Japanese Mango Shaved Ice Kakigori is my favourite dessert during the summer. The mango’s juicy freshness blends perfectly with the cold ice. It’s the satisfying treat on the hot days.
Contents
Kakigori – Japanese mango Shaved Ice recipe
Japanese Mango Shaved Ice is a popular version of Kakigori – a beloved summer dessert in Japan. This traditional Japanese dessert is made from finely shaved ice with a soft, fluffy texture. It will melt smoothly on your tongue. This distinguishes it from other shaved ice desserts.

It is typically served in a bowl and generously drizzled with flavored syrups, such as mango, matcha, or strawberry, along with optional toppings like condensed milk, fresh fruits, sweet beans, ice cream, or other creative additions.
The mango version of Kakigori stands out due to its tropical sweetness. The combination of fluffy shaved ice with sweet mango syrup and creamy condensed milk results in a refreshing dessert.
The sweet-tart balance of the mango syrup paired with the cold ice creates an invigorating experience. It’s perfect for hot summer days. Here is how to make Japanese mango shaved ice without a shaved ice machine:

Mango Shaved Ice in Japanese Style – Kakigori
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 4 cups crushed ice
- 3 ripe mangoes peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup condensed milk
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish optional
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp sugar
Instructions
Making mango syrup for shaved ice
- In a blender, combine 1 chopped ripe mango, water, and sugar.
- Blend until smooth, then strain to remove any fibers. Set aside.
Making shaved ice
- Place ice cubes in a zip-top plastic bag or wrap them in a clean kitchen towel. Seal the bag or towel securely.
- Crush the ice using a rolling pin or mallet until you get a coarse texture.
- Transfer the crushed ice to a blender or food processor.
- Pulse or blend the crushed ice in short bursts until you achieve a fine, snow-like texture. Be cautious not to overblend.
Assemble Mango Shaved Ice Kakigori
- Divide the shaved ice among four serving bowls.
- Drizzle the condensed milk first and then add the mango syrup over the shaved ice.
- Spoon the diced mango on top
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a scoop of ice cream if desired.
Notes
How to pair
Here are some suggestions to pair Kakigori mango shaved ice:
- Food Pairings
- Takoyaki contrasts deliciously with the sweet kakigori.
- Stir-fried noodles add heartiness to the dessert’s light texture.
- Mochi adds texture and flavor.
- Sweet Red Beans (Azuki): Serve as a side or topping for extra sweetness.
- Fluffy pancakes Dorayaki with red bean paste pair well for an extra sweet treat.
- A scoop of mango or matcha ice cream complements kakigori beautifully.
- Drinks to Pair
- Fresh citrus or tropical juices like orange and pineapple juice boost the fruity notes.
- Mango smoothie is a great pair.
- Fruit-infused cocktails mango mojitos or tropical daiquiris enhance the flavors of mango kakigori.
- Matcha latte balances the sweetness of mango kakigori.
- Japanese green tea contrasts the icy dessert.
- Ramune, a fizzy Japanese soda, adds a playful sweetness.
Kakigori Variations
While mango is a delightful flavor, there are numerous variations of Kakigori.
- Classic Flavors:
- Strawberry kakigori is made with fresh strawberries or strawberry syrup. It’s a staple flavor.
- Melon kakigori is topped with melon syrup or fresh melon pieces.
- Lemon kakigori is a refreshing, tangy twist that balances the sweetness.
- Green Tea (Matcha) kakigori is a favorite option.
- Tropical Flavors:
- Mango kakigori is served with mango syrup, fresh chunks, or mango puree with condensed milk.
- Pineapple kakigori adds a sweet-tart tropical flair.
- Unique & Modern Flavors:
- Blue Hawaii kakigori is inspired by soda with a vibrant, sweet flavor.
- Tomato kakigori features chopped tomatoes, sometimes with cream cheese.
- Coffee kakigori is a bold choice wtih coffee syrup for a caffeine boost.
- Fruit-Infused Kakigori uses real fruit pulp and juice for a fresh, natural taste. Common fruits include strawberries, melons, and mango.
- Specialty Styles:
- Shirokuma is topped with condensed milk, fruits, mochi, and sweet red beans.
- Uji Kintoki combines green tea syrup, sweet bean paste, and mochi.
- Toppings & Additions:
- Condensed Milk adds a creamy touch.
- Fruits often include strawberries, kiwi, or mango.
- Mochi is a popular topping.
- Sweet Red Beans (Anko) is the traditional Japanese sweetness