Grilled ice cubes are a unique street food in China, cooked on a barbecue and gaining popularity among food lovers.
In the world of street food, creativity knows no bounds.
One of the most unusual offerings comes from China, where vendors are grilling ice cubes.
This strange yet intriguing dish has recently caught the attention of food lovers and social media users alike.
The origin of the unusual street food
The trend began in Changsha, a city in Hunan Province.
A video showing a street vendor grilling ice cubes went viral, leaving many people curious and amused.
In the video, the vendor uses a makeshift grill to heat the ice, making it look like a typical barbecue.
This unexpected twist on traditional grilling has quickly become a talking point.
Once the ice cubes are placed on the grill, the vendor adds a variety of seasonings.
These include chili powder, cumin, scallions, and coriander.
The ice transforms into a savory treat that some customers describe as “spicy” and “interesting.”
The combination of hot and cold flavors creates a unique tasting experience.
Customers who have tried the grilled ice cubes share their reactions online. Many say it is a fun and novel dish, even if it sounds strange at first.
The idea of eating ice that has been grilled raises eyebrows, but the taste seems to impress those willing to give it a shot.
In addition to the unique flavor, the presentation adds to the appeal.
Vendors serve the grilled ice in various styles, including in cones or shaped like sculptures.
The preparation of grilled ice requires a certain skill.
Vendors must manage the heat carefully to ensure the ice does not melt too quickly.
This technique involves using just enough fire to warm the ice without ruining its structure.
Some vendors have even developed their own methods to create perfect grilled ice.
The street food’s origin ignited controversy
However, the claim that grilled ice is a specialty from Northeast China has sparked some debate.
A senior engineer from the Harbin Standardisation Research Institute, who has extensive knowledge of regional food, stated that grilled ice cubes are not a traditional snack in that area.
He emphasized that he has never encountered this dish in his years living there.
“There is no such thing as grilled ice cube snacks in the northeast,” he declared.
“This is a fabrication by the street vendor.”
This has led some locals to believe that the vendor may have exaggerated the dish’s origins.
Social media reactions
Despite the controversy over its authenticity, the trend is growing.
Many TikTok videos showcase this unusual food, attracting viewers who are eager to try something new.
The concept of grilling ice has become a hit on social media platforms, where food trends often go viral.
Most impressive part is using chopsticks to pick up a slippery ice cube and maintain it for consumption, one user said.
And he used dehydrated water to make the cubes, the second user commented.
That’s what the United States will be eating, along with fried bugs when the climate globalists are done with us, while we freeze to death and die from heat exhaustion, the third user said.
So its a spicy cup of water… I’ll take mine medium rare, please! Another joked.
I put salt on ice cubes as a kid. It’s pretty tasty, someone recounted.