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Shaved-ice desserts hit Pyongyang

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By Bahk Eun-ji
  • Published Jul 14, 2015 6:35 pm KST
  • Updated Jul 14, 2015 6:35 pm KST

“Bingsu” ― a shaved-ice dessert topped with red beans ― is gaining popularity in North Korea.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), shops selling bingsu have been mushrooming in downtown Pyongyang. The North’s official news outlet said that the city of Pyongyang was working on installing more ice-production facilities and ensuring a steady supply of fruit juice and jam.

The ice desserts began sales under the order of the late former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in the North Korean capital in 2011.

People can eat various bingsu such as ones topped with strawberries or tomatoes.