Everything You Need to Know About Bingsu

If you’re a dessert lover, you might have heard about Bingsu, a popular shaved ice dessert that originated in Korea. But what exactly is Bingsu, and what makes it so special? In this article, we’ll answer all your questions about Bingsu, from its ingredients to why is so popular.

1. What is bingsu?

Shaved ice with a selection of sweet toppings is the basis for the famous Korean delicacy known as bingsu (or patbingsu). It’s the ideal sweet treat for hot summer days since it’s both refreshing and delicious.

To make bingsu, a block of ice is shaved into fine, delicate snowflakes that melt in your mouth. The shaved ice is then topped with sweetened condensed milk, fruit, beans, nuts, syrup, and other sweet toppings.

Traditionally, bingsu is made with milk, but some variations use water instead. The type of milk used can vary depending on the recipe and the toppings. Bingsu is different from ice cream and shaved ice in that it has a lighter, fluffier texture than ice cream and is typically served with a variety of toppings that give it a unique flavor.

Some of the most famous bingsu flavors include mango, strawberry, green tea, and red bean. However, there are many variations of bingsu, and you can find it with a wide range of toppings, from candy and cookies to cereal and nuts.

2. Why is bingsu so popular?

Bingsu is gaining popularity in Southeast Asia as a result of its one-of-a-kind flavor and texture, both of which are enjoyed by the region’s natives. For a number of different reasons, the Korean dessert known as bingsu, which is made up of shaved ice that is topped with a variety of different toppings, has become more popular across Southeast Asia:

Refreshing and Cooling

Southeast Asia has a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity. Bingsu provides a refreshing and cooling treat, making it particularly appealing in these hot and humid regions.

Influence of the Korean Wave

The Korean Wave, also known as Hallyu, refers to the global popularity of South Korean entertainment, including music, dramas, movies, and food. Korean pop culture has gained significant traction in Southeast Asia, and as a result, Korean desserts like bingsu have become trendy and sought after.

Variety and Customization

Bingsu offers a wide range of flavors and toppings, allowing for customization according to personal preferences. From traditional options like red bean or matcha to more innovative combinations like fruit, chocolate, or even savory toppings, bingsu provides a diverse selection that appeals to different taste preferences.

Instagrammable Aesthetic

Bingsu is well-known for having a presentation that is pleasing to the eye. A visually appealing dish is created when multicolored toppings are artistically arranged on top of a bed of fluffy shaved ice. This delicacy is frequently shared on social media platforms like Instagram because of its appealing appearance. People like taking pictures of their food and sharing them online, and one factor that has led to the rise in popularity of bingsu is its visual appeal.

Social Experience

Bingsu is often enjoyed with friends or family, making it a social activity. Many bingsu cafes provide cozy and inviting atmospheres, creating a pleasant environment for people to gather and socialize over a shared dessert. This communal aspect adds to the popularity of bingsu as a social experience.

3. The difference between bingsu and other shaved ice

There are various types of bingsu, and each type has its unique flavor and ingredients. Bingsu has slightly different names and production methods due to different regions. Some of the popular types of bingsu include:

Kakigōri

Kakigōri is a popular Japanese dessert that is very similar to bingsu.

The key difference between bingsu and kakigōri is the texture of the shaved ice. Kakigōri is typically much finer and fluffier than bingsu, which can give it a slightly different mouthfeel. Additionally, the toppings used on kakigōri tend to be simpler and more traditional, such as green tea, red bean paste, and mochi.

Tshuah-ping

Tshuah-ping is a Taiwanese dessert that is similar to shaved ice but with some unique variations. It is made by shaving a block of ice and then adding a variety of toppings and syrups on top. Unlike some other shaved ice desserts, tshuah-ping typically uses flavored syrups made from natural ingredients like fruits and flowers, as opposed to artificial syrups. Some popular toppings for tshuah-ping include fresh fruit, sweetened condensed milk, red bean paste, and taro balls.

Halo-halo

Halo-halo is a popular Filipino dessert that is similar to Bingsu. It is made with shaved ice and a mix of different sweet ingredients such as boiled sweet beans, tapioca pearls, coconut, jackfruit, and other fruits. Halo-halo also typically includes evaporated milk and a scoop of ice cream on top, making it a rich and indulgent treat.

While similar to Bingsu in its use of shaved ice and various toppings, Halo-halo has a distinct Filipino twist with its inclusion of beans and other unique ingredients.

Es campur and Es teler

Es campur and Es teler are Indonesian shaved ice desserts that are similar to Bingsu. Es campur, which means “mixed ice,” is made by shaving ice and then adding various ingredients such as fruit, jelly, and sweet syrup. The ingredients can vary depending on the region, but common additions include avocado, jackfruit, grass jelly, and palm sugar syrup. Es teler, on the other hand, is made by mixing shaved ice with sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk and then topping it with diced avocado, jackfruit, and other fruits.

