A Mountain of Flavor

Summer temperatures in Taiwan can be described by many as “hot”, but for me that would be a litotes.  I don’t even like describing the summer heat in Taiwan because thinking about it just gives me sweaty hands and a horrible heat-headache.  The heat on the island of Taiwan is unlike any other: humidity dominates people from the north to the south.  Large amounts of sporadic rainfall help contribute to the unbearable heat that is felt by the Taiwanese people.  Honestly, I would much rather deal with the heat in a desert than try and deal with the heat and humidity of Taiwan.  Luckily, one dessert (not to be confused with desert) in Taiwan makes for the perfect cold treat, a shaved ice dessert called Baobing.

Baobing was invented in Taiwan and has been eaten as early as 7th century AD.  The dessert consists of large amounts of ice shavings that are placed on a plate, ground by a machine, and then topped off with a variety of choices such as fruit, chocolate, ice cream, juicy red beans, sweetened condensed milk, and many others!  My first experience eating Baobing was at a very young age (an age in which I complained about the heat every second of the day) and I could not believe the instant chilling effect that the dessert had on me.  The very thinly shaved ice creates a special light, flaky, and delicate texture that melts in your mouth.  The visual appeal sometimes caused me to feel bad about even eating the dessert.  Colors of every kind can be blended into a beautiful work of art that looks like a mountain of goodness.  It is rare for someone to not enjoy this dessert due to the large selection of flavors available to the consumer.  Baobing is one of many treats offered at Taiwan’s signature night markets.  At some Baobing restaurants, there are lines that one must wait in for upwards to an hour to get one’s hands on Baobing.

Just like many other Taiwanese foods, Baobing has become a trademark of Taiwan.  The popularity of the dessert has caused several chains of Baobing shaved ice shops to open in the west coast, especially in Los Angeles.  Only one restaurant in Philadelphia’s Chinatown called Penang makes Baobing on the east coast (that I can recall).  The only other way to get Baobing would be to try and make it yourself, which is somewhat difficult since a special machine is needed to shave the ice very finely.

The comparison between Baobing and regular iced desserts like ice cream, water ice, and gelato is undeniably… no contest.  Baobing wins by a long shot.  The amount of effort put into making Baobing alone grants it more prestige than its counterparts.  This sounds like major bias, but if you ever decide to travel and happen to see Baobing at a shop, try it out for yourself.  Forget about the number of calories consumed in your day and relax, take out your spoon, bring out your inner child, and bask in the glory of this Taiwanese dessert.  Baobing won’t let you down.