Beyond the ubiquitous gelato of Italy and the classic parfait of France, the France-based television network Euronews recommends 5 unique ice cream treats deeply rooted in the culinary cultures of several European countries.

Spaghettieis (Germany)

Germany's Spaghettieis offers a playful and surprising experience, shaped to resemble a plate of spaghetti. Vanilla ice cream is pressed through a special device to create "noodles," then topped with strawberry sauce and white chocolate shavings, mimicking Parmesan cheese.

Created in 1969 by Dario Fontanella in Mannheim, Spaghettieis quickly became a beloved treat throughout Germany. Today, it's not only found in famous ice cream parlors but also reimagined in various creative versions.

In Munich, visitors can enjoy Spaghettieis at Eiscafe Sarcletti, a family-run ice cream parlor established in 1879. Eiscafe Sarcletti preserves the traditional flavor and provides an authentic experience. Photo: Meghan Splawn

Brioche con gelato (Italy)

In Sicily, Italy, ice cream isn't just a dessert; it's a popular breakfast. Locals often start their day or cool off in the summer with brioche con gelato – a slightly sweet brioche bun sliced open and filled with gelato, sometimes replaced with granita (fruit-flavored shaved ice). Often topped with whipped cream or nuts, this seemingly extravagant treat is as common as espresso in Sicily.

This tradition, dating back to the 19th century, reflects the Sicilian taste for contrasts: hot and cold, soft and crunchy, rich and refreshing. Classic flavors include hazelnut, almond, and stracciatella (an Italian fresh cheese).

Brioche con gelato is usually served with a spoon, but it can also be enjoyed like a sandwich. You can find it throughout Palermo, Taormina, Noto, and many coastal towns. Don Peppinu in Catania is a renowned establishment that maintains the traditional preparation. Photo: Meghan Splawn

Dondurma (Turkey)

Dondurma, a traditional Turkish ice cream, is typically made with goat's milk, salep flour (derived from orchid roots), mastic resin, and sugar, resulting in a chewy, stretchy, and slow-melting texture. Consequently, dondurma is often eaten with a knife and fork rather than a spoon.

This centuries-old treat originated in Kahramanmaraş in southeastern Turkey. Today, it's available throughout the country, from rural markets to bustling Istanbul streets.

Dondurma vendors often put on a show, flipping the ice cream or stretching it like taffy to attract customers. Some even engage in playful "chases" with patrons. Popular flavors include pistachio, chocolate, and cherry. Adventurous eaters can also try unique versions like saffron almond, clotted cream, or pine-flavored dondurma. In Istanbul, Mado is an ideal place to savor this traditional ice cream in historic locations like Beyoğlu. Photo: Living + Nomads

Cafe liegeois (France)

Cafe liegeois is a delightful fusion of beverage and dessert. Scoops of coffee-flavored ice cream are layered with chilled coffee and topped with Chantilly cream (a rich, smooth cream often flavored with vanilla). Its flavor profile is both intense and slightly bitter, offering a refreshing and invigorating experience.

Originally called cafe viennois, the dessert was renamed cafe liegeois during World War I to honor the people of Liege.

For a classic cafe liegeois in a historic setting, visit Cafe de la Paix in Paris. Located within the Intercontinental Hotel, this 19th-century cafe overlooks the Palais Garnier opera house, exuding Parisian elegance. Photo: Leftbank

Arctic raspberry ice cream (Finland)

Arctic raspberry ice cream is made from the golden cloudberries found in the Arctic, offering a sweet flavor with a hint of tartness. These orange-yellow berries, which cannot be commercially cultivated, grow wild in the swamps and bogs of Sweden, Norway, and Finland, typically harvested in late summer.

Cloudberries have long been a staple in the diets of indigenous peoples. The short harvest season and remote habitat make them a precious ingredient, used in various products like jams, liqueurs, and notably, ice cream.

In northern Finland, the Arctic Ice Cream Factory combines cloudberries with cream to create their signature ice cream. In Sweden, you can find this seasonal treat in the coastal city of Luleå or at the Grand-Hotel Stockholm, which collaborates with local ice cream producer Otto & Glassfabriken to feature this Arctic delicacy on their menu. Photo: CABZE S.R.L.

Tuan Anh (According to Euronews)