From Bangkok to Banana Tree: The Sweet Surprise You Never Saw Coming – Soy Sauce Ice Cream

At Banana Tree, we believe the best dishes start with a story. That’s why we sent our Executive Chef, Rahul, on a culinary journey across Southeast Asia — to seek out new flavours, try something new, and bring something truly exciting back to our kitchens in the UK.

One of the most unexpected and delicious discoveries of his trip came from the bustling streets of Bangkok — a place where sweet, salty, spicy, and sour collide in spectacular harmony. On a food tour deep into the heart of Thailand’s capital, Chef Rahul encountered something that stopped him in his tracks: soy sauce ice cream.

Yes, you read that right.

Soy sauce — the deeply savoury, umami-packed staple — paired with the creamy sweetness of ice cream. Intrigued, Chef Rahul took a bite. What he found was nothing short of culinary alchemy: a rich, mellow depth from the soy sauce, balanced by the soft, smooth vanilla. The flavour that emerged was warm, slightly salty, and irresistibly reminiscent of burnt sugar and toasted nuts — like a grown-up version of salted caramel, but with a Southeast Asian twist.

“I knew straight away this was I needed to bring back for our guests had to try,” he said.

Back in the UK, we’ve been working with artisan ice cream maker Yee Kwan to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to life. Together, we’ve developed our very own Soy Sauce Ice Cream — a smooth vanilla base gently infused with soy sauce, swirled with a dark, umami-rich ripple, and served with an optional drizzle of extra soy sauce at the table so you can tailor the intensity to your taste. Just say when!

It’s sweet, savoury, creamy, complex — and entirely unlike anything you’ve tasted before.

Why It Works: The Flavour Science Behind Soy Sauce Ice Cream

You might be wondering: how can soy sauce possibly belong in a dessert?

The answer lies in umami — the "fifth taste" that adds richness and roundness to food. When balanced with sugar and cream, soy sauce brings out notes you might not expect: a molasses-like depth, hints of dark treacle, and a whisper of roasted coffee — flavours that mimic the warmth of caramel but with added intrigue. The vanilla softens the umami and lifts the overall experience into something incredibly smooth and moreish.

This isn’t a novelty. It’s a modern twist on fl avour harmony — and a reflection of the adventurous spirit behind Banana Tree’s dishes.

When Can You Try It?

Our Soy Sauce Ice Cream is now available in all Banana Tree restaurants as part of our dessert menu for just £3.25 Whether you're a foodie looking for something bold or simply curious about what all the fuss is about, this is one dish you won’t want to miss.
Come try the dessert that’s turning heads, breaking rules, and redefining what ice cream can be.