The Best Ice Cream in Belgrade: Tradition vs. Exotics

One of the oldest treats in the world, and for many of us, the favorite refreshment during the summer months. Its majesty, ice cream!

Its exact origin is unknown, but history tells us that the ancient Egyptians mixed nuts and fruits with milk and water to create frozen treats. Additionally, Alexander the Great enjoyed "ice" flavored with honey and fruit. The famous Marco Polo brought a recipe for ice cream containing honey and milk from the Far East to Italy in the 13th century, and this country would later become synonymous with milk-based frozen desserts. However, it wasn't until the mid-17th century that ice cream became popular throughout Europe. In the American style, Ronald Reagan declared July the National Ice Cream Month in the United States during the 1980s.

It seems that things haven't changed significantly since then because the taste of ice cream still brings joy to all of us today. While fruity ice creams provide a unique pleasure, vanilla and chocolate have emerged as the most common ice cream flavors worldwide over time. In fact, vanilla ice cream is the best-selling flavor in the world. When it comes to per capita ice cream consumption, Americans, Finns, Swedes, New Zealanders, and Australians hold the top positions.

But the favorite summer dessert is also loved by the people of Belgrade. That's why there are more and more sweet corners in our capital city that are synonymous with ice cream. To find out some of the best ones, keep reading.

Crna ovca (Black Sheep)

The youngest but sweetest ice cream in town. An unusual offering that combines tradition and modernity. The creators of Black Sheep adhere to the Italian recipe but love to experiment and create new flavors. Today, they offer more than 150 different ice creams, so dessert lovers are almost always in a dilemma whether to choose ice cream with clotted cream flavor or the one with white chocolate and strawberries in balsamic vinegar. They also have ice cream with sour cream, gianduja, sesame coffee with chocolate coffee beans, and many other creamy flavors that an average ice cream consumer would probably never even think of.

Although originally a summer treat, this is a dessert that can be enjoyed all year round because who wants to wait for summer to try the unique combination of fruit and chocolate or the sweet blend of fermented garlic with honey and cocoa beans.

Black Sheep currently has three locations in Belgrade, and the great thing is that they also deliver to your doorstep.

Moritz Eis

The oldest craft ice cream in Serbia. The first shop in Belgrade was opened in 2012, and over the course of a decade, Moritz Eis has become a recognizable symbol of premium ice cream. Classic flavors like vanilla, strawberry, or raspberry are a "safe bet," but there are always some surprises on the menu. Ice creams made from white and red wine, baklava ice cream, or liqueur ice cream are popular choices for those who want to step out of their ice cream comfort zone and try something new. However, the unofficial champion of unusual flavors is the craft beer ice cream! It sounds like a double refreshment for summer days.

Natural ingredients without artificial flavors are what make Moritz Eis ice creams high quality, and because of their exotic flavors and combinations, customers often wait in line at their store.

Moritz Eis ice creams can be found all over Serbia, and in Belgrade, they have four locations.

Luff gelato

"A taste of never before"... Sounds ambitious, tempting, and promising? Oh yes, that's exactly what Luff gelato is. Handcrafted ice creams, flavors that are talked about, and a place you always come back to. A small ice cream shop, a wide selection of flavors, and friendly staff make this ice cream shop one of the favorites in town, especially during the summer months. Before purchasing, you can even try the desired flavor, which is an exceptional gesture from the host. And after the tasting, you won't give up on buying it.

Artificial colors and preservatives don't fit into this story. Strudel with poppy seeds, salted caramel, or sorbet? Whatever you choose, one thing is certain - Luff gelato flavors are extravagant, slightly sharp and exciting, yet unexpected, so choose carefully, but you certainly won't go wrong.

Luff gelato can also be enjoyed at multiple locations in Belgrade.

Poslastičarnica (Patisserie)

In the Poslastičarnica, there are no secrets because that's the concept the founders of this ice cream shop adhere to. The curious ones can see how the ice cream is made, and the different recipes tempt passersby to stop by and see the quality of the ice cream for themselves. And a good reputation spreads far. Creamier flavors or local specialties, that's the main dilemma. The ice creams are handcrafted, and for a special recommendation, try the ones with flavors like cornelian cherry, wild cherry, or dried plum.

For dessert lovers who like to experiment, it is recommended to try ice cream flavors like plum brandy, cottage cheese, ajvar (red pepper spread), or Tamnjanika wine. Among the most popular are raspberry and pistachio, and that's no surprise because the owners make sure that the ingredients have their authentic geographical origin. Ajvar is sourced from Kopaonik, forest blueberries come from Golija, and cottage cheese is from Pirot.

Pelivan

The well-known Patisserie Pelivan is the oldest patisserie in Belgrade. Pelivan ice creams are made according to the finest traditional recipe. Unlike the mentioned ice cream shops, they don't stand out with exotic flavors, unusual combinations, and experiments, but with reliable and proven flavors that testify to their quality and consistency. In the spirit of good tradition, the owners organize a free ice cream day every year, and the line of ice cream lovers stretches for tens of meters. In addition to the most popular vanilla and chocolate, you can often find stracciatella or some fruity flavor in the cones.

There are certainly many more places in Belgrade where excellent ice creams are sold and served, waiting to be explored. If you know of any other exclusive ice cream destination, let us know so we can include it on the ice cream map of Belgrade.