The Philadelphia region’s summer tradition is here again—Italian Delco water ice.

The dessert traces its roots back to Italian families who brought the recipe to our area when they moved here from Italy, writes Jillian Wilson for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Italian water ice is creamier than shaved ice, icier than Italian ice. And you only need water, sugar, and fruit to make it.

Looking for some of the best Delco water ice? We’ve got two places. 

Pop’s Homemade Italian Ice

Pop’s was a small pushcart operation in a South Philadelphia neighborhood in 1932. Today you’ll still find a shop on Oregon Avenue in South Philly, but there’s also a  store on W. Eagle Road in Havertown.

Siddiq’s Water Ice

A food cart at Temple University has expanded into two shops in West Philly and Chester, at 720 W. Ninth Street.

 Siddiq Moore serves water ice with a lot of fruit, providing a fresh taste in flavors like mango-berry, white grape, and cantaloupe.

The decision on who had the best water ice was left to the deep regional knowledge of Philadelphia Inquirer reporters, along with advice from local experts.

Read more at The Philadelphia Inquirer about the best water ice in the Philadelphia region.

Pennlive.com talks to the folks at Pop’s Water Ice and others about this favorite summer treat.