Kukui’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice

We were in Shipshewana on a day trip to see the huge quilt show. Lunch time arrived. We looked at the map of downtown attractions and saw «shaved ice.» The idea of a cool, tasty treat sounded absolutely wonderful.
When we spied the small, cute building, we started to wonder if shaved ice was all they had. We parked in the little one-​way alley nearby. But the sign on the front promised substantial fortifications such as pulled pork, hot dogs and brats. We’re going to be just fine!
The front door and steps might be a bit tricky for a person with difficulty walking. The ladies were very friendly and welcoming. They went the extra mile to be sure that we were having a wonderful time having lunch at their place. They offered to carry our food outside for us when they saw that my friend was having a little trouble walking. There are small tables indoors with the air conditioning, or you can sit outside on the patio, shaded by parasols. There was a gliding table — seats four, and brochures in case you want one for your own home.
We both had the pulled pork on a pretzel bun. Tender and flavorful by itself, but you can add condiments. Tomato salsa, pineapple salsa, BBQ sauce, etc. Get plenty of napkins for all the juice.
The pineapple slaw was really delicious. It was a little spicy from cayenne pepper, and any crunch lost by the pineapple, cabbage and red onions to brining was more than made up for by the crunchy macadamia nuts. What a great combination of flavors and textures!
You can get a bag of chips and fountain sodas to go with your meal. You get two sides of your choice. Be sure to get the pineapple slaw as one of them!
Then, the reason we came: the shaved ice. I had never had it before. It’s even better than a snow cone, because the ice melts just as your tongue touches it. The ladies made sure to give us plenty of syrup. My friend got lychee. My red raspberry ice made my lips and tongue turn bright red. Oh, and you get a special little surprise in the bottom — a gumball. Fun for kids of all ages!

I have enjoyed stopping here with friends. They have the best gliding picnic table out front also! I’ve only ever had the shaved ice, and it was well shaved? :) seriously though, it was shaved so thin it melted on contact with your tongue. Wonderful! The only downside is that sometimes they get really backed up and the teenagers who seem to be running the place appear to be overwhelmed. Will for sure go back next time I’m in town.

Walking along the streets of Shipshewana, feeling like throwing myself in front of a horse and buggy, I see a sign for Shaved Ice. (I’m not saying it wrong, this place calls it shaved, not shave).
Yes, it was cold out. Yes, everyone else was drinking hot cocoa and mulled cider, but this girl cannot resist shaved ice!
They have a million flavors and combos, and 5 sugar free flavors, which is awesome.
Their menu even has cool things like Hawaiian nachos, pulled pork, and pineapple slaw.
The only drawback: it’s attached to a bead store, and at least 12 people asked me why I was eating a «snow cone» on a cold day. I think my grandmother asked me that 6 times, but whatever.
Kukuis, I love you for setting up shop in the middle of all of the dish towels and scented candles and kind of offensive Amish souvenirs. I promise if I ever get dragged back to Shipshewana, this will be the first place I come.