Shaved Ice is Asian. Shave Ice is Hawai’ian.
A delicious dessert with the same idea – shavings from a block of ice with different toppings. The ice for both is soft and light, powdery. It’s far different than the crunchiness of a snow cone.
In Asia, Shaved Ice is called many things in the local tongue – Halo-halo in the Philippines, Bao-bing in China, Bingsu in Korea, Teuk kork chus in Cambodia, and Ice kachang in Singapore and Malaysia. Reference to ice desserts in both Japan and China date back to the 11th century. In this early Chinese version, it was made with red bean paste and honey.
Before living in Hawai’i, I was most familiar with Shaved Ice and Ice Kachang. You can find them in all the food courts in Singapore, each business with their variety of toppings. Mostly it comes with condensed milk, which is well-loved in Asia. What about a kopi or local coffee with condensed milk in Singapore?
Shave Ice, Kaua’i
Hawai’i’s Shave Ice originated from Japan. Kakigori, which means “shaved ice,” goes back to the Heian period (794-1185). A luxury, it was only served to royalty. Shave Ice was introduced to Hawai’i by Japanese immigrants who came to work on sugarcane plantations and pineapple fields. To cool off, the workers took off flakes of ice from large blocks and enjoyed it with fruit juice. These days, aside from juice syrups, you can add a variety of treats, such mochi balls and macadamia or other ice-cream. Other toppings include li hing mui powder.
Li hing mui is dried plum of wonders. It’s sweet, salty, and sour. It’s probably an acquired taste, one that I acquired as a kid. Interesting to re-discover it here in Hawai’i, where you find it in Shave Ice, gummy bear candies, drinks, margaritas, etc. This fruit and its unique flavour profile made its way to Hawai’i via the Chinese immigrants who also came to work on the sugarcane plantations.
So far, I’ve sampled Shave Ice from JoJo’s, Wailua Shave Ice, and The Fresh Shave, all here in Kaua’i. Hanalei’s JoJo’s was my very first experience – so delicious with the macadamia-nut ice cream. The next was Wailua Shave Ice, after a gathering at Sukhothai Café. They were still serving their delicious Shave Ice from a cute food truck.
Last year, we tried The Fresh Shave in Koloa. Their difference is using organic ingredients, so no artificial colouring or high fructose corn syrup. It was delicious; unfortunately, the top half fell off.
Mostly, I’ve chosen the fruit juice based Shave Ice. The other day I was in Kapa’a and dropped by Wailua Shave Ice. It’s in the same plaza as Safeway. I got the coconut with haupia foam, which is more coconut, and toasted coconut flakes on top. With coffee. This is my favourite now.
If you’ve had Shaved Ice or Shave Ice, what’s your favourite combo or flavours?
