It may be right by a sea breeze, but when summer comes rolling around, Hong Kong can prove to be almost as brutal as Kuala Lumpur, especially for the uninitiated. Humidity spikes with the mercury reaching new highs, which is also when ice cream parlours make a resurgence across locals looking for respite. Naturally, this means that the city is known for hosting more than a few great spots for frozen treats. Check out our top picks for the best places in Hong Kong for ice cream.
We’ve had our fair share of ways to counter the sweltering hot weather in Hong Kong. Maybe taking refuge in an air-conditioner room. Or taking a big sip of a cold fizzy drink. Some may even take a mouthful of ice cubes. When push comes to shove, maybe even duck our heads inside the fridge for a moment of relief. But an effortless and easy solution?
Triple scoop and a caramel-dipped waffle cone, please. Gone are the days when those with dietary restrictions will settle for something else to cool off. Hong Kong’s ice cream (and gelato) game has been upgraded lately with numerous lactose- and gluten-free options like Snack Baby Gelato. Time to treat yourselves to the best ice cream in Hong Kong.
Cool down at Hong Kong’s best ice cream shops
Jump To / Table of Contents
Snack Baby Gelato
View this post on Instagram
The newest kid on the block literally has ‘baby’ in its name because of a true, heartwarming story. Founder JC Lombard started Snack Baby Gelato because of his family’s love for the sweet treat. However, during their family trips, one of his daughters was lactose-intolerant and was always left out due to the limited lactose-free options. Hence, Snak Baby Gelato was born, a true haven for lactose-free and dairy-free gelato. Choose from a regularly changing selection of 14 flavours to satisfy your sweetest desserts.
They’re giving the cows a run for their money with the numerous lactose-free options, which are also kindly indicated on the menu. Taste the irresistible Rich Milk, the purest expression of gelato, it’s simplicity at its finest but also so delicious. There’s also the Mint Stracciatella which will surely win the hearts of mint choco haters. It’s a refreshing upgrade to the controversial flavour, giving it a sweeter, non-toothpaste taste. The gelateria also moonlights as a bar offering classic cocktails and sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks.
LSA Recommends
Pistachio Crunch, Mint Stracciatella, Matcha with Toasted White Chocolate, Peanut Butter with Chocolate, Smokey Vanilla
Additional Information
Messina
View this post on Instagram
This Australian cult brand’s reputation has made its way from Down Under to Hong Kong. Messina has garnered itself a loyal following for its freshly made gelato that comes in a range of flavours. If those selections aren’t enough, they even have rotating specials to make sure new and old customers keep coming back for more. To keep the local spirit alive, Messina has Hong Kong exclusives such as Black Sesame Tong Yuen and Hong Kong Milk Tea. Otherwise, their pistachio is the talk of the town. The space is quite limited and frankly, is always packed, so we also recommend having them on the go for a true Messina experience.
LSA Recommends
Pistachio, Tofu Fa, Choc Chip, Tiramisu, Macadamia Crunch
Additional Information
Venchi
View this post on Instagram
This beloved Italian gelateria needs no introduction. It’s a stalwart favourite where you’ll find yourself walking out with unplanned pouches of pralines. Venchi’s gelatos are creamy and soft, an authentic replica of those tucked-away gelaterias in quaint Italian neighbourhoods. It boasts a rotating list of seasonal flavours. Spy the rainbow ice cream window display and head on in. Now new on the menu is Cashew Gelato for those who anticipate an explosion of flavours for those mindful cheat days. Also a hot new item? Durian, the fruit is fresher at this time of the year.
LSA Recommends
Pistachio, Cacao Dark Chocolate, Tuscan Cream, Coconut
Additional Information
Godiva
View this post on Instagram
Godiva brings its ultra-famous chocolates in ice cream form. That’s right. This luxury chocolate brand is offering soft serve in a waffle cup or cone. The fuss-free flavours might be simple but they might be the best dark chocolate or white chocolate you’ll ever have. But ice cream waffle up also comes with a crispy Belgian almond cookie topped with a crispy chocolate shell. Plus, pistachio and hazelnuts as toppings. It’s quite an upgraded kind of soft serve despite its simpler flavour.
