Amratha C.S, New Delhi

Indians have a soft corner for desserts, especially after wholesome meal sweets are an instant yes! No matter how full our tummies are. Now, every country has its own form of dessert, for instance, France is famous for its Macarons, Thai people have their popular Mango Sticky Rice, and Rabri, Gulab jamuns are ubiquitous in India.

As mentioned countries vary and so do their cuisines and mouthwatering desserts. These days, the Korean wave is reaching many countries and India is one of them. If you have ever watched a K-drama or a Korean variety show, I am pretty sure you must have seen this lavish and splendid-looking dessert which they refer to as Binged (빙수). This appetizing dessert from Korea and some other parts of Asia is now making its way to many cafés around the world. It is available in Delhi NCR and Gurgaon. These cities are now also where you see Korean companies and restaurants budding quite fast. Recently these cafés have become one of the most loved hangout places by Indian K-pop and K-culture enthusiasts.

Before I take you on the journey through the Bingsu land like my Korean friends took me. Let’s start from the basics.

What exactly is Bingsu?

Bingsu (빙수), without any argument, has been and still is one of the trending summer desserts in Korea. Bingsu in simple terms can be understood as a Korean shaved ice dessert, similar to how we Indians have Chuski (baraf ka gola). Early versions of Bingsu have many fans like me because of its alluring taste. The classic one is known as patbingsu (팥빙수), which simply means red bean shaved ice. This classic version includes red beans, condensed milk, nuts, bean powder, and sometimes rice cakes are added as well.

When I tried Patbingsu for the first time, I thought it was the only variety of Bingsu available. Like most food or dessert, Bingsutoo seems to be expanding depending on what toppings are added. Nowadays, it is not just made by freezing water into a block of ice like the traditional one, instead, Bingsu shavings are now made by mixing and freezing a combination of milk, sugar, and condensed milk and then crushed finely into soft snow like consistency by using a Bingsu machine; later to be collected into a bowl and is topped with a wide variety of fruits like honeydew melon, mango, watermelon, strawberry and so on. Then it is layered with more toppings such as ice cream, condensed milk, and whipped cream syrups. Back in time, this delicious dessert was only available to the wealthy ones in society but now everyone can enjoy this delicacy.

During the course of years, Bingsu has become a trending dessert in Korea and you can quite visibly see it in cafes, restaurants, and some stores too. It is easy to find it in South Korea, especially in summer. Here’s a guide to places you can easily try Bingsu in Delhi NCR. Do share your experience in the comments below!

Dalgrak Café

Where to find: Inside Korean Cultural Centre, A25, Vikram Vihar, Lajpat Nagar IV, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi.

The For’est

Where to find: Building no.38, G.F, Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi.

Sibang Bakery

Where to find: Inside Mega Mall Gurgaon, 245, Golf Course Road, SaraswatiVihar, DLF Phase 1, Sector 28, Gurugram, Haryana.

    Sibang Bakery

Where to find: Inside South Point Mall, First Floor, Shop No 108, Golf Course Road, DLF Phase 5, Sector 53, Gurugram, Haryana.

Bonjuk Café& Restaurant

Where to find: Inside Del Court, DC 26, Jaypee Greens, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Bingsu is an elegant and flavourful Korean dessert that will ease your dessert cravings, no matter how the weather is. Tried and approved by a foodie like me and I am sure once you try it, you too will get to know why it has been gaining popularity these past years. Have you tried your share of it yet?