Eat Liquid-Nitrogen Ice-Cream

In 2017, my partner and I went to The Safe Room on Campbell Street, Georgetown, Penang. They're famous for their liquid nitrogen ice-cream, and a special item on their menu called Dragon's Breath.

Liquid nitrogen is a really cold substance that is used to make something freeze instantly, and is gaining popularity in the food industry. When in contact with air, it turns into fog. So when you eat something that has been frozen with liquid nitrogen, you will be breathing out fog, like a dragon, hence the name Dragon's Breath.

Priced at RM9.90 per bowl, it was quite a bargain, because the portion was generous, and you'd certainly be paying more than that at the movies. It tasted similar to regular popcorn, but cold. I personally like my popcorn warm, but this was acceptable, because at least it wasn't cold and soggy.

The Dragon's Breath on the right.

We also tried their dragon-fruit ice cream topped with cotton candy. Nitrogen ice-cream is supposedly denser and creamier because it has no trapped air bubbles and the ice crystals are much smaller. It is also claimed to be healthier because it is made on the spot, therefore contains no preservatives. I wasn't able to tell the difference however. Sure, it was creamy, but then again, that was my first time trying dragon fruit ice cream. So I don't know how different it tastes from a traditional, air-bubbled, preservative-laden, non-nitrogen dragon-fruit ice cream.

 

Liquid nitrogen is odorless, colorless, non-toxic and non-flammable. Sounds harmless enough, but beware, it can be extremely dangerous when not handled properly. Although it is safe to be used in food or drink preparation, it must be fully evaporated from the meal before serving. Doctors have been known to use liquid nitrogen to dry out unwanted tissue, like warts, and let it fall off. Just imagine what it's going to do to your innards if you were to ingest it in its liquid form.