Summer Food in Japan: Sesame Ice Cream

Summer is here, as well as its hot and humid weather. So, we naturally find ways to cool ourselves usually by drinking or eating something cold, like ice cream. Japan has various flavors of ice cream from the good to the weird--- I’ve had jellyfish ice cream before in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture. However, I will not discuss those bizarre ice cream flavors, but instead one of my favorites--- sesame ice cream.

First time having Sesame Ice Cream

Also known as goma (ごま), I didn’t know of this ice cream flavor until I came to Japan 7 years ago. My friend told me about it and she really liked it. I knew what sesame was but only as an ingredient for savory food or bread and not as an ice cream flavor. That’s why I was curious to try it out.

When I finally had it, I was first surprised by its ash color and how good it was. It wasn’t overpowering and it just had the right sweetness to it. It doesn’t make me feel thirsty after eating it.

I ate my first sesame ice cream when a friend of mine took me to a park (I can’t remember the name, sorry) in Sagae, Yamagata Prefecture during autumn. That memory is kind of blurry but I can recall that it was closing time when my friend and I got to the park. However, we were lucky that we were able to buy the ice cream and I enjoyed it very much, even though the weather was cold.

Where to buy it?

Although it’s one of my favorite flavors, I don’t often buy sesame ice cream. It’s because I rarely see it in supermarkets or convenience stores. I frequently find it in restaurants, at ice cream stands, or in shops, which are usually not close to where I live or at the ice cream kiosks that usually pop up when the weather starts to become warmer.

Where’s the best Sesame Ice Cream?

I actually don’t know where to find the best sesame ice cream in Japan. If you do, please tell me.

So far, all of the sesame ice cream that I’ve tasted has all tasted the same. It’s not a bad thing, it’s quite good (at least for me), because I know wherever I go it will taste good. Flavors like chocolate and (especially) mango are often a hit and miss. For example, chocolate can be too sweet, creamy, or a little bitter (which I prefer), making it very unpredictable. Hence, I rarely buy chocolate ice cream.

Sesame Ice Cream during Summer!

Even though I’m not fond of Japan's summer hot weather, I always look forward to the season because of Japan’s beautiful flower gardens and ice cream--- it’s a fun and delicious way to feel refreshed. Although I like this cold snack, I’m not a fan of cold weather, so I don’t eat it in winter or autumn (except for the first time I had sesame ice cream). Hence, I could only enjoy it during warm periods of spring and summer.

My husband and I both like Sesame flavor

Last year, I didn’t have sesame ice cream, because I avoided eating out. When I travel, I have a meal at the hotel I’m staying in or in the car. So this year, I’ll enjoy eating sesame ice cream as much as I can, because there’s a store near my house that sells it!

How about you? What's your favorite ice cream flavor and what flavor in Japan has surprised you?