Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream – Spiciest Dish in Columbus Series

This is definitely a “revisit” spot.

We’d driven by Mardi Gras Homemade Ice Cream many times, but had never stopped in. With 20 years of slinging exotic, homemade ice cream, Mita Shah knows exactly what she’s doing. The board below gives a small glimpse of their International Flavors.

While it closes down in the winter, Mardi Gras gives a unique experience to those that are a bit more adventurous when it comes to ice cream flavors. No, we’re not talking adventurous like Jeni’s cramming a whole pancake into a pint of ice cream or whatever new concoction they’re coming up with. We’re talking adventurous like Jasmin, Fig, spicy, or other unique flavors that you can’t find elsewhere in Columbus.

Mardi Gras is also (to our knowledge) the only spot in Columbus selling Kulfi on the regular. Kulfi is a traditional Indian ice cream that is more dense, unwhipped and made from sugar, natural flavorings, and caramelized milk. None of Mardi Gras’ ice creams have eggs, salt, or gelatin, making it clear that Mita Shah is doing things her way and with 20 years under her belt, it seems to be going well for her.

I never thought I’d be putting an ice cream on this list, yet here we are. What looks like a standard cup of chocolate ice cream on the outside is anything but. Called “Fire and Ice” this is two scoops of sweet, cold, magma. The gentleman helping us disappeared into the back room for this ice cream, which generally means you’re in for a spicy time. It looks innocent enough, but that first bite will have you questioning your capabilities of visually identifying spiciness.

First comes an expected sweetness from the chocolate, but it quickly gives way to the combo of spicy Indian peppers that lurk within the mixture. No flecks, specks, or chunks, the main delivery mechanism of heat is imperceptible, and from a taste perspective, the chocolate is unbothered, giving you a clean spiciness to go on top of the chocolate.

Eating this bowl of ice cream is likely similar to the feeling of frostbite beginning to thaw out. No feeling at first that gives way to a pulsing heat that grows with each bite. The Lady of the Farm couldn’t believe it and took a couple spoonfuls, each time her eyes widening more and her exclamations becoming more colorful. Each bite is chaotic, both dulling the heat initially and then seemingly adding onto it further after a few seconds.

This is definitely the spiciest ice cream I’ve had in Columbus and probably the peak of what would be enjoyable from an spicy ice cream perspective. That in mind we’re placing Mardi Gras at #81. This will definitely be too spicy for some folks, but a fun dessert for heat seekers. Mardi Gras also houses 20+ other exotic, homemade flavors which they’ve now been making for over 20 years!

You can find Mardi Gras at 1947 Hard Rd, Columbus, OH 43235.

Recently featured in the Spiciest Dish in Columbus Series:

• Min-Ga [Bethel Rd.]
• Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace [Downtown]
• Huli Huli [Powell]
• Little Palace [Downtown]
• Stadium: Hella Habanero [Gahanna]
• Nostalgia Brewing: Spicy BBQ Beef Brisket Mac n Cheese Skillet [Gahanna]

You can find us on Facebook, Instagram or contact us via our contact page.

More From Our Quest To Find The Spiciest Dish