After a short dip into fall-like temperatures, the heat is back. Celebrate the return of summer with Linger‘s Taiwanese shaved ice. This cool treat eats like ice cream but is made with thinly shaved, flavored ice. The dessert is popular in China and Taiwan, and there are similar versions found in Hawaii and Singapore.

Ordering shaved ice is like building a sundae: You select a flavor such as Thai tea (my favorite) or matcha, or dairy-free options like coconut or coffee. Then you choose three toppings like the don’t-miss corn milk crumble, fresh fruit, or popping pearls (which are similar to boba). Lastly, you add a sauce like dulce de leche, sweetened condensed milk, or berry coulis. Servings are huge, and when the dessert arrives, you won’t believe something so rich and satisfying could be crafted out of ice.

Bonus: The treat can easily be made vegan and/or gluten-free, and you can order it to go.

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—Photo by Lauren DeFilippo

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.