Pink Aisle Ice Café 

Pink Aisle Ice Café is the new kid on the block with their own spin oat-based bingsu’s and pretty-looking mocktails. 

Roman and his partner wanted to offer shaved ice for everyone that caters. (Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, lactose-free) options. They are currently based at Upmarket in Brick Lane, every weekend.  

The history and origins of shaved ice

Shaved ice desserts are popular treats enjoyed in various cultures around the world. They typically consist of finely shaved ice that is flavoured with syrups, fruit purees, or other toppings. Here’s some research on shaved ice desserts: 

1. History and Origins:

 Shaved ice desserts have ancient origins, with records of similar treats dating back to ancient China, Persia, and Japan. The dessert known as “kakigori” has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries. In Taiwan, “bao bing” is a popular shaved ice dessert. The modern shaved ice we know today has been influenced by these historical traditions and has gained popularity in many other countries. 

2. Variations:

   Shaved ice desserts come in a variety of forms and flavours worldwide. Some examples include: 

   – Kakigori (Japan): Finely shaved ice topped with flavoured syrups like matcha, strawberry, and condensed milk. 

   – Patbingsu (Korea): Shaved ice topped with sweetened red beans, condensed milk, fruit, and sometimes ice cream. 

   – Bao Bing (Taiwan): Shaved ice often topped with fresh fruits, tapioca pearls, and various syrups. 

   – Halo-Halo (Philippines): A dessert with shaved ice, sweetened fruits, jellies, beans, and a scoop of ice cream on top. 

   – Granita (Italy): Coarser shaved ice often made from coffee, fruit juices, or wine, famous as a refreshing summer treat. 

On the Pink Aisle Ice café menu 

On the menu, there are various hot oat milk ice options. That ranges from £8. 

• Salted caramel peanut 
• Honey Oat 
• Lychee 
• Matcha 
• Peachy rose 
• Mango 
• Coconut pineapple 
• Osmanthus fragrans & grapefruit 
• Jasmine Pear 

These are the following hot sauce options to pair with your Bingsu shaved ice: 

• Hot coconut milk 
• Hot chocolate 
• Hot Rosey 

Aromatic mocktails: Price from £6.80 

• Sakura lychee 
• Peachy rose sparkling 
• Fleshy pina colada 
• Pandan paradise 
• Thai milk tea 
• Jasmine pearl oat milk tea 
• Honey oat milk 
• Mango coconut pearl milk 

Preparation: 

Pink Aisle Café shaved ice desserts are made using a specialized machine that shaves ice into fine, delicate flakes. The shaved ice is then layered with various toppings, such as syrups, fruit, nuts, and oat milk. 

What I’ve ordered 

Peachy rose oat milk bing and sakura lychee mocktail. You can watch the guys in action, piles of finely shaved ice build up in the cup. Tinned peaches are placed as the first layer before it’s covered up with even more ice. The final layers have the stewed rosey peaches, crumbles, some cream and edible flowers. The bing surely impressed onlookers as they commented on how amazing it looked. 

As someone who avoids cow milk, planted-based oat milk is my first drink choice. At least I could taste the high content of oat milk compared to other places which often lack flavour or are over-sweetened with condensed milk. The stewed peaches absorbed the rose petals very well, and the chosen hot rose sauce complimented the peach Rosey bing. 

As for the mocktail, you can see real sakura petals floating to the top of the cup, and generous amounts of lychee are included in the drink. A rather refreshing drink for a hot summer’s day.  

Overall, the menu at Pink Aisle Ice café has a great mix selection of Asian flavours that can’t be found elsewhere in London. The oat milk-based shaved Ice is fantastic for people who are looking for alternative options or have lactose intolerance.  

More information on Pink aisle ice café

For more information on Pink aisle ice café visit their website. 

Opening hours 

Saturday 11 am – 5.30 pm and Sunday 10.30 am – 6 pm. 

91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL 

*I was invited to Pink Aisle Ice Cafe