London’s dessert lovers have a new summer treat to try as XI Home Dumplings Bay has teamed up with artisan ice cream specialists Darlish Ice Cream to launch a limited-edition range of ice cream “bao-wiches” in Spitalfields.
Available from 19 July until the end of August, the collaboration marks National Ice Cream Day with what the restaurant describes as London’s first dedicated range of ice cream sandwiches served inside freshly fried bao buns.
A Unique Twist on the Ice Cream Sandwich
Located in Spitalfields, XI Home Dumplings Bay is known for its Northern Chinese dumplings and comfort food. For this summer collaboration, the restaurant has partnered with neighbouring ice cream maker Darlish to reinvent the classic ice cream sandwich.
Instead of cookies or wafers, each dessert features a golden, crispy fried bao bun filled with artisan ice cream, creating a combination of crunchy, creamy and sweet textures.
The limited-edition menu blends Chinese-inspired flavours with Darlish’s award-winning ice cream expertise, offering something a little different for London foodies looking to cool down during the warmer months.
The Ice Cream Bao-wich Menu
Orange Blossom & Pistachio – £8
Created by Darlish and XI Home, this flavour combines fragrant orange blossom ice cream with earthy pistachios, all served inside a freshly fried bao bun.
Black Tahini – £8
One of the most visually striking options on the menu, this jet-black ice cream is made with premium black sesame tahini, delivering rich toasted nutty flavours.
The XI Home Rich Rice – £8
A signature in-house creation, this velvety ice cream features toasted rice notes that pair perfectly with the crispy exterior of the bao bun.
Mango, Sticky Rice & Sake Kasu – £8
Inspired by Asian dessert flavours, this option incorporates upcycled sake kasu (sake lees), alongside mango and sticky rice notes, creating a balance of sweetness and umami.
Celebrating Independent Spitalfields Businesses
The collaboration highlights two independent businesses based in Spitalfields. XI Home Dumplings Bay brings its expertise in Chinese comfort food, while Darlish contributes its Great Taste award-winning artisan ice cream range.
The result is a limited-time dessert collection that combines traditional influences with modern creativity, offering Londoners something entirely new during the summer season.
Those interested in trying the bao-wiches can visit XI Home Dumplings Bay in Spitalfields between 19 July and 31 August 2026.
For more information, visit the official websites of XI Home Dumplings Bay and Darlish Ice Cream.
Why Ice Cream Bao-wiches Could Be This Summer’s Must-Try Dessert
With unique flavour combinations, a creative take on the traditional ice cream sandwich and the growing popularity of Asian-inspired desserts across London, XI Home Dumplings Bay’s new bao-wich range looks set to become one of the capital’s most talked-about seasonal treats.
Whether you opt for the nutty Black Tahini, floral Orange Blossom & Pistachio or the signature Rich Rice flavour, these limited-edition desserts offer a fresh way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day and the remainder of the summer.