Namkhaeng sai and O-aew

Namkhaeng sai and O-aew are popular shaved ice desserts in Thailand. Namkhaeng sai is a traditional Thai dessert that features shaved ice, sweet syrup, and various toppings such as fruit, beans, and jelly. The toppings may vary depending on the region or the individual vendor, but they usually include ingredients such as palm seeds, corn, jackfruit, and water chestnuts. Namkhaeng sai is often served in a tall glass or a bowl and is enjoyed as a refreshing treat during the hot and humid Thai summers.

O-aew, on the other hand, is a Chinese-style shaved ice dessert that is also popular in Thailand. It consists of shaved ice, sweet syrup, and a mix of toppings such as grass jelly, red beans, fruit, and tapioca pearls. The dessert is known for its unique texture and flavor, which is a combination of sweet, creamy, and chewy.

Ais Kacang (ABC, Ice Kacang)

Ais Kacang, also known as ABC (Air Batu Campur) or Ice Kacang, is a popular shaved ice dessert from Malaysia and Singapore. The name “Ais Kacang” means “ice beans,” which refers to the red beans commonly used in the dessert.

The dessert is made by shaving a block of ice and topping it with various sweet ingredients such as sweet corn, grass jelly, red beans, attap chee (palm seed), and syrup. It may also include other toppings like fruits, jellies, and nuts. A generous drizzle of condensed milk is often added to give it a creamy and sweet taste.

Grattachecca

Grattachecca is a type of shaved ice dessert that originated in Italy. It is made with shaved ice that is flavored with fruit syrup, such as lemon, strawberry, or raspberry, and is typically served in a cup or bowl with fresh fruit pieces on top. Unlike other types of shaved ice desserts, Grattachecca is served as a granita, meaning that the ice is coarser than the finely shaved ice used in Bingsu or Kakigōri.

Hawaiian shaved ice

Hawaiian shaved ice, also known as shave ice, is a popular treat in Hawaii that has its roots in Japanese and Korean shaved ice desserts. It is made by shaving a block of ice with a special machine to create a fluffy, snow-like texture. The ice is then topped with flavored syrups, which can be traditional flavors like strawberry or blue raspberry, or local flavors like pineapple, mango, or li hing mui.

4. Advantages of getting a bingsu machine

Getting a bingsu machine can be a great addition to your kitchen or business for several reasons:

Convenience

If you own a bingsu machine, you will be able to manufacture bingsu, a famous Korean shaved ice delicacy, whenever you want, rather of having to rely on purchasing it from a store or a restaurant when you feel like having some. This reviving treat is perfect at any time of the year, but it is especially welcome during the warm months of summer.

Customization

You have full authority over the ingredients and flavors of your bingsu when you make it with a machine specifically designed for the dessert. You may experiment with various combinations of shaved ice, fruits, syrups, toppings, and other ingredients to create a dessert that is tailored to your personal tastes in flavor or to the preferences of your customers.

Cost Savings

If you are someone who consumes bingsu on a regular basis or manages a company that sells it, investing in a bingsu machine may prove to be more cost-effective for you in the long run. You can make your own bingsu at a reduced cost per serving if you buy the ingredients in bulk and make it yourself rather than purchasing it in individual servings. This might end up saving you money in the long run.

Business Potential

If you own a cafe, dessert shop, or restaurant, offering bingsu can attract customers and differentiate your establishment from competitors. Bingsu has gained popularity globally, and having a bingsu machine allows you to add this trendy and visually appealing dessert to your menu, potentially increasing sales and attracting new customers.

Entertainment

In addition, a bingsu machine may serve as a source of entertainment, which is especially useful for those who arrange get-togethers or parties. Guests may have a great time personalizing their own bingsu masterpieces, choosing their preferred toppings, and then enjoying a dessert that is both delectable and revitalizing together.

Conclusion

If you want to offer bingsu at your workplace, purchasing a bingsu machine is a smart investment that will pay off in the long run. You can make bingsu whenever you want, which is quite handy, and you may experiment with a wide variety of taste combinations and components with this method. Due to the fact that bingsu is a novel and well-liked dessert option, businesses, in particular, may find that investing in the long-term ownership of a bingsu machine is to their advantage.

Introducing our ultimate machine for creating the perfect bingsu — the Bingsu Machine! You’ll have the ability to make the tastiest and most refreshing bingsu sweets in your business with the help of this robust equipment, which is intended to crush ice into a thin, snow-like texture in a matter of seconds.