The heat wave has already begun in the state. And almost everyone relies on ice cream to escape the scorching heat. But there is a city where ice cream is not just food, but part of daily life. That city is Mangaluru. A coastal city in Karnataka, which is called India's 'Ice Cream Capital'.
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In Mangaluru, no season is needed to eat ice cream. Whether it's pouring rain or bitter cold, the people here never lose their love for ice cream. Crowding ice cream shops after dinner is one of the main customs here. Just as tea gatherings happen in other cities, in Mangaluru it's all about ice cream gatherings.
Why is Mangaluru the 'Ice Cream Capital'?
In Mangaluru, no season is needed to eat ice cream. Whether it's pouring rain or bitter cold—the people here never lose their love for ice cream. Crowding ice cream shops after dinner is one of the main customs here. Just as tea gatherings happen in other cities, in Mangaluru it's all about ice cream gatherings.
How did this culture originate?
Ice cream arrived in Mangaluru in the early 20th century during colonial rule. However, its real rise came through some local families. Instead of copying world-famous brands, they brought fresh and affordable ice cream of their own making to the market. Gradually, these family businesses became part of the city's culture.
Birthplace of famous brands
Behind Mangaluru's reputation are the contributions of several popular brands. Major brands like 'Ideal Ice Cream' (Pabbas), 'Hangyo Ice Cream' and 'Ryan Ice Cream' were born in this city. These brands have carved out a special place in the hearts of ice cream lovers not just in Mangaluru, but throughout South India.
What makes Mangaluru's ice cream special?
The ice cream shops here don't just sell ice cream, they create various signature servings. For instance, the 'Gadbad' ice cream here is world-famous. A unique combination of fruits, jelly, dry fruits and ice cream makes this ice cream distinctive. Such innovative ice cream creations have set the city apart from others.
Part of daily life
Compared to the city's size, the number of ice cream shops here is extremely high. Long queues of people can be seen at some shops until midnight. Regular ice cream gatherings with friends and special attachment to favorite flavors—all of this has created a unique food culture.
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Blend of commerce and tradition
While Mangaluru is known today as a modern commercial port city, its ice cream industry plays a major role in its economy. Local factories produce thousands of liters of ice cream daily, which spreads to various places.
Why is Mangaluru unique?
Ice cream is popular in many cities of India, but Mangaluru has turned it into a tradition. There are queues at the shops here all 365 days of the year. For the people here, ice cream means joy. This constant love and special techniques of ice cream making have placed Mangaluru at the top of India's ice cream map.
Mangaluru doesn't just love ice cream—it has made ice cream part of its life. For the people here, it's not just a sweet treat, but an emotion, a habit that has shaped the city's identity as the 'Ice Cream Capital'.
