Lisa Bischoff goes on a hunt for the best frozen Italian treats to keep cool this summer
There are around 30 gelaterias around the city – in shopping malls, mostly – and more are set to open. And no wonder: a lick of the Italian frozen treat has salved many a parched throat on hot days with its icy sweetness. While gelato and ice cream are both delicious frozen treats, it's the ingredients that set them apart. Gelato uses less butterfat than the standard, factory-made ice cream. As a result, the Italian-style ice cream contains less air, giving it a much more intense flavour which also stays cool on your tongue longer. It also helps that gelato contains fewer calories. Here are ten flavours we'd be happy to try time and time again.
We like: Bacio
Where to get it: Artisan Alfero Gelato
Cost: $4.50 per scoop
An irresistible and fine-textured pairing of chocolate and hazelnut flavours, inspired by the Perugio-originated chocolate 'kisses' [Baci]. The shop opened in mid-2011 but with its reputation for delightful flavours, its client base will surely grow. #02-226A/B Marina Square (www.alferogelato.com, 6338 5828). Daily 10am-10pm. $4.50-$6.90.
We like: Honey Yoghurt
Where to get it: Papitto Gelato
Cost: $3.50 per scoop
Like eating chilled yoghurt sweeted with pure honey, though this is more refreshing than the real thing/ The owners source their ingredients from Singapore, Malaysia and Italy. #B2-K13 VivoCity (www.papitto.com, 9222 3432). MRT: Harbourfront. Daily 11am-10.30pm. $3.50-$6.90.
We like: Dark Truffle Chocolate
Where to get it: Gelateria Italia
Cost: $4.90 per scoop
This one's intense and rich, and is a must for chocoholics. Gelateria Italian in Plaza Singapura offers as many as 60 flavours – prepared entirely with fresh ingredients, using an original Italian family recipe that belongs to one of the company's three owners. The shop is set among a maze of food shops and stalls, but is still easy to find: just keep an ear out for the sound of the Gipsy Kings. #B2-55 Plaza Singapura (www.gelateria-italia.com). MRT: Dhoby Ghaut. Daily 10am-11pm. $4.90-$9.90.
We like: Mango Alfonso and Salted Caramel flavours
Where to get it: Venezia Gelato Italiano
Cost: $3.30 per scoop
Like biting into a perfectly ripened, cold and cream mango, except Venezia Gelato Italiano's Mango Alfonso version absolves you from the labours of cutting and peeling. This cosy shop in a grand building just off Bukit Timah Road is a haven for all ages – students, retirees and families. One of the first gelateria in Singapore, it has been in operation since 2001. All gelati are made in a central kitchen in the city, using ingredients imported mostly from Italy. The Salted Caramel flavour is an incredibly delicious pairing of sweetness and saltiness. 1/L Guthrie House (1 Fifth Avenue, 6468 3656). Take a taxi. Sun-Thu 9am-10.30pm, Fri & Sat 9am-11pm. $3.30-$6.20.
We like: Arancio, Peanut Butter, Cocco and Whisky Cream flavours
Where to get it: Il Gelato di Bruno
Cost: $6.50 for a minimum of two scoops
Headquartered in Italy, Il Gelato di Bruno has three shops in Singapore and has the widest selection of tantalising flavours. The tangy, bitter and sweet Arancio is an orange custard cream with dark chocolate drizzled on top; the Peanut Butter is smooth and creamy with a well-balanced blend of nutty and sweet; the Cocco is an ideal union of frosty-fresh coconut and milk chocolate; and the icy, soft-textured Whisky Cream that gives a gentle kick. #B1-26A CityLink Mall (www.ilgelatodibruno.com, 6238 9917). MRT: City Hall. Mon-Fri noon-10pm; Sat & Sun noon-11pm. $6.50-$10.50.
We like: Passionfruit
Where to get it: Gelatissimo
Cost: $4.90 per scoop
Tastes like the real fruit, except this frozen dessert is even more refreshin, cool and smooth than its namesake. Located at street level, the Gelatissimo shop on Orchard Road seems to be busy all the time. All its fresh flavours are made on premises. #01-01 Shaw House, 350 Orchard Road (www.gelatissimo.com.au, 6736 1618). MRT: Orchard. Mon-Thu 10-11pm; Fri-Sun 10pm-midnight. $4.90-$8.90.
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Thanks for the nice comments on our dark truffle chocolate. If you like to try, we have outlets at: Plaza Sin # B2-55, Takashimaya # B2 -81, Bugis+ # L1 -07 JCube # B1 -18, and give you secret advise...try the Baileys... :-)
Posted on Fri 08 Jun 2012 11:15:44
I always wondered what the difference was between gelato and ice cream - but now, I know. Can't wait to try all these flavors! Especially: the fruit ones at Gelatissimo.
Posted on Tue 05 Jun 2012 11:48:21