Whether it’s for a celebration, a post-heartbreak binge, or to satisfy those late night cravings – ice cream seems to fit into any occasion in our lives. In a way, we also grew up with them – taking precious bites from small paper cups and then left with the aftertaste of the wooden spoon, or quickly snarfing down an ice lolly before it melts all over your fingers.
Now thanks to our ever-evolving palate and the creativity of today’s culinary talents, ice cream has greatly evolved from a sweet treat to a a sort of cuisine all on their own. Flavour combinations that we would never have thought of are now churned into a reality, ice creams are getting a boozy infusion, and local shoppes and gelaterias are even offering delicious versions that cater to those with dietary restrictions.
If you’re looking to ease those pandemic-lockdown blues with a different kind of pint (or two), here are some of the best artisanal ice creams the KL and PJ area have to offer.
Licky Chan
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Despite being one of the newer players to the local ice cream scene, Licky Chan has already garnered a cult following thanks to its unique creations – both boozy and non-alcoholic. Those who wish to bring an icy spin to Happy Hour can savour flavour combinations such as olive oil, calamansi, and Bombay Sapphire in the Lickin’ On Gin & Juice; and wasabi, sake, strawberry and white chocolate in the Cone-ichiwa!. Not a fan of alcohol-laden sweets? Then try out flavours like Nirvana, which combines almond milk, chai, cashew, and turmeric; or Everything’s Gone Green, which features a trio of Italian basil, coconut, and lime.
Available on Beep.
Crème de la Crème (CDLC)
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Famed for their beautifully-executed flavours, exciting collaborations, and adorable petits gâteaux, Crème de la Crème treats its ice creams like fine gastronomy, putting together flavours that you won’t find anywhere else. Be sure to try the Watermelonade and Dragon Rose if you need help beating the heat, or opt for the sugar-free Beauty Elixir ice cream which comes infused with ingredients like sakura, collagen, vitamin C, and glutathione as an “extra” step in your beauty routine.
Available on Beep.
You may also like: #SupportLocal: Crème de la Crème – Malaysia’s finest artisanal ice-cream.
Kind Kones
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Those with food sensitivities such as egg allergies, lactose intolerance, or even gluten sensitivities can look to Kind Kones for their plant-based ice creams to get a sweet fix. Made without dairy, egg, and refined sugar, some ice creams are even made without gluten – so that you can indulge without worry. If you’ve got a soft spot for chocolate, they even have a Chocolate Sorbet that’s made without any plant milk, but still checks all the right boxes.
Whimsical
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Looking for something lighter, fluffier, lower in fat, and richer in flavour? You know you’ll be getting your hands on some ridiculously good gelato at Whimsical, who even won the Gelato World Tour for Asia Pacific. With unique flavours such as Brown Butter Blueberry Muffin and Sticky Date Pudding with Vanilla – this local gelateria is one not to miss. Make sure to preorder – as flavours are known to be sold out rather quickly.
Orders can be made via WhatsApp.
The Ice Cream Bar
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If Inside Scoop is too tame for you, then hit up The Ice Cream Bar to fulfil all your frosty, boozy desires. Aptly named for its offerings of alcohol-infused ice creams, you’ll find classic flavours such as Tiramisu and Rum & Raisin, alongside more unique combinations such as Guinnesss Brownies, Kahlua Cheesecake, and Whisky Red Velvet. Tip: If you’re a chocolate fan, the Smoked Cognac is a must-have.
Available on The Ice Cream Bar online store and GrabFood. The full list of outlets and their contacts can be found here.
The Last Polka
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The Last Polka has been churning handmade ice creams in KL since 2010, serving up nothing but indulgent, feel good ice cream. Made with 100% natural ingredients, expect homey and familiar flavours such as Salted Gula Melaka, White Coffee, Horlicks, and Coconut.
Available on Beep.
Negative 12 Degrees
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Whoever said plant-based diets can’t involve delicious desserts can eat their words after having a taste of the vegan ice creams offered at Negative 12 Degrees. One can easily find an array of familiar flavours such as Cookies & Cream, Dark Chocolate, and even Coffee but without the guilt. They even have sugar-free options for folks who are looking to watch their sugar intake.
The full list of delivery options can be found here.
Softsrve
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While Softsrve isn’t able to serve the fluffy, pillowy ice creams they’re known for at the moment, you can still dig into their deliciously creamy treats in “Hard Hard” form. The Vanilla Cereal Milk flavour is a nostalgic worth getting for late night snacking, while the Strawberry Yoghurt and Blueberry Buttermilk Yoghurt are ideal for giving your smoothies more body. Tea fans can also opt for flavours such as Oolong Cha and Honey Matcha for a cool, new take on afternoon tea.
Available on Beep.
Fatbaby Ice Cream
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This affectionately-named ice cream shoppe serves up both nostalgic favourites and interesting flavours to satisfy the sweetest of cravings. Purists can dig into flavours like Vanilla Bean and Belgian Chocolate, but definitely try out their other combinations or weekly specials such as Malted Vanilla Caramel, Lemon Sea Salt Chocolate, and Lemon Pie.
Available on Beep.
Piccoli Lotti
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Known for their light and indulgent gelato that’s made in small batches, Piccoli Lotti crafts their artisanal gelato using natural ingredients so that each spoonful is a delicious and wholesome one. Popular flavours include the Pulut Tai Tai, Affogato Almond Brittle, Pistachio, and Hazelnut Stracciatella.
Available on Beep.
Inside Scoop
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A ice cream shoppe that needs no introduction, Inside Scoop is everyone’s go-to for some no-nonsense ice creams and localised flavours that will hit the spot every time. Old school flavours such as Valrhona Chocolate and Vanilla Bean are not to be missed, while the creamy Durian flavour is the perfect treat for fans of the King of Fruits.
Available at their online shop and GrabFood.