Jane GalvezFilipinos have a knack for adding unique twists to everyday things, showcasing their creativity in everything they do. This extends to ice cream flavors, as they often go beyond the traditional vanilla or chocolate. Why stick with the ordinary strawberry when there’s a world of exciting flavours just waiting to be discovered?
Also read: Get Your Sweet Fix at These 7 Dessert Specialty Restaurants in the Philippines
1. Crocodile Ice Cream
Image credit: Philippine Information Agency
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: Azon’s Lechon | X
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: Km. 7 Mc Arthur Highway, Bangkal, Barangay Talomo, 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 | Facebook
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)
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: Sebastian’s Ice Cream | Facebook
A tangy and tart ice cream topped with salty bagoong creates a uniquely flavoured and seasoned treat. It might not appeal to everyone, but it’s a beloved favorite for many. In fact, it’s been a staple on menus for years.
Where to get it: Sebastian’s Ice Cream, Fourth Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Centre, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
7. Champorado and Dilis
Image credit: Sebastian’s Ice Cream | Facebook
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, Fourth Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Centre, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
Also read: 11 Popular Filipino Viands to Sink Your Teeth Into
8. Mangga at Suman (Mango and Suman)
Image credit: Manila Creamery | Facebook
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, Katipunan Ave, Quezon City
9. Tamarind Chili Sorbet
Image credit: Carousel Creamery | Instagram
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
10. Taho Gelato
Image credit: BONO Gelato | Facebook
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, Century City Mall, Kalayaan Ave, Makati
Also read: 15 Unique Ice Cream Flavours in Singapore That Buzzfeed Forgot to Insult
11. Sampaguita Ice Cream
Image credit: buddhabanana | Instagram
This ice cream is undeniably fragrant. Sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines, infuses this vanilla-based ice cream with a delightful aroma that makes it truly memorable.
Where to get it: ILUSTRADO Restaurant, 744 Cabildo Street, corner Recoletos St, Intramuros, Manila
12. Guyabano Ice Cream
Image credit: Sebastian’s Ice Cream | Facebook
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: Sebastian’s Ice Cream, Fourth Floor, The Podium, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Centre, Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
13. Tinutong Rice Gelato
Image credit: Manila Creamery | Facebook
Nothing says Filipino like rice ice cream, and tinutong na kanin (burnt rice) takes it to a whole new level. This sweet and slightly toasty gelato is a must-try at Manila Creamery, alongside other unique flavour.
Where to get it: Manila Creamery branches
14. Davao Meets Bicol
Image credit: Papa Diddi’s Handcrafted Ice Cream | Instagram
Davao Meets Bicol from Papa Diddi’s is a playful fusion of Davao’s rich dark chocolate and Bicol’s fiery sili (chili). The perfect balance of sweetness, chocolate, and a touch of spice makes it incredibly addictive.
Where to get it: Papa Diddi’s branches
15. Shoyu Caramel Ice Cream
Image credit: Kurimu | Website
Prepare to be surprised. Kurimu, a premium handcrafted ice cream brand, takes a bold and unexpected approach with their Shoyu Caramel ice cream. By incorporating soy sauce or shoyu, they’ve created a unique flavor that perfectly balances sweet and savoury notes. The result is a complex caramel experience with a hint of umami that will tantalise your taste buds.
Where to get it: 1F Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
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?
