Samanco

A typical ice cream carp waffle

Samanco (Korean참붕어싸만코) is a South Korean brand of waffle-encased ice cream in the shape of a carp. It typically has an ice cream filling flavored with red bean paste,[1] although other flavors such as chocolate and green tea also exist.[2]

The concept of the food is based on bungeo-ppang (carp bread, that fish being an auspicious symbol).[1][3][4] Bungeo-ppang itself is possibly descended from the dish taiyaki from Japan.[5]

Samanco is an emblematic summer fast food, and as of 2023 has achieved popularity in the West, where it is colloquially known as "ice cream fish".[1][4]

  1. ^ a b c "The Surprising History of Samanco Ice Cream Fish: From Classic Korean Treats to Global Sensations - FoodGoodBook | Best Food Review Portal". March 21, 2023.
  2. ^ "Enjoy Melona!". www.melonaicecream.com. Retrieved 2024-06-11.
  3. ^ "Samanco Fish Ice Cream Review: The Delicious Fish-Shaped Ice Cream Treat From Korea". March 29, 2022.
  4. ^ a b "Where to buy Samanco ice cream?". April 28, 2024.
  5. ^ 김, 지윤 (2022-12-24). "그냥 먹는 건 예의가 아니지… 엎치락뒤치락 익어가는 붕어빵 현대사". 경향신문 (in Korean). Retrieved 2024-06-11.