What is Bingsu? The Traditional and Popular Korean Shaved Ice Dish
By Lisa Bot | Published 9 September 2023
Everything You Need To Know About Bingsu
What is Bingsu?
Bingsu is your ultimate sweet celebration on those hot, humid days. This Korean delicacy, commonly savoured at the local dessert shop or bingsu shop, features fine shavings of ice, much like a mini snow mountain bathed in sweeteners, thanks to the addition of condensed milk. The dish often gets a cap of delightful and varied toppings. This could range from refreshing fruits, crunchy nuts, or even the traditional taste of red bean paste.
For those with a more adventurous palate, there's the yogurt bingsu - a unique twist on the traditional dish. Bingsu is not just a ticket to satisfy your sweet cravings but also a much-needed oasis in the midst of an overwhelming summer heatwave. This frozen dessert isn't limited to Korea now, as some of the best shops are expanding overseas, letting you relish an authentic bingsu experience, right in your local Koreatown.
Origin of Bingsu
The roots of Bingsu date back to the Joseon era in Korea (1392–1897). An appetising delight that first appeared during the Joseon Dynasty through trade with China, it was initially enjoyed by the royalty and the aristocracy. Famously consumed to lower body temperatures during hot days, this icy treat topped with various fruits, often included ingredients reminiscent of the dessert baobing.
Bingsu preparation involved using ice sourced from ancient Korean ice storages known as seokbinggo, similar to the noteworthy 'Seobingo', which was a Joseon Dynasty government office managing a royal ice warehouse. With the introduction of refrigeration in the early 20th century, Bingsu transformed from a luxury to a dessert for everyone, solidifying its place as a perennial favourite. Modern Bingsu, as we know it today, emerged in Taegeukdang, the oldest bakery in Seoul, post-Korean War, and is adorned with richer ingredients like cereals, syrups, ice creams, or whipped creams.
What's the Difference Between Bing Su, Patbingsu, Bing Soo, And Patbingsoo?
Heads spinning with the variety of names? You're not alone! Essentially, Bing Su, Bing Soo, Patbingsu and Patbingsoo all refer to the same delectable treat. 'Bing Su' and 'Bing Soo' refer to the basic concept -- a dessert composed of shaved ice and sweet toppings.
Patbingsu and Patbingsoo, on the other hand, denote the old-school version of the treat where 'Pat', the red bean paste, is a crucial ingredient. In essence, 'Pat' refers to red bean, 'Bing' stands for ice, and 'Su' or 'Soo' translates to water. The terms are used interchangeably with the difference arising primarily from phonetic translation from Korean to English.
Delving into the World of Bingsu
Traditional and Modern Flavours of Bingsu
Bingsu is an art form, showcasing traditional and modern flavours. Traditional Bingsu boasts the mild sweetness of Pat (red bean paste), chewy Injeolmi (Korean soybean mochi) that gives a creamy, nutty taste, and the refreshing Matcha Bingsu which encompasses green tea. These classical flavours, expanded with the addition of other beloved toppings like chopped fruits and sweetened condensed milk, laid the foundation for the Bingsu we know today, endearing this dessert to Koreans and visitors alike.
However, Bingsu's charm also lies in its versatility, adapting to modern culinary trends and international tastes. On the flip side of the spectrum, you can discover chocolate Bingsu, a favourite among the lovers of all things sweet, embellished with candy, cookies, and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. Experimenting doesn't stop here; you'll also find unique variations like coffee, strawberry, yogurt or gelato Bingsu, all ceremoniously topped with fresh fruits, cereals, or even wafers. This dessert is indeed a delightful marriage of tradition and innovation, making Bingsu an exciting and diverse dessert no matter where you are.
Popular Bingsu Varieties and Their Ingredients
Each variation of Bingsu is delightful in its uniqueness. Characterised by a rich base of ice shavings, these Korean desserts are adorned with mouth-watering ingredients. Let's take a sneak peek at some of the popular Bingsu varieties and their ingredients:
- Patbingsu (팥빙수): This traditional variety is a feast of red bean paste, condensed milk, and misugaru (a roasted grain powder), often adorned with chunky rice cake squares and a sweetener for that extra bite.
- Matcha Bingsu (녹차 빙수): A tempting fusion of East meets West, this Bingsu is infused with a distinct green tea flavour, dusted with green tea powder, accompanied by chewy mochi, and sweetened red beans for a balanced treat.
- Strawberry Bingsu (딸기 빙수): As delightful as a summer's day, this bowlful features fresh strawberries illuminated with a drizzle of strawberry syrup, and often a scoop of strawberry ice cream often enhanced subtly with banana slices for an extra layer of flavour.
