If you are at all in tune with the Korean pop culture scene, you’ve probably heard about the mint chocolate debate. Mint chocolate is more than just a simple ice cream flavor; it’s a topic that divides people into two camps. Some love the refreshing combination of mint and sweet chocolate, while others claim it tastes like toothpaste and wrinkle their noses at the thought. They ask, “Why bother eating mint chocolate ice cream when you can get the same taste by brushing your teeth?” As someone who has always considered mint chocolate chip one of the best ice cream flavors, I could never understand why this debate became so intense.
My curiosity grew as the debate gained more traction in Korea. I wondered, does mint chocolate really taste different in Korea? Or is it just a fun conversation topic that people enjoy discussing? Last summer, when I finally had the chance to visit Korea, I made it my mission to answer this question for myself. I wanted to see how the mint chocolate ice cream in Korea compared to what I was used to back home in the U.S.
During my month-long stay in Korea last summer, I had various experiences, and one of my plans was to visit the Baskin Robbins in Gangnam, known for its 100 different flavors. I intentionally avoided other branches, saving this visit for a special occasion. But one day, our CEO, Danny Han, took me and another intern, Josh, out for a celebratory dessert after lunch at a Baskin Robbins. I knew the moment had finally arrived. It was time to taste the much-debated mint chocolate chip ice cream.
After ordering at the kiosk, I eagerly scooped a small bite of the ice cream into my mouth. To my surprise, it tasted almost exactly the same as the mint chocolate ice cream I was used to in the U.S. If anything, the mint flavor was slightly milder, with the chocolate’s sweetness standing out more. This made the mint chocolate ice cream in Korea seem less like toothpaste compared to what some might argue.
Maybe it was because I tried a chain store rather than a uniquely Korean ice cream shop, or perhaps Koreans just enjoy turning this into a lighthearted debate. In reality, the mint chocolate debate may have become more of a cultural symbol for social interaction rather than a serious discussion about taste.
One thing is certain for me: mint chocolate ice cream remains one of my favorite flavors, and it will continue to be, no matter how many people insist it tastes like toothpaste. In the end, this debate is all about personal preference. Some people will choose mint chocolate, while others will go for vanilla. Maybe their toothpaste really does taste different! The debate over mint chocolate will continue, but perhaps it helps us understand each other a little better and brings us closer together.