Trendy Asian Ice Cream Rolls Into Mira Mesa

An Asian street food fad that’s becoming all the rage in the U.S. is the focal point of a new frozen treat shop in Mira Mesa. ICMonster is specializing in rolled ice cream, a well-know street food treat in Thailand. Also known as stir-fried ice cream, it’s made by pouring a flavored milk base onto an icy cold griddle; toppings are stirred in as the mix freezes and then the ice cream is flattened into a thin layer and rolled by spatula into compact sections.

At ICMonster, the ice cream rolls are packed into a cup or served with a doughnut or a puffy egg waffle. Signature flavor combinations include Matcha Heaven with matcha, lychee and red bean, Strawberry Shorty with strawberry and graham crackers, and Open Sesame with black sesame and condensed milk. The shop also offers classic milk tea, matcha lattes and other on-trend drinks including color-changing butterfly pea tea and sweet tea topped with sea salt and cheese foam.

Now softly open, ICMonster is planning a grand opening this Saturday, March 18 from 11 a.m. to midnight with a special buy two ice creams and get the third one for 50 percent off deal. Co-owner Jenna Hu tells Eater that the start-up company is hoping to open at least six locations in San Diego.