Updated May 20, 2022. NoVA is packed with great places to cool down with some ice cream, but even cooler? You can take a global tour while you do it. From Mexico to India, Iran to Italy, these are some of our favorite places to get a frozen taste of the world without venturing far from home.
Mamey Ice Cream: La Neveria Michoacana
This Mexican dessert emporium has paletas (popsicles) aplenty and serves up its fair share of mangonadas, but when you’re in the mood for ice cream, it’s also got you covered. We love the mamey, made from fruit so fresh you’re sure to encounter a shard of pit or two as you make your way through a scoop. 11420 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Woodbridge
Sizzling Brownie Sundae: Dessert Lounge
A fudgy brownie is one thing; a choice of desi ice cream flavors is yet another. Make it all sizzle, and you’ve got yourself a dessert you’ll want to order again and again. Choose two scoops wisely, but whether it’s floral kulfi faloodeh, fruity chikoo, or complexly spiced thandai, you’re sure to pick a winner worthy of a trip to India. 348 Elden St., Herndon
Crushing on U-Bae: Smash’D Creamery
Ube, a purple yam common in Filipino cuisine, practically exists to be made into sweet scoops. Here, you can try it as soft serve or as Thai-style rolled ice cream. The latter comes with all the toppings you want, but be careful not to overwhelm the mild flavor of the tuber. 10427 North St., Ste. 103, Fairfax
Alborz Mix: Alborz Persian Restaurant
Persian ice cream, known as bastani, is an embarrassment of delicious luxuries: strands of saffron color the scoops, also dotted with pistachios and flavored with rosewater. This restaurant nestles its homemade version next to paludeh, an icy indulgence woven with vermicelli. 8417 Old Courthouse Rd., Vienna
Chocolate Gelato: Ciao Gelato
There’s more than 20 flavors, including everything from birthday cake to toasted marshmallow, but there’s nothing wrong with a classic that’s prepared well. Made with milk, Italian gelato is lower fat than typical ice cream, so that rich cacao feels surprisingly light on the tongue. 14117 Saint Germain Dr., Centreville
This post originally appeared in our August 2020 print issue. For more food features, subscribe to our Food newsletter.
