While I eat most of my ice cream out of paper cartons from Target, this Sunday I took a trip to The Snow Factory in the Delmar Loop. Although out of the way and a bit on the expensive side, I can assure you that this ice cream is worth the drive and the cash in exchange for the modern atmosphere and the great tasting ice cream.

The Snow Factory first opened its doors in late 2016, and its popularity has skyrocketed ever since. The store is inspired by Thai flavors and aims to bring a taste of Asian desserts to the United States through combining Thai desserts with more common American ones. Italian gelato, flavored teas and shaved ice are found on the Snow Factory’s menu along with their specialty dessert, pan fried ice cream rolls.

Don’t be fooled, these ice cream rolls are not actually deep fried and dripping . I was thoroughly entertained with watching the cooks prepare the ice cream through the glass windows. Chefs take a melted ice cream base and pour it onto a plate kept 10 degrees below zero. From there, the chefs mix in your toppings. Toppings range from the classic chocolate sauce and cherries to mangos and pineapple. The ice cream along with the mix-ins are spread thin along the freezing plate until they begin to form a solid. Finally, the chefs take a thin metal spatula and mold the ice cream into rolls, creating a unique texture and a very aesthetically pleasing presentation.

The term “pan fried ice cream” sounds like a trip to the hospital, but rest peacefully. These ice cream rolls are organic and are overall healthier than your average serving of ice cream. Although my order contained brownies, oreos and chocolate syrup, the lower level of sugar in the base resulted in a healthier dessert. And with a plethora of healthy fruit toppings, The Snow Factory is a great place to get different, quality ice cream without the guilt.

The store also offers a modern, hipster atmosphere as colorful, hand-written sticky notes cover more than half of the stores windows and walls. Most of these sticky notes are reviews written by customers documenting their great visit to the dessert shop. With interactive iPad ordering systems, sleek wood preparation bars, and shiny tiled floors and ceilings, The Snow Factory is a unique addition to the Delmar Loop. In a place where every shop and restaurant has its own separate appeal, The Snow Factory has earned its place as a standout restaurant for the entire family.

Visit The Snow Factory for a taste of Asian desserts and a fun, interactive experience.