Imagine a dessert so luxurious that it costs more than a round-trip flight to Europe. That's exactly what Japanese brand Cellato has created with its record-breaking ice cream flavour, "Byakuya" — now officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the most expensive ice cream in the world. Priced at a jaw-dropping ¥873,400 (approximately $6,696 or Tk 8,07,058) per serving, Byakuya is not just a treat for the taste buds — it's a masterpiece for the most elite of palates.

Rare, refined, and remarkable ingredients

At the heart of Byakuya lies the white truffle from Alba, Italy — a gourmet treasure known as the "diamond of the kitchen." Sourced in limited quantities and sold for up to $15,192 per kilogram, this aromatic delicacy gives the gelato an earthy depth and pungent sophistication.

But Cellato didn't stop there. The dessert also includes Parmigiano Reggiano, the king of Italian cheese, for a savoury kick that balances the sweetness. And Sake lees, a creamy by-product of Japanese sake-making, add a velvety texture and an umami undertone.

To top off this ultra-luxurious experience, a few drops of white truffle oil are added before serving, intensifying the already complex flavour profile. Some versions even feature a delicate dusting of edible gold leaf, just in case it wasn't extravagant enough.

A culinary collaboration worth the wait

Creating Byakuya wasn't an overnight venture. Cellato spent over 1.5 years perfecting the flavour and presentation, working closely with Chef Tadayoshi Yamada of Osaka's fine-dining fusion restaurant RiVi. Yamada, known for his imaginative takes on Japanese and Western cuisine, was an ideal partner to bring this daring East-meets-West dessert to life.

The development involved countless rounds of tasting and fine-tuning to strike the perfect balance between the rich, creamy base and the bold, distinctive ingredients. The result is a dessert that's both decadent and deeply nuanced — and one that redefines what a scoop of ice cream can be.

More than a dessert

Part of what makes Byakuya so exclusive is the presentation. Each serving comes with a handcrafted metal spoon made in Kyoto's Fushimi district, known for its centuries-old artisanal traditions. The spoon itself is a collector's item, crafted using techniques used in the construction of Japanese temples and shrines.

To enjoy Byakuya at its best, Cellato recommends a ritual: let the ice cream soften at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave for 10-20 seconds. Then, drizzle the white truffle oil and stir gently to release the full bouquet of aromas before your first bite.

What's next for Cellato?

While Byakuya is the crown jewel, Cellato isn't stopping there. The brand continues to innovate with flavours like "Starry Night" — a combination of black truffle, dark chocolate, and yuzu citrus, offered at a (relatively) more affordable ¥10,000 ($72).

With Byakuya, Cellato hasn't just made ice cream — they've created an experience. A fusion of culinary traditions, luxury ingredients, and artistic craftsmanship, this is ice cream for those who believe that dessert should never be ordinary.