Baobing (Chinese: 刨冰; pinyin: bàobīng), called tsua-bing (Chinese: 剉冰; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: chhoah-peng) in Taiwanese Hokkien, is a Taiwanese shaved ice dessert very common in Taiwan. It is especially popular during the hot summer months there as an inexpensive and healthy way to enjoy something cool and refreshing.
To create the dessert, a large mound of ice shavings are first placed on a plate. In the past, ice shavings were created by hand, either by using a large mallet to crush ice into fine pieces, using a large freehand blade to shave off ice, or turning a hand-cranked machine to do the same. In modern times, a special machine is used, resulting in ice-shavings which are much finer and thinner than in the past. Some establishments may still produce their ice by hand, and thus the texture varies across the island. To the ice shavings a variety of toppings may be added. In the past, mainly colored syrup was added, in a matter similar to Italian ice. However, today numerous toppings are used, and the syrup is sometimes left out. Fruit toppings for baobing might include strawberries, mangoes, watermelon, and so on.
Various pre-set combinations also exist, including "Eight Treasure Ice" (Chinese: 八寶冰; pinyin: bābǎobīng) whose ingredients will vary from vendor to vendor, but usually include some of the following: taro, red mung beans, green mung beans, yams, sweetened peanuts, almond junket, and grass jelly. These ingredients can also be ordered separately as the customer desires.
Condensed milk and cane syrup water is sometimes poured over the baobing as a final touch and to give an added sweetness. This can give it a texture and flavour which is very much like ice cream.
Baobing is similar to other desserts such as Japanese kakigōri, Filipino halo halo, Korean bingsu, Malaysian ice kacang, and Italian ice or granita.
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