New Zealand-style ice cream comes to Prague: What's a hokey pokey?

A fresh concept inspired by New Zealand’s renowned ice cream culture has been serving up scoops in Prague’s Vinohrady neighborhood since June 30. Berry Good gained early attention after a sneak preview at the Prague Ice Cream Festival, highlighting a distinct approach: ice cream made live before customers’ eyes using fresh, locally sourced fruit.

The interactive preparation, combined with quality raw materials, offers a new kind of ice cream experience in Prague. The parlor’s name reflects its dedication to delivering natural flavors, with specialties including raspberry, strawberry, and the uniquely Kiwi hokey pokey caramel treat.

New Zealand holds the world record for the highest ice cream consumption per capita, a fact that inspired Berry Good’s co-founders. Ondřej Kec, who spent nearly two years living in New Zealand, brought the concept to Prague after observing the country’s passion for quality ice cream.

Berry Good uses professional machines imported directly from New Zealand to produce its ice cream on the spot. Each order is crafted live, creating an interactive experience for visitors who watch as their dessert is freshly mixed and served.

Customers choose their preferred fruit—currently raspberries or strawberries—or opt for the hokey pokey, a specialty flavor featuring crunchy caramel bits made from caramelized sugar, reminiscent of the classic Kiwi dessert.

The parlor prioritizes quality and sustainability: fruit comes from local Czech farmers and wild harvests, and packaging is fully compostable or recyclable. In addition to ice cream, Berry Good offers chilled drinks like cold brew coffee and flavored lemonades to complement the treats.

Within Prague's burgeoning ice cream scene, Berry Good focuses on freshness, natural ingredients, and transparency in production. Their hokey pokey, a caramel-infused flavor with a crunchy texture, is the signature offering, described as “a caramel bomb that will knock your socks off.”

Hokey pokey is a popular New Zealand ice cream flavor traditionally made of vanilla ice cream mixed with small, crunchy lumps of honeycomb toffee. Originating in the mid-20th century, the name refers to the honeycomb toffee and is a well-known part of New Zealand’s dessert culture.

In addition to its physical location on Italská Street, Berry Good also operates a food truck that regularly visits farmers’ markets in Holešovice, promoting local produce and sustainable business practices. Co-owner Vojtěch Tichava, known for his role in the Czech version of the popular reality TV show The Farm, has helped raise the parlor’s profile through social media engagement.

Berry Good is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., focusing on takeaway to maintain a fast and vibrant atmosphere. Its unique preparation style and New Zealand inspiration bring a new flavor to Prague’s increasingly diverse ice cream scene.