Café & Dessert
Bingsu
빙수 · bing “ice (氷)” + su “water (水)” = “ice water”
The dictionary defines bingsu as “water chilled with ice”; the dessert served is shaved ice with toppings.
A mound of finely shaved ice topped with red bean, fruit or grain powder.
See the list- Spice
- Not spicy
- Format
- For sharing
- Beginner-friendly
- 3/3
Editorial scale. Actual heat varies from one kitchen to another. Editorial assessment.
What it is
Modern bingsu is not made from water ice but from frozen milk shaved into fine ribbons, which gives a snow-like texture that melts softly instead of cracking. The topping decides the dish: sweetened red bean paste and rice cake in the classic version, or fresh fruit, roasted soybean powder, green tea, chocolate in the others. A single portion is sized for several people.
It is rarely stirred at the start; you work down from the top and pull the toppings inward as the mound collapses. Everyone takes a spoon to the same bowl, since this is a table dessert rather than a plated one. It is eaten slowly, across a conversation, but it does not survive being left alone.
Served with
sweet red bean · rice cakes · condensed milk · coffee
Tip — A large one splits comfortably between three or four; ordered solo, it melts faster than anyone finishes it.
Main ingredients — Red bean · Dairy
We don't list allergens: recipes vary from one restaurant to another. For any allergy or dietary restriction, ask the restaurant directly.
Where to eat it in Paris· 4 addresses
Kimgogi
20eKorean Meals · Jajangmyeon · Bibimbap
- Quick lunch
- Wheelchair accessible
- Soju
4.6
La Cantine Coréenne
11eKorean Meals · Samgyeopsal · Bibimbap
- With friends
- Quick lunch
- English menu
4.3
Restaurant Coréen Picorée - Cour Saint Emilion
12eKorean Fried Chicken · Bibimbap
- Late night
4.1
Bonpot
2eKorean Meals · Sundubu Jjigae · Bibimbap
- Delivery
- Outdoor seating
- Table BBQ
4.4
CYAN · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
K-RESTO.