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We’ll admit, we’re all softies for ice cream. Whether it’s velvety gelato goodness from Venchi or Hong Kong-themed flavours from Messina, there are many options to stay cool this summer!
If you’ve got a sweet tooth in your family (let’s be honest, that’s all of us!) who loves all things ice cream, gelato, mochi, froyo and more, then our list of favourite chilled goodies will be sure to satisfy your summer cravings! While the classics like Mister Softee are still a hit, we have plenty of alternatives too, from velvety gelato to ice cream cakes to dairy-free and vegan goodies (great if you or your child are lactose intolerant). Now, get the scoop on the best ice cream in Hong Kong – you can bet your kids won’t be the only ones asking for more!
Read More: Hong Kong Cake Shops – Where To Buy Birthday Cake For The Family
Gelato Messina – Over 35 ice cream flavours to choose from!
Who remembers the long queues when Messina first opened? Safe to say, the ice-creamery still draws a crowd every day (but the lines move pretty fast!). This Australian cult-favourite is not to be missed – there are loads of scoops to choose from but in the name of research, we go bold – think Egg Tart, Yuen Yeung (coffee and milk tea!) or HK exclusive Dragon’s Back (red and white dragon fruit sorbet). Plus, they make real good ice cream cakes too!
Gelato Messina, 37-43 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong, www.gelatomessina.com.hk
XTC Gelato – Natural low-fat gelato and cheesecake gelato stick
With its massive array of unique, seasonal flavours, gluten free and soy free options and innovations for festivals, there is always something for everyone. XTC’s gelato is curated with fresh, all-natural ingredients, so you don’t have to feel too guilty about indulging in this treat! But if it’s a cheat day, do indulge in its cheesecake gelato stick!
XTC Gelato Central, Shop B, 45 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2541 0500, www.xtc.com.hk
Hello Molly Gelato – Handcrafted by a certified Gelatiere
The co-founder of this Sassy Mama favourite went and got certified by the Gelato University headquarters in Italy, so you can be sure you’re getting top-quality handcrafted goodness at this gelateria in Central. With dozens of flavours made with no artificial colourings including everyday favourites and unique seasonal offerings (our curiosity has been piqued by the fizzy peach sorbet and coriander gelato), there’s something for everyone.
Hello Molly Gelato, Shop 241, 2/F, Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 5963 2289, www.hellomollygelato.com
Gelato-Go – US brand serving Italian gelato
In 2019, this US brand opened its first store in Asia, right here in Tsim Sha Tsui. They source all-natural ingredients from Italy to make their delicious gelato, and also serve authentic Neapolitan coffee and cakes. Plus, if you happen to have kids who wonder how gelato is made, Gelato-Go offers a cooking class for kids and adults where you’ll be guided by a culinary expert in the art of making gelato and sorbet (and of course you get to eat the end result!), a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.
Gelato-Go, 174 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, 2383 9118, www.gelatogohongkong.com
Barista by Givrés – Hidden gem serving rose-shaped gelatos
Mama, is the rose edible? Absolutely! Kids will love Barista by Givrés’ signature gelato roses that come in a variety of flavours (you can pick two or three and see the petals being placed one by one). If you want to grab a coffee while the kids wait for their order, get the Floating Rose Coffee that’s perfect to have on the go – if you have more time, we recommend the Rose Waffles too.
Barista by Givrés, 7 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong, 9659 0816, www.givres.com
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Venchi – A cult classic ice cream shop
Famed for its decadent Italian chocolate as well as its heavenly gelato that has had a fan following since 1878, you simply can’t go wrong with Venchi. With locations in popular hotpots like Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay and Tseung Kwan O, chances are you’ve already spotted this while on your family day trip and had the kids drag you in for a scoop or two!
Venchi, various locations across Hong Kong, www.venchi.com.hk
Read More: The Best Chocolates In Hong Kong
Yo Mama – Low-sugar froyo
If you’re opting for a lower sugar kick, Hong Kong’s favourite Yo Mama is a frozen yoghurt lover’s delight. Choose the size you want, the base flavour and load it up with a generous amount of toppings. Toppings include fresh fruit and an exclusive line of sugar-free, gluten-free, raw and organic toppings in the “superfoods” selection. Yo Mama has branches in several places in Hong Kong, with a new one opening soon in Wong Chuk Hang. Talk about ticking all the boxes!
Yo Mama, various locations across Hong Kong, www.yomama.com.hk
Kowloon Dairy – Hong Kong-made ice cream and mochi
Count on Kowloon Dairy for the perfect pick-me-up for the kids. With flavours like Peanut Butter, Chocolate King and Ovaltine, have the kids pick out either ice cream drumsticks, cups or mochi ice (the one mochi we’ve been loyal to since day one!).
Kowloon Dairy, Kowloon Dairy Building, 17–19 On Lan Street, Central, Hong Kong, 6196 6572, www.kowloondairy.com
Twist & Buckle – Churros, Churros, Churros!
Photogenic, hand-crafted and concise menu featuring just the right flavours, Twist & Buckle is always a joy to stumble upon! Its churros paired with sundaes give a nice kick (our kids will second this!). Whether you’re going for one of the originals like Banoffee or a special creation like the Cookie Monster, you’ll be impressed with every bite.
Twist & Buckle, 29-31 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Twist & Buckle, 180 Electric Road, North Point, Hong Kong, www.twistandbuckle.com
Read More: That Papa – Juan Gimenez, Co-Founder Of Twist & Buckle
ISEE iSEE – Handcrafted milk-based ice pops
Serving up pretty handcrafted fruit and milk-based ice pops with completely natural ingredients and no preservatives at all, this place is a top choice for families. The refreshing ice pop flavours include juicy honeydew melon, Earl Grey pistachio and much more – perfect for grabbing on the go!
ISEE iSEE, Shop 115, Peak Galleria, 118 Peak Road, The Peak, Hong Kong
ISEE iSEE, MC 04, Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.iseeisee.com
Read More: Afternoon Tea In Hong Kong – Hotels And Restaurants With High Tea
More Ice Cream Shops In Hong Kong
- Godiva – Classic soft-serve and cup ice-creams. www.godiva.com.hk
- Happy Cow – Hong Kong-made vegan ice cream. www.happycowhk.com
- Holly Brown – Edible, ice cream-filled waffle bowls! www.hollybrowncoffee.com
- Häagen-Dazs – The classic ice cream favourite. www.haagen-dazs.com.hk
- Owl’s Choux & Gelato – Gelato stuffed in a delicate choux pastry. www.owlschoux.com
- IKEA Bistro – It’s safe to say that most kids don’t love furniture shopping, so treat them to an IKEA ice cream as a reward! www.ikea.com.hk
Read More: Breakfast In Hong Kong – Family-Friendly Breakfast Spots Across The City
Editor’s Note: “Ice Cream In Hong Kong: Gelato, Soft-Serve, Ice-Cream Cakes And More” was originally published by Anita Balagopalan and most recently updated in June 2024 by Veena Raghunath, with thanks to Fashila Kanakka for her contribution.
