Ice Ice Baby

There's really nothing more consistent in Singapore than the heat. But our little island also comes equipped with a great way to beat that heat - ice-cream vendors. One of the few survivors of the great modernisation wave that swept Singapore, mobile ice-cream hawkers can still be found in popular areas like Orchard Road or near the Fullerton Bay.

Though we can't be certain when these carts made their way to Singapore, ice cream started off as frozen soda pops made by uncles operating a bicycle or motorcycle cart. Then, wafer ice cream was introduced. Now, you can have a multitude of flavours - matcha, durian, nata de coco, avocado, mango, or plain ol' chocolate - sandwiched in soft bread, between two crisp wafers or even cocooned comfortably in a cup.

Currently licensed by the National Environmental Agency, ice-cream vendors have to choose between a single-location licence and an island-wide pass, and battle their air-conditioned (and fancier) rivals, while also trying to keep up with their operating costs, which are mostly to keep their confections cool.