- Mango Bingsu (망고 빙수): A tropical sensation, this Bingsu is loaded with luscious chunks of mango, a generous splash of mango syrup, and garnished with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, complete with the optional drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Whether you try them in Korea or recreate these dessert features at home, each spoonful of Bingsu promises an explosion of flavours!
The Art of Making Bingsu
Detailed Items Required for Bingsu Preparation
Intrigued to make Bingsu right at your kitchen? First things first, you'll need to gather your necessary utensils—including a food processor (preferably one with a grater attachment) and ingredients. Here's a list to keep handy:
Ingredients:
- Milk
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Bingsu tteok (mini mochi rice cakes)
- Red beans (for patbingsu)
- Misugaru (for patbingsu)
- Bingsu-friendly toppings: sweet red beans paste, injeolmi tteok, roasted soybean powder, syrup (of your choice), fruit, whipped cream
Utensils:
- Food processor with a grater attachment (can replace the electric ice shaver or high-speed blender)
- Ice tray
- Chilled bowl
- Spoons/measuring cups
- Ice cream scoop
As you plan your Bingsu adventure, keep in mind that you'll have to prepare a few elements of Bingsu in advance. For example, freezing a mixture of whole milk and sweetened condensed milk will take at least five hours. Prepping your chosen toppings with your food processor ahead of time ensures when the ice is ready, you can quickly assemble your dish and enjoy your delicious, homemade Bingsu.
Easy-to-follow Instructions to Make Perfect Bingsu
Making Bingsu at home is a breeze, even without fancy equipment! Here’s a step-by-step guideline on how to bring this Korean delight to your table:
- For traditional patbingsu, add 2-3 tablespoons of red beans and drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk on top, and a few chewy rice cakes chunks.
- For matcha bingsu, top the ice with 2-3 tablespoons of red beans, drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk and 2 tablespoons of matcha syrup, and finish with rice cake chunks and green tea ice cream.
- For fruity varieties like strawberry/mango bingsu, layer with your chosen fruits and drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk.
Remember — Bingsu is all about indulging your sweet tooth, so feel free to get creative (and generous!) with your toppings.
Eating Bingsu, More Than Just a Dessert
How to Savour Bingsu - Tips and Techniques
Eating Bingsu is an art of its own! Here's a tip to enhance your favourite Bingsu experience: stir and mix all components together before taking that first spoonful. Doing this allows each component to blend well, ensuring that you get a little bit of everything in every bite, from the creamy shaved ice to the oozy sweetened milk to your choice of flavour toppings. You could opt for the classic and longtime favourite, pat bingsu which is served with red bean paste, or explore other varieties as the dessert changes with the seasons.
Moreover, since Bingsu is designed to please both your taste buds and your eyes, please don't rush— savour each bite. As you spoon into the mountain of ice and the variety of toppings, take a moment to appreciate the harmony of the textures and flavours coming together in this sensational dessert. After all, eating Bingsu is more than just a dessert, it's a journey of immersive, indulgent experience. As the seasons change, different fruits are in their prime, allowing for new tastes of this snowy dessert.
When is the Best Time to Enjoy Bingsu?
There's never a wrong time to enjoy Bingsu! However, this delightful Korean soul food is especially refreshing in the sweltering heat of the summertime. Its cool, soothing nature is the ideal antidote to the scorching summer sun, thus, making it a favoured treat during the warmer months. Advent into the season of warmth invariably kickstarts the craving for this icy dish.
Interestingly, there is a contrasting tradition of savouring Bingsu on the coldest day of winter! With the ingredients changing alongside the seasons (strawberries in spring, mango and melon in summer, persimmons in autumn, kiwi and apple in winter), each passing season brings the advent of a new Bingsu adventure right on your plate. So, regardless of it being a sweltering afternoon or a freezing evening, Bingsu is always a sumptuous idea!
Where to Find the Best Bingsu
Renowned Bingsu Spots in Korea
Korea is the paradise of Bingsu enthusiasts. Let's browse some of the most renowned Bingsu spots that you simply can't miss, some even part of a larger franchise:
- Sweet-and Cafe in Daegu: Famous for its unusual Jjajangmyeon Bingsu, an inspired dessert with the flavours of the well-loved Korean noodle dish. It’s a visual and gastronomical delight.
- Scubas' Cafe in Jeju: This cafe impresses with its innovative Okdom Bingsu, drawn inspiration from a local sea bream.
