Introducing a new fortnightly column by Kiran Bhat on desserts, chocolates & more

Coconut ice cream to remind you of Thailand

Old favourite Malaka Spice keeps innovating to appeal to younger and newer audiences. I have been a patron since it opened in the tiny space on Lane 7 in Koregaon Park and have continued to eat there with family and friends as it evolved into a fine dining space.

Last week, I had family visiting from Australia and had to show off some nice eating places in good ole Pune with some international cuisine. Since this is going to be a column only about desserts , for dessert lovers and not calorie counters, I am going to review the coconut ice cream served in — hold your breath a whole coconut no less. It is a relatively new entrant on the menu.

The ice cream reminded me of the homely coconut ice cream you get all over Thailand which is served in a coconut shell. I used to always wonder why in India where we have an abundance of coconuts do we not serve coconut ice cream in its natural shell. Thankfully, Malaka has seized the opportunity and voila we have now have our very own version of the Thai coconut ice cream.

Of course Natural’s ice cream has been doing a fine job of tender coconut ice cream for years. But I have not seen it on a menu of a fine dining restaurant.

At Malaka Spice, I must say they take it to a whole new level. The coconut ice cream has a hand-churned texture with a full-bodied coconut flavour and hints of sweet coconut flesh. The icing on the cake is some finely sliced green apple mixed in the ice cream served with the tender coconut flesh.

The velvety smoothness of the coconut contrasts nicely with the tartness of the apple. It is a relatively light dessert and very refreshing to the palate.

One of those desserts ideal for a hot October nite after a spicy Thai meal replete with sauces and heavy curries. A trip to any of the Malaka outlets is well worth it I would say simply to have a starter and this ice cream.

Would love to hear your views on what you think of it.

Kiran Bhat