Get ready to indulge in creamy, fruity, and frozen confections this summer. Join us on a dessert trail around the world, as we dive into a melange of flavours for that instant sweet chill!
By ARZOO DINA

Summer Pudding, UK

The name says it all! A quintessential British dessert, this dish comprises white bread slices lined in a bowl and layered with lush summer fruits such as raspberries, red currants, blackberries, or even strawberries, cooked in a sugar syrup. The leftover juice of this sweet mixture is then poured over the bread and softened berries. For the final step, this entire creation is refrigerated till it sets. The result is a gorgeous, blushing dessert served with a dollop of fresh cream.
Try it at: The Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair, London.

Key Lime Pie, USA

Nothing says summer more than the zesty flavours of lime. And in Florida, believed to be the birthplace of this dessert, key lime
pie reigns supreme as the ultimate summer treat! With a yummy graham cracker crust as its base, the creamy, pudding-like filling is made with key lime zest, lime juice, condensed milk, and egg yolks. Serve it chilled with whipped cream or meringue on top for
a taste of bliss!
Try it at: Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe in Florida.

Halo-Halo, Philippines

This vibrant, purple-coloured dessert gets its signature hue from the use of ube or purple yam, a tuber native to Philippines. The name literally translates to ‘mix-mix’—and that’s exactly how it’s prepared! It’s typically served in a tall glass filled with shaved ice, tapioca pearls, jackfruit, leche flan (caramel custard), condensed milk, coconut jelly, saba bananas, mung beans, and topped with generous scoops of ube ice cream. A riot of fl avours and textures!
Try it at: Kabigting’s Halo-Halo in Manila.

Falooda, India

This heavenly rose-coloured drink-dessert is synonymous with Indian summers. Believed to have its origins in Persia, the much-loved version we consume today is a decadent concoction of vermicelli or falooda sev (usually made with corn starch),
sabja (basil) seeds, rose syrup or Roohafza, jelly, milk, and ice cream. You will also find several iterations across the country, that include Indian milk-based desserts like kulfi, rabri, or phirni falooda, along with flavours that range from mango to kesar-pista (saffron-pistachio) and even chocolate!
Try it at: Badshah Cold Drink in Mumbai’s Crawford Market, and Roshan Di Kulfi in Delhi.

Tub Tim Krob, Thailand

Best enjoyed on a hot summer day, this coconut milk-infused treat is often dubbed the ‘Red Rubies dessert’—all thanks to the ruby-hued pieces of water chestnut, coated in red food colouring and tapioca flavour. These are then added to a preparation of sweetened coconut milk, pandan leaves, and shaved ice for a deliciously
cooling climax to a meal!
Try it at: Tub Tim Krob Siam in Bangkok.

Paleta, Mexico

A frozen treat on a stick! Instead of using artificial colours, these icy desserts are made with the pulp of fresh fruits. Creamy versions are also available, featuring chocolate, condensed milk, or yoghurt. The flavours are quite tropical and the options to experiment with the paleta are endless! Think spiced pineapple, tamarind, coconut, and passionfruit, or even unique
flavours like goat milk, rice milk, and avocado.
Try it at: Bendita Paleta in Mexico City.

Midsummer Cake, Sweden

This scrumptious dessert, known locally as jordgubbstårta, is a pretty cake featuring at least three layers of an airy vanilla sponge, interspersed with vanilla cream and strawberry jam, and topped off with whipped cream and more strawberries! Best enjoyed at a midsummer picnic, it’s the perfect embodiment of summer with its fruity flavour profile and exquisite appearance.
Truly Instagram worthy!
Try it at: Vete-Katten in Stockholm.

Related: 7 Refreshing Dishes That Will Amp Up Your Spring Culinary Spread!