While ice cream shops in Paris are always bustling, another frozen treat is beginning to make its way into the diets of sweet tooths. Its name: kakigōri (or bingsu in its Korean version). In Japan, this specialty is synonymous with summer. It consists of ice finely shaved until it has an almost cotton-like texture, then topped with syrups, fruit, condensed milk, or even matcha.
At first glance, you might mistake it for simple crushed ice. In reality, the result is very different. The ice cream is prepared with such finesse that it melts almost instantly in your mouth. Lighter than regular ice cream and particularly refreshing, it has become one of the stars of Japanese summers.
In Paris, several establishments inspired by Japanese culture have begun offering their own versions—sometimes very traditional, sometimes with a French twist. Among the best-known spots is Shodai Matcha. This shop, which specializes in matcha tea, regularly features bingsu with Japanese flavors, paying particular attention to ingredients and textures.
In the Japanese quarter on Rue Sainte-Anne, Mochi Mochi Aki is also a go-to spot for discovering traditional Japanese desserts. The shop is best known for its mochi, but during the summer season it also offers several Japanese-inspired ice cream specialties.
Another favorite spot for lovers of Japanese sweets is Toraya. This institution, founded in Japan in the 16th century, has an elegant tea house near Place de la Concorde. When temperatures rise, its frozen desserts and green tea-based creations attract many curious visitors.
In the Marais neighborhood, Ogata takes a more contemporary approach. This space dedicated to the Japanese art of living regularly offers seasonal desserts inspired by the country’s traditions, including various versions of kakigōri.
Finally, fans of Japanese pastries can also keep an eye out for the summer creations of Sadaharu Aoki, a leading figure in the Franco-Japanese culinary scene in Paris. Frozen desserts and flavors like matcha, yuzu, and black sesame often take center stage during the hottest months.
While kakigōri is still relatively unknown in France, its popularity continues to grow. Lighter than Italian gelato and more spectacular than a simple granita, it perfectly satisfies summer’s craving for something refreshing. And judging by the growing number of places offering it in Paris, this Japanese specialty could very well become one of the must-try treats of the coming summers!
