Brooklyn Raspa’O: Colombian Shaved Ice Near McCarren Park

There is nothing more refreshing on a hot and muggy day than fresh shaved ice. A group of local artists opened Brooklyn Raspa’O, a Colombian shaved ice stand at McCarren Deli & Grill (57 Nassau Ave) open Thursdays-Sundays in the afternoon. Their homemade syrups are 100% organic with lots of interesting toppings to chose from.

Since Brooklyn Raspa’O is around the block from Greenpointers HQ, I have been there multiple times. On my first visit I tried the strawberry mint and the lemon ginger honey, but I didn’t get fancy with toppings.

On my second visit, I ordered the Espresso from Ky, who said she would make it the way she liked it. Being an espresso purists, I would never have ordered it with sweet red beans and mochi, which are gooey rice cakes, drizzled with condensed milk. That sounds crazy, but it was out of this world! The toppings served the same purpose as sweet marshmallows in kid’s cereal; even after the last one you keep searching for that sweet flavor and satisfying texture beneath the shaved ice, which is not sickeningly syrupy sweet.

I can’t wait to go back for the Passion Fruit Chili!

Have you tried Brooklyn Raspa’O yet? What do you think?