Miami-Dade County is full of vibrant cultures and diversity, which translates into a wide variety of whimsical and unusual ice cream flavors.
Local parlors are not sticking to the classics. They are combining both sweet and savory ingredients to push the boundaries of culinary creativity and offering up a bevy of unusual experiences. Salt & Straw shift leader Alicia Payne said she’s found most customers seem to be willing to try something new.
Though it may seem daunting at first, the five ice cream flavors below are sure to make your taste buds sing.
Nabati
317 NW 25th St.
Miami, FL 33127
305-456-2114
Nabati offers the Golden Scoop, a plant-based ice cream packed with a touch of heat.
The cashew and coconut milk-based ice cream is mixed with cookie chunks and infused with cinnamon, turmeric and ginger. Prices start at $6.50 for one scoop, $9.50 for two scoops and $11.50 for three scoops. Manager Nayibe Renaud said their recipes are special because everything is handmade in their open kitchen.
Azucar Ice Cream Company
8845 SW 72nd Place.
Kendall, FL 33156
305-381-0369
Second location
1503 SW 8th St.
Miami, FL 33135
305-381-0369
Honoring Miami’s Little Havana culture and dishes, the flavor of Plátano Maduro, or plantain, takes customers back to their youth according to the Azucar Kendall manager Patricia De La Rosa. The plantains are fried, caramelized and sprinkled with salt. Vanilla ice cream is blended with the plantains and garnished with plantain slices, giving it a chunkier and thicker texture. Prices are one scoop for $5.25, two scoops for $6.50 and three scoops for $8. De La Rosa said batches sell out quickly, so call and make sure the flavor is available.
Dasher & Crank
2211 NW 2nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33127
305-640-8579
Located in Wynwood, Dasher & Crank has created over 425 unique flavors, according to its website. But a must-have is the Ube Macapuno, a purple-colored ice cream made out of yams used in traditional Filipino desserts. Leandra Davila, the assistant manager, said it’s churned with coconut milk for a creamy texture and nutty flavor. According to Davila, most customers describe the flavor as similar to buttered popcorn or boba tea. The prices start at $5.35 for one scoop, $8.02 for two scoops and $10.70 for three scoops.
Brain Freeze Nitrogen Ice Cream and Yogurt Lab
8711 SW 124th Ave.
Kendall, FL 33183
786-235-8505
3905 NW 107th Ave., #106
Doral, FL 33178
786-235-8505
The standout at Brain Freeze is the Cubanito, a cream cheese-based dessert layered with guava slices. It’s garnished with a cookie and comes with a small syringe to drizzle guava sauce on top. Employee Laura Hernandez said she believes customers enjoy this flavor because of the area’s multicultural character and the residents who are open to unique combinations. The ice cream costs $4.65 for a small scoop and $5.25 for a regular scoop.
Salt & Straw
246 NW 25th St.
Miami, FL 33127
786-633-0157
Second location
3015 Grand Ave., Unit 145
Miami, FL 33133
786-633-0142
The Honey Lavender flavor gets its floral taste by soaking petals in honey, according to the Salt & Straw website. Alicia Payne, the shift leader at the Wynwood location, said the light purple color comes that process. Payne also said the flavor is a staple in their menu, so it’s here to stay. The price for one scoop is $6.50, while the price for a double scoop is $8.50.
