Cool off with the frosty confections of a newcomer to District VII’s Karaván street-food pavilion – but be careful when saying the name of this fresh locale. Popsi sounds familiar as a tribute to the famous Popsicle, but the real wordplay is in Hungarian – “popsi” means buttocks, so don’t invite friends to lick some Popsi on Kazinczy Street, as the name is a cheeky pun. Still, it is short and easy to remember, just like the product itself, offering a new alternative to ice cream and fruit enthusiasts – as well as for lactose-intolerant customers, since these treats are all water-based.

What do we crave most on hot summer days? Ice-cold water, lemonade, ice cream, beer, fruits, and nothing else, because even light foods can strain our stomach in the heat. In short, whatever we decide to consume should be cold – and the two young founders of POPS! (more popularly referred to as Popsi) started this new venture with this philosophy in mind.

The concept could not be any simpler; as we step into Karaván, we find the colorful selection of frozen-fruit treats immediately to the left, where we can choose from approximately 15 flavors. Green apple, cherry, lemon, orange, kiwi, strawberry, raspberry, and passion fruit are just a few of the options; mixed-fruit flavors may be coming in the near future, and yogurt-based versions are on their way, as well. One popsicle weighs about 10 decagrams, which is equivalent to two large scoops of ice cream.

The popsicles are free of bulking agents, aromas, colorings, and preservatives; their only indulgent ingredient is sugar, but sugar-free versions will soon be available, as well. The only ingredients besides sugar and water are the fruits purchased from local markets – nothing fancy or over-complicated, but still a satisfying formula. We will happily get off our asses to go stand in line for a passion-fruit Popsi no matter how hot it gets.

Price: 600-800 HUF