We All Scream for Ice Cream

One of things I like about Singapore is that while it is one of the most modern cities in the world with its over the top architecture and efficient transportation systems, it still keeps on with a little of the old ways.  One of those throwbacks is the ice cream sandwich carts. 

In many high traffic pedestrian areas, like along the Singapore River of by the Marina, you see these carts with their umbrellas.  Usually run by an Uncle (who makes the ice cream sandwich) and the Auntie (who is responsible for taking the money), these carts are SO Singapore.

Unlike an ice cream cart in the US where the attendant would reach into the freezer to pull out a factory made, soggy graham cracker with vanilla ice cream wrapped in foil, the Singapore sandwiches are made fresh and to order.  That means you get to choose the flavor of ice cream you want, along with the type of bread.  For bread your choices are the traditional soft rainbow colored bread, or a crisp wafer cracker (my favorite).

I usually go for a chocolate chip ice cream filling.  The Uncle pulls out the ice cream brick and cuts off a 1 inch slice it his knife.  He quickly slips it between two wafers and hands it to you in a piece for wax paper.  While he was doing that, the Auntie was collecting the $1.50 SGD (about $1.15 USD).  You are quickly on your way.

As you can imagine with the heat of Singapore, you must eat it pretty quickly as you walk along.  Usually it is gone in less than five minutes, but those five minutes are wonderful as the cold creamy ice scream contrast with the crisp wafer.  It will put a smile on anyone’s face.