Cool Off with an Iced Treat!
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, June 1st, 2011
This heat wave is driving me crazy, so in order to keep myself sane while also escaping from this horrid weather, I enjoy munching on cold treats. Korean “Bingsoo” is a popular summer dessert that comes in various flavors. The most traditional flavor is the “Pat Bingsoo” which features sweetened red beans, fresh fruit, and is topped off with shaved ice. There are other flavors such as strawberry, green tea, coffee, and yogurt. The strawberry flavored Bingsoo includes strawberry ice cream, strawberries, and topped off with shaved ice that is drizzled with strawberry syrup. The green tea and coffee flavors are assembled in a similar pattern. Depending on the location, the bakery or café may add in small pieces of “Mochi” (Japanese rice cake) as well. The yogurt flavor is a bit different because instead of having shaved ice, it’s served with fruit and a giant serving of frozen yogurt. Bingsoo generally comes in a relatively large portion, so it’s meant to be shared amongst a few friends. I’m not going to lie though, it starts to get a bit gross as the Bingsoo melts because it will look and feel like you are eating each other’s backwash.
- Left: Yogurt Bingsoo Right: Green Tea and Strawberry Bingsoo (Image: Mai Nguyen/Northern Virginia Magazine)
Do keep in mind that each bakery or cafe will make a slightly different variation of Bingsoo, some may have Mochi, some may not. Some places may serve more fruit while others might include more ice cream. Just in case one place is a miss for you, here are a few places that serve Bingsoo so you can find a place that makes it just right.
Shilla Bakery in Annandale
7039 Little River Tpke
Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 333-2001
Shilla Bakery in Fairfax
3250 Old Lee Hwy
Fairfax, VA 22030
(703) 352-1446
Shilla Bakery in Centreville
6015 Centreville Crest Ln
Centreville, VA 20121
(703) 266-6001
Breeze Bakery Café
4125 Hummer Rd
Annandale, VA 22003
(703) 462-9093
Jireh Bakery Café
13848 Lee Hwy
Centreville, VA 20120
(703) 266-3561
- Mai Nguyen
Tags: bingsoo, frozen desserts, frozen yogurt, Gut Check, Mai Nguyen