Philadelphia Water Ice Is The City's Tasty Take On A Classic Treat

Philadelphia's culinary culture is so much more than argument-inducing (but delicious) Philly cheesesteaks. The City of Brotherly Love boasts plenty of unique local specialties, from singularly shaped soft pretzels to one-of-a-kind ice cream. One lesser-known, but no less delightful, regional delicacy is the city's signature water ice (or "wooder" ice, pronounced with a Philly accent).

Water ice is a beloved summer staple across the Philadelphia area. The sweetened shaved ice dessert is traditionally prepared with a mixture of water, sugar, and fruit, churned in a special machine until it reaches the perfect fluffy yet smooth consistency. If you're thinking water ice sounds quite similar to Italian ice, it is. Like any good food debate, there are contradictory, heated opinions on the matter – some argue that water ice is softer and creamier than Italian ice, while others posit that it's crunchier and harder than its Italian counterpart. However, at the end of the day, most agree that water (or wooder) ice is a regional term for the classically cool sweet treat known as Italian ice in most parts of the country.

Like many of Pennsylvania's iconic foods, Philadelphia's delectable water ice culture is largely thanks to the region's long history of immigration. The city's water ice tradition began with Italian immigrants in the early 1900s, who whipped up granita-style frozen treats to sell from carts and stands around Philly. Over the years, these refreshing desserts evolved into what we now know as Italian ice or water ice. The exact origins of the name "water ice" are unclear, but the logic behind the nomenclature is fairly self-explanatory. It's not water, it's not solid ice — it's water ice. 

The city's devotion to the icy sweet treat has churned up a culture of high-quality, artisan water ice that leaves most run-of-the-mill Italian ice in the dust. Philadelphia is home to an abundance of excellent water ice shops, many of which have honed production techniques over decades to achieve the tastiest texture and flavor. These days, you'll find water ice in a wide array of unique fresh fruit flavors, but classic lemon and cherry remain the most popular options. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone dairy-free treat or pair it with a scoop of custard for a creamy and refreshing combination, water ice is the perfect Philly-flavored dessert to follow up a properly ordered cheesesteak.