolute Priority

What truly sets Asian ice cream apart is its rich variety of textures.

• Soft and chewy?: Iced mochi is the most famous example. The concept?? A scoop of ice cream wrapped in a thin layer of glutinous rice dough. The mouthfeel is unique, combining the coldness of the ice cream with the soft, almost elastic chew of the coating.
• Crispy and creamy?: Creations like the Red Bean Samanco combine a crispy, fish-shaped wafer, smooth ice cream, and a touch of sweet red bean paste. Here, it's all about the textural contrast.
• Creamy and fruity?: Bars like Melona are famous for their incredibly smooth and velvety texture that melts delicately in your mouth.

2. Dare to Try Unexpected Flavours

Go off the beaten path and let yourself be surprised by authentic tastes.

• Red bean (azuki)?: Don't be intimidated by the name. Sweet red bean paste is a cornerstone of Asian desserts. Its flavour is mild with a hint of nuttiness, surprisingly reminiscent of chestnut cream.
• Ube (purple yam)?: This purple tuber from the Philippines offers a gentle, subtle flavour with notes of vanilla and hazelnut. The Ube Melona is an excellent gateway to discovering this flavour.
• Green tea matcha, black sesame, pistachio?: Even these more familiar flavours are often crafted with an intense authenticity in Asian ice creams, delivering an unparalleled depth of taste.

3. The Right Format for Every Occasion

A solo break or a dessert to share?? The format matters. Mochi are often sold in boxes of several individual pieces, ideal for a new take on a gourmet coffee break. Ice cream sandwiches are perfect for a quick and fun snack. And ice cream bars are a classic for a refreshing treat.

Our Asian Ice Cream Recommendations

To get you started, here are three gems that perfectly illustrate the diversity and originality of Asian-inspired ice creams.

LITTLE MOONS Mochi Ice Cream - Honey Roasted Pistachio

Why it stands out This iced mochi combines a star flavour, pistachio, with the unique texture of rice dough. Its rich, honey-roasted pistachio ice cream is studded with crunchy nut pieces and wrapped in the famous soft rice dough. Pro tip?: let it rest for 5 minutes at room temperature before eating so the dough regains its full softness.

Highlights

• Honey-roasted pistachio ice cream.
• Contrasting texture with crunchy nut pieces.
• Sweet rice dough wrapper for a unique and pleasant chew.
• Comes in a pack of 6 individual bites, perfect for sharing (or not?!).

Who is it for? For lovers of surprising textures and flavours that are both indulgent and refined. An excellent choice for those already familiar with mochi, or for newcomers who want to start with an original yet accessible flavour.

Binggrae Mini Melts Samanco Ice Sandwich

Why it stands out The Samanco is a true icon of Korean ice cream. Its fish shape (called bungeoppang) is instantly recognisable. Inside this light wafer is a vanilla ice cream and a thin layer of sweet red bean paste. A playful snack that perfectly blends crispy, creamy, and sweet.

Highlights

• Crispy fish-shaped wafer.
• The classic pairing of vanilla and red bean paste.
• A cult-favourite dessert in Korea for an authentic experience.
• Sold in a pack of 4, ideal for a snack.

Who is it for? For the curious who want to try a classic of Korean street food in its frozen form. It will appeal to kids and adults alike with its fun look and sweet, comforting flavours.

Binggrae Melona Ice Cream Bar Purple Yam

Why it stands out The Melona bar is renowned for its unique texture, which is both dense and incredibly smooth. This purple yam (ube) version is perfect for discovering this very trendy flavour. Its purple colour is 100?% natural, and its taste is mild, with notes reminiscent of sweet potato, vanilla, and hazelnut.

Highlights

• Creamy and velvety texture, the signature of Melona ice creams.
• Original and authentic flavour of ube (purple yam).
• Convenient and refreshing ice cream bar format.
• Sold in a box of 8, perfect for always having a treat on hand.

Who is it for? For those seeking an alternative to traditional fruit sorbets. If you enjoy creamy textures and mild, slightly earthy flavours, this ice cream bar is for you.

Want to Explore Other Flavours??

Our selection is just a taste of what awaits you. Mochi in various flavours, original ice cream sandwiches, surprising creations... Discover our entire universe of frozen desserts.

Discover our entire ice cream collection

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1?: What exactly is an iced mochi?? An iced mochi is a core of ice cream wrapped in a thin layer of glutinous rice dough (the mochi). This slightly sweet and chewy dough creates a highly appreciated textural contrast with the melting ice cream.

Q2?: Where can I find Asian ice creams in the UK?? You can find a growing selection in Asian grocery stores and some supermarkets. The easiest option is to turn to an online Asian grocery store, which often offers a vast choice of imported brands and flavours with home delivery.

Q3?: Is red bean ice cream really made with beans?? Yes, but don't think for a second it tastes like savoury beans?! It's made from azuki beans, a small red variety. They are slow-cooked with sugar to form a sweet, smooth, and creamy paste, with a flavour very similar to that of chestnut cream. It's a staple ingredient in pastries and desserts across East Asia.