LSA Recommends
Dark Chocolate, Vanilla White Chocolate
Additional Information
Nana’s Green Tea
View this post on Instagram
Japan’s famous Nana’s Green Tea might be more known for its matcha collection of parfaits, but they also have soft serve ice cream to cool you down. And of course, they’re all only in matcha flavour but come in different varieties. Nana’s Green Tea is one of the largest matcha-branded cafe chains in Japan. It only landed on Hong Kong shores last year, but its expansion continues with the opening of The Southside. Savour the fluffy soft matcha-flavoured soft serves made with glorious hand-ground matcha powder. They are sourced from Yamamasa Koyamen, a historic tea manufacturer in Kyoto Prefecture. These are then ground in stone mills using a technique perfected over 200 years. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth feel that is just perfect for the summer.
LSA Recommends
Matcha Soft Serve with Warabimochi, Matcha Soft Serve with Nana Chocolate
Additional Information
Gelato-Go
View this post on Instagram
Gelato-Go was conceived by an Italian team based in the US and the Hong Kong brand is its first flagship store in Asia. The gelato shop takes pride in serving fresh ice cream daily using imported quality products. For those who value high-quality yet affordable ice cream, this is it. Gelato-Go also uses milk that doesn’t have artificial hormones or antibiotics so what you’re tasting is all natural. If you’re lactose-intolerant, this should be on your list too. While you can’t have the gelato, they serve sorbet too. You’ll be spoiled for choice at the whopping 70 flavours. Even if you’re undecided, that’s already an excuse to come back for another round to try even more.
LSA Recommends
Pistachio, Rum Raisin, Mascarpone Wild, Chocolate Berries, Salted Caramel
Additional Information
Twist & Buckle
View this post on Instagram
Sure, Twist & Buckle is better known for its deep-fried churros. But the sugar-dusted snack also comes served jabbed in a tub of creamy smooth vanilla soft serve. Even better. Go either ‘Special’ for a choice of the signature glazed and sprinkled churros or ‘Original, with plain sugar-dusted churros. And pair it with one of the nine, equally delicious ice cream topping selections. Our particular favourite: Movie Night 2.0 with M&M’s, popcorn, rainbow sprinkles and caramel sauce with a glazed churro of choice. We’d go for the Wonderland, strawberry pink chocolate with rainbow sprinkles, perfectly on par with the running theme.
LSA Recommends
Rainbow, Cookies & Cream, Banoffee, Movie Night 2.0, Wonderland
Additional Information
Via Tokyo
View this post on Instagram
A tall, beautiful swirl is what you’ll find at Via Tokyo. As the name indicates, it’s a spot dedicated to Japanese-style soft serves. This includes well-loved flavours of matcha, smooth Hokkaido milk and hojicha in single or double twists. Customise your own with various toppings such as warabi mochi or a jug of sweet Okinawan black sugar drizzle for a perfect parfait. But don’t stop at ice cream. Sit in for a quick refuge from the sun with more sweet comforts: the Uji Matcha Cream mille feuille and matcha roll-cake are delicious afternoon treats.
LSA Recommends
Matcha Affogato, Royal Milk Tea Parfait, Three Colour Ice Cream Waffle, Matcha Ice Cream with Red Bean
Additional Information
XTC Gelato
View this post on Instagram
Is any ice cream list even complete without the mention of XTC Gelato? This Hong Kong homegrown spot is simple and unassuming. It’s identifiable only via the red lacquered exterior and cone-shaped graphic. Here, it’s not about fancy tricks. But honest scoops of low-fat natural gelato that is churned with the freshest ingredients. Although the menu rotates seasonally and includes an interesting range of local dessert-inspired flavours, including black sesame and milk tea, the friendly staff are always happy to give out sample scoops until you pick your fancy. If you do, however, stumble upon a specific flavour that you can’t stop thinking about, there’s probably a takeaway tub available to order or try your luck diving into the cold aisle of citywide supermarkets.
LSA Recommends
Sea Salt Caramel, Clover Honey Yoghurt, Green Tea, Cookie Crunch
Additional Information
All images credit: Snack Baby Gelato
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Green tea, pistachio, sea salt caramel, and vanilla are some of the most popular flavours of ice cream in Hong Kong.
There are local ice cream flavours in Hong Kong such as Hong Kong milk tea and black sesame.
There are seasonal or limited-time flavours in Hong Kong like durian or mango especially when it’s in season.
