Vogue's guide to the best gelato spots in Singapore

Vogue Singapore

3 days ago

@burntcones
In sweltering Singapore, where the heat is ever-pervasive and all-encompassing, few pleasures rival that of a simple frozen sweet treat. Indeed, there's nothing quite like a scoop of rich and creamy gelato on a hot day.
For the uninitiated, gelato differs from ice cream in that it is lower in milk fat but higher in flavour intensity, churned slowly and served at a slightly warmer temperature to give it that impossibly soft, smooth and velvety texture. Crafting the perfect gelato is nothing short of an art—and it's one that the best gelato spots in Singapore have certainly mastered.
Dotted around town, these chic creameries and minimalist dessert parlours have gone beyond perfecting the classics to develop creative flavours that you won't find anywhere else. Take, for instance, Birds of Paradise, which hardly needs any introduction. With its elegant botanical offerings—think white chrysanthemum sprinkled with cacao nibs, or gorgeous swirls of butterfly pea with macadamia—the beloved gelato boutique has earned itself a recommendation on the Michelin guide year after year. Plus, new kids on the block like unique tofu-based Korean brand Tofu G and Australian cult-favourite Gelato Messina—already having cemented itself as one of the buzziest dessert spots in town—have sparked somewhat of a gelato renaissance as of late.
For those seeking a sweet treat, we round up the best gelato spots in Singapore to indulge in a decadent scoop or two. Courtesy of Messina
1 / 6 Messina
What sets Australian cult-favourite brand Gelato Messina apart is its commitment to ensuring that every single component of its gelato is perfectly tailored to bring out the best flavour, so much so that the brand operates its own farms to produce most of its own raw ingredients—from Jersey milk and free-range eggs to honey, hazelnuts and mint. The result is a smorgasbord of 40 delicious flavours, including five weekly rotating offerings. Classics such as the Pistachio, Dulce de Leche and Hokey Pokey are undoubtedly delicious, but don't leave without trying the shop's five local specials inspired by durian, kaya toast, teh tarik , tau huay and salted egg.
1 Club St, Singapore 069400 Courtesy of Birds of Paradise
2 / 6 Birds of Paradise
A household name through and through, locals flock to Birds of Paradise for its specially-churned botanical gelato—flavoured with real and natural ingredients like fruits, flowers, pods, herbs and spices. The result? One-of-a-kind flavours like the refreshing Strawberry Basil and White Chrysanthemum sprinkled with cacao nibs.
53 Craig Rd, #01-01, Singapore 089691 @burntcones
3 / 6 Burnt Cones
Signature cones that bear a slight char? It can only be Burnt Cones. Since its humble beginnings in the West, the local gelato brand has gone on to expand in other parts of the island. From special cones to smoky waffles, there's already plenty to indulge in but one would most definitely be spoiled when it comes to its range of gelato flavours that are freshly churned daily. Classics that include Madagascan Vanilla and Pistachio as well as limited flavours for the month—featuring a delightful Matcha Strawberry.
#01-K9/13 United Square, Singapore 307591 Courtesy of Tofu G
4 / 6 Tofu G
In Korean culture, tofu is seen as a symbol for new beginnings—a white, blank slate if you will. It is this sentiment that gets playfully elevated in Tofu G, an ice cream parlour where tofu is transformed into its star ingredient. Think scoops of creamy, indulgent tofu gelato—sincerely crafted for a refined palette. If a first visit is par for the course, be sure to grab a scoop of the original flavour that is sure to satisfy the senses, before you dive into its other flavours, such as a nutty Black Sesame Gelato or Korean Sweet Potato Gelato. The parlour also offers high-protein, non-dairy and vegan-friendly alternatives, so you can be sure there's something for everyone.
333A Orchard Rd, #02-21 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897 Courtesy of Momolato
5 / 6 Momolato
A world of enticing flavours awaits at Momolato. Dreamed up by the award-winning gelato expert Sharon Tay, the wholesale ice-cream parlour has been crafting Muslim-friendly gelato for a myriad of cafes and restaurants around town, ever since its inception a decade ago. With its kooky street hideout established in 2021, the late-night spot offers a dizzying array of its gelato flavours, running the gamut from botanicals such as a Yuzu Hibiscus Flower or Hibiscus Apple to rich, fascinating swirls of a Hokkaido milk gelato and blue pea flowers or an oolong tea-infused hojicha pick.
723 N Bridge Rd, Singapore 198691 @venchi_sg
6 / 6 Venchi
Beloved Italian brand Venchi might be better known for its incredible chocolate, but its gelato deserves just as much praise. Freshly made every day in the traditional and authentic Italian way, here's where you'll want to head to for the classic flavours done masterfully well. As expected, its chocolate gelato offerings—from the Stracciatella to the Chocoviar 75%—are some of the best in town, but don't miss out on the its Pistachio and Hazelnut flavours either, crafted with Bronte green pistachios and Piedmont hazelnuts respectively.
B1-25A, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801