Ice cream can take many forms, but it all comes down to a feeling: satisfying and sweet, eaten in the Chicago summer. For this guide of various ice cream options around the city, we looked for more than just scoop shops. We wanted to try dessert styles from around the world.
In the end, we expanded our recommendations from more than just scoops of ice cream to include Italian ice, ice cream bars, paletas and more. This is by no means an exhaustive list of the best ice cream and cold desserts in Chicago. But it is what we’d recommend a friend order when out with us on a hot summer day.
Saffron Persian ice cream at Kabobi Persian and Mediterranean Grill in the Albany Park neighborhood on May 17, 2024. (Ahmed Ali Akbar/Chicago Tribune) Some historians say ice cream was discovered in Persia; Kabobi in the Albany Park neighborhood does actually offer house-made ice cream on their massive menu. The saffron Persian ice cream has an unusual texture that emphasizes the nuts and the aroma of the most expensive spice in the world.
Another must-try if you’ve never had it is faloodeh. Its icey vermicelli-ish noodles are served with cherry syrup and lime or lemon, making it a sweet-and-sour refresher for hot summer nights. The halo-halo ice cream at Kubo Chicago, June 12, 2024.
(Vincent Alban/Chicago Tribune) Halo-halo is one of my go-to Filipino desserts to make at home, but Kubo’s version has all the extra ingredients I normally don’t have on hand, including candied sweet potato .