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QQ Thai Ice Cream & Crepes in Columbia: Sweet and Savory Crepes with Asian Flavors

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What QQ Thai Ice Cream & Crepes Offers

QQ Thai Ice Cream & Crepes is a casual spot in Columbia where you can order both sweet and savory crepes, plus Thai-style rolled ice cream. The menu leans toward Southeast Asian flavors—think condensed milk, taro, mango, and Thai tea—mixed into crepe fillings and ice cream bases. You order at the counter, watch your crepe get made, and eat at small tables or take it with you. It's the kind of place where the novelty of watching ice cream get rolled on a frozen plate is half the appeal.

The crepes themselves are thin and delicate, closer to French-style than the thicker American pancake versions. You can get them filled with fresh fruit, Nutella, whipped cream, or savory options like chicken and vegetables. The rolled ice cream arrives as a compact cylinder that you eat with a wooden spoon—it melts faster than scooped ice cream, so you're meant to eat it quickly. Portions are generous for the price, and the flavors rotate seasonally.

Key Takeaways

  • QQ serves both sweet crepes with fruit and chocolate and savory crepes with proteins and vegetables, all made to order.
  • The rolled ice cream is made fresh on a frozen plate in front of you, with flavors like Thai tea, taro, and mango.
  • The shop is counter-service only, so you order and pay upfront before your food is prepared.
  • Prices run between $6 and $10 for most items, making it affordable for a dessert or light meal.

Location and Hours

QQ Thai Ice Cream & Crepes is located in Columbia's downtown or midtown area (specific address and hours vary, so check their social media or call ahead before visiting). Like many independent creperies, their hours can shift with the season and foot traffic—they may close earlier in winter or stay open later during summer weekends.

Parking is usually street parking or a nearby lot, depending on the exact location. The space inside is small and designed for quick service rather than lingering, though a few seats are available if you want to sit down. On warm evenings and weekends, the shop draws a steady crowd, so expect a short wait during peak times.

Sweet Crepes and Toppings

The sweet crepe menu changes, but you'll typically find options like Nutella and banana, fresh berries with whipped cream, mango with condensed milk, and chocolate with strawberry. Some crepes come with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. You can also build your own by choosing a base crepe and picking toppings from what's available that day.

Toppings often include fresh fruit (mango, strawberry, banana), whipped cream, chocolate sauce, condensed milk, and sometimes granola or crushed cookies for texture. The condensed milk option is distinctly Southeast Asian and pairs especially well with tropical fruits. If you're not sure what to order, the staff can recommend their most popular combinations.

Savory Crepes and Proteins

Savory crepes are less common at creperies, but QQ includes them on the menu. These typically feature chicken, shrimp, or vegetables mixed with a light sauce and folded into the crepe. They're a good option if you want something more substantial than dessert or if you're visiting with someone who doesn't have a sweet tooth.

Savory crepes usually cost about the same as sweet ones and come with a side salad or fresh vegetables. They're not the focus of the menu the way they are at a full French creperie, but they're a solid alternative to the ice cream and sweet crepes if you're looking for variety.

Rolled Ice Cream and Flavors

Rolled ice cream is the signature item at QQ. The process is simple but theatrical: the staff pours a liquid ice cream base onto a sub-zero metal plate, spreads it thin, adds mix-ins (fruit, candy, cookies, chocolate), then scrapes it into a tight roll with a metal blade. You watch the whole thing happen, which makes it feel more like a performance than a transaction.

Flavors rotate but often include Thai tea, taro, mango, coconut, and classic vanilla or chocolate. Mix-ins range from fresh fruit to crushed Oreos, condensed milk drizzle, and toasted coconut. The rolled ice cream melts faster than traditional scooped ice cream because of its thin, dense texture, so you eat it quickly—which is part of the appeal for people who don't want to sit with a bowl for twenty minutes.

Drinks and Add-Ons

QQ typically offers Thai iced tea and Thai iced coffee to pair with crepes and ice cream. These drinks are sweet and creamy, made with condensed milk and evaporated milk in the traditional Thai style. They complement the desserts well and are worth ordering if you're not in a rush.

Some locations also offer boba tea or other Asian beverages, though the menu varies. Prices for drinks are usually $3 to $5, and they come in regular or large sizes. If you're ordering a crepe or ice cream, a drink rounds out the experience without pushing the total cost too high.

Why QQ Stands Out in Columbia's Dessert Scene

QQ fills a specific niche: it's not a traditional French creperie, and it's not a standard ice cream shop. The combination of Southeast Asian flavors with French-style crepes and the novelty of rolled ice cream made fresh in front of you gives it a distinct identity. The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and the flavors are more adventurous than what you'd find at a chain ice cream place.

For people exploring Columbia's food scene, QQ represents the city's growing interest in Asian cuisines and fusion concepts. It's casual enough for a quick dessert after dinner, but interesting enough to be worth a dedicated trip if you're curious about Thai-inspired sweets. The staff is usually friendly and willing to let you taste flavors before committing, which helps if you're unsure about taro or Thai tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a crepe and rolled ice cream together?

Yes. Many people order both—a crepe as a main dessert and a small rolled ice cream to share or eat separately. The staff can prepare them in sequence, or you can order one, eat it, and come back for the other. There's no rule against combining items.

Are there dairy-free or vegan options?

Some locations offer coconut milk or dairy-free ice cream bases, but this varies by location and day. Call ahead or ask the staff what non-dairy options are available. Savory crepes may also work if you're avoiding sweets entirely.

How long does rolled ice cream take to make?

From order to finished product, rolled ice cream usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. The actual rolling and scraping takes about two minutes, but there's also time for the staff to prepare the base and add mix-ins. It's faster than waiting for a custom cake, but slower than grabbing a pre-scooped cone.

What's the difference between QQ's crepes and crepes at other places?

QQ's crepes emphasize Asian flavors and toppings (condensed milk, taro, mango) rather than traditional French or American styles. The crepes themselves are thin and delicate, similar to French crepes, but the fillings and flavor combinations are distinctly Southeast Asian.

Is QQ good for groups or dates?

Yes, though the space is small. It works well for a quick dessert outing or a casual date. The novelty of watching ice cream get rolled makes it more interactive than sitting at a regular ice cream counter, and the menu gives you plenty to talk about if you're trying different flavors.