Found only in Japan, this is sure to be a sweet course to remember.
The summer heat often has us reaching for a cold tub of ice cream, but what if the dessert costs as much as a family vacation would?
This Japanese frozen dessert, called Byakuya or “white night,” has broken the Guinness World Record for the most expensive ice cream in the world. One serving costs ¥873,400 or almost ₱350,000.
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Cellato, the Japanese ice cream brand behind this creation, set out to make a dessert with rare ingredients which made the price tag skyrocket. The ice cream includes edible gold leaf, white truffle, and natural cheeses.
The rare “Phantom White Truffle” is sourced from Alba, Italy, and is priced at ¥2,000,000 (around ₱800,000) per kilogram. Some of the other special ingredients include Parmigiano Reggiano and sake lees (a paste that results from the process of sake-making).
A handcrafted metal spoon made by Takeuchi craftsmen in Fushimi, Kyoto, is also included in the package. The spoons, which come in two different patterns, are made with the same techniques and materials used in the construction of shrines and temples.
“It took us over 1.5 years to develop, with a lot of trials and errors to get the taste right,” a Cellato representative told Guinness World Records, adding that achieving this record made it all worth it.
Creating the most expensive ice cream in the world wasn’t their only goal though. The culinary experts behind Byakuya also wanted to fuse together Japanese and European ingredients in the dish.
To accomplish this, the brand brought in Tadayoshi Yamada, the head chef at RiVi which is known for its imaginative fusion cuisine.
A Unique Taste and Texture
When serving the delectable dessert, Cellato also gives precise instructions on how it should be consumed. One must pour the white truffle oil just as the ice cream softens up, then stir it with the metal spoon that was provided.
If the ice cream’s texture is too hard upon receiving the delivery, the brand advises its customers to let it defrost at room temperature or microwave it for a few seconds.
The Cellato staff who participated in the tasting session described the flavor as “rich in taste and texture.”
“The robust fragrance of white truffle fills your mouth and nose, followed by complex and fruity tastes of Parmigiano Reggiano. Sake lees finishes off the glorious taste experience,” they continued. They also recommended pairing the ice cream with sake or white wine.
Even after achieving this impressive feat, Cellato is already planning its next products, using only the finest ingredients such as champagne and caviar.
Banner image via Cellato’s website.