- JW Marriott Hotel, Seoul: The luxurious Galaxy Bingsu, beautifully crafted with a touch of opulence. Served in a jewel-like crystal bowl, it's a must-try when in Seoul.
- Sulbing: Part of the Sulbing Bingsu franchise chain with over 500 stalls in South Korea, Sulbing is perhaps the most well-known Bingsu chain. Offering an extensive variety of Bingsu, this cafe, known for its high quality and beautifully made Bingsus, is an essential visit for Bingsu lovers.
There's a Bingsu to suit every palate, and each location brings a unique spin on this popular dessert. So whether you frequent a bustling cafe, a hidden gem in a quiet alleyway or a popular franchise, rest assured, a delightful Bingsu experience awaits you.
Where to Get Bingsoo Outside of Korea
As the popularity of Korean culture and cuisine flourishes, Bingsu has embarked on a global journey, tantalising sweet-toothed patrons worldwide! Historically, its first appearance occurred during the Joseon Dynasty through trade with China, where it was named baobing, a dessert created by mixing ice and fruit to lower the body temperature on hot days. Outside of Korea and China, as well as Japan, you might come across these coveted havens of Bingsu excellence):
- Dear Fro in Scarborough, Canada: Known for its original and inventive Bingsu varieties. A must-visit for those in Canada!
- Soul Cafe, North York, Canada: With 2 locations in North York and 1 in Scarborough, this café serves delightful Bingsu in a cosy setting.
- Asian dessert cafes and bakeries in China and Japan: In countries with a pronounced Asian influence (like Southeast Asian nations, or areas with a strong Korean minority like Koreatown in LA), dessert cafes in China and Japan, and local bakeries also serve heavenly Bingsu.
Here in Sydney, Australia, we've taste tested many bowls of Bingsu to find the best in town. Read our article, Top 5 Patbingsu in Sydney, to find out our favourites.
Of course, you could always bring the colourful world of Bingsu right to your kitchen, crafting your perfect variation of this chilled dessert that has roots in both China and Japan. Remember - where there's a will (and sweet tooth), there's Bingsu!
FAQ
Does Bingsu Have Various Types?
Indeed, Bingsu is a dessert of many delightful faces! This frozen delicacy comes in various forms — from the traditional Patbingsu, a longtime favourite packed with red bean paste and rice cake squares, to innovative versions brimming with matcha or decorated with lavender and black sesame! The enchantment of Bingsu lies in its versatility. You could savour this beloved dessert adapted to your preference: be it fruity, creamy, nutty, or even coffee-flavoured. So, answer to 'Does Bingsu have various types?' is a resounding yes - and each version seems to be a favourite, more delicious than the preceding one!
How Much Does Bingsu Cost in Korea?
The price of Bingsu in Korea can vary substantially, depending on where you choose to indulge and the type of Bingsu you opt for. Bingsu, this much enjoyed frozen delicacy, has a wide range of prices. At typical dessert cafes or street food vendors, Bingsu costs from W8,000 to W15,000. However, if you're feeling lavish, luxury versions of this delicacy can be found at high-end hotels or specialty restaurants, where a Bingsu offering can reach up to W126,000, like the Citrus Pavlova Bingsu at Maru, Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul. So, it's safe to say, there's a Bingsu delicacy for every budget in Korea. Bon appétit!
What Are Some Unique Bingsu Recipes to Try at Home?
Unleash your creativity with these unique Bingsu recipes :
- Split Bingsu: Can't decide on your favourite flavour? Why not have two? Try traditional Mango Smoothie with Tapioca for a tropical vibe, or a Nutty flake combo for an earthy surprise. This variant is perfect for moments of indecisiveness.
- Macaroon Bingsu: Enhance your Bingsu experience with a hint of Parisian elegance, using colourful French macaroons as the attachment. They don't just appeal visually, but their slight crunch offers a delightful textural contrast.
- Cheese Bingsu: It may sound daunting, but cheese makes for a special delicacy when combined with sweet! Scoop in some cream cheese, mascarpone or crumbled feta for a tangy, rich twist.
- Oreo Bingsu: A hit among people of all ages, this version calls for Oreo cookies. Crush them into flakes and sprinkle over the ice for added texture, and finalize with a scoop of Oreo ice cream for the ultimate experience.
- Avocado Coconut Bingsu: Prefer a healthier approach? Use a refreshing blend of silky avocado and creamy coconut milk for this tropical flavoured Bingsu.
Remember, Bingsu is all about a delightful exploration, so don't hesitate to combine your favourite flavours and let your imagination fly! Get creative, and you may just create the next big Bingsu sensation.
