Best ice cream & gelato in Singapore: 18 cafes & stores to beat the tropical heat, Lifestyle News

Best ice cream & gelato in Singapore: 18 cafes & stores to beat the tropical heat, Lifestyle News

Beat the Singapore Sun With a Cold, Creamy Delight

Nothing turns the heat into a real‑life sauna like the sweltering Singapore sun. The trick? Pick up a frosty, creamy treat and let it do its job.

Why Ice Cream Is Your MVP

  • Instant refreshment: A quick bite of coldness rewires your body’s thermostat.
  • Feel‑good vibes: Those sweet flavors trigger endorphins faster than a cup of coffee.
  • Social score: Sharing a cone (or a sundae) is the unofficial social lubricant of the tropics.

Frozen Faves Around Town

  • Classic Cones – “The Original Creamery” offers vanilla, chocolate, and a float that’ll make you laugh when the sugar hits.
  • Bold & Experimental – “Scoop Spectrum” brings you matcha, salted caramel, and even Brussels sprout. (Yes, it’s actually good.)
  • Local Twist – “Pandan Paradise” serves sticky rice ice cream; you’ll feel like you’re dining in a jungle.
  • Glazed & Glautsy – “Café Gelato” rolls out seasonal flavors in a quick carousel that keeps the menu exciting.

How to Pick Your Palate

Per your taste buds, pick from:

  • Sweet Tooth: Classic flavors with a twist.
  • Adventurous: Exotic mixes for the brave.
  • Health Conscious: Lighter versions that keep calories in check.

Vegan & Dairy‑Free Options

Looking for plant‑based or dairy‑free choices? We’ve compiled a separate list to keep your diet on track without sacrificing the freeze‑that‑glows.

Final Scoop

Next time you’re juggling the sun, make sure you bring a cone—and keep the street vendors close because you’ll be tempted to hit them again and again. Stay cool, stay sweet, and enjoy every bite of your tropical respite.

New hotspots for some cold treats

1. Monarchs & Milkweed Gelato

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Monarchs & Milkweed Gelato is this island’s latest ice cream hotshot. Established in 2020, they have already garnered raving reviews for their fresh takes on classics we all know and love.

Brown Butter Sage and Burnt White Chocolate are but two delectable delights on their vast and varied menu. Waffle cone or not, we’re looking forward to seeing what they cook up next.

Monarchs & Milkweed is located at 802 North Bridge Road #01-01, Singapore 198770, p. +65 9665 7534. Their P2HA operating hours are Tue-Sun 12pm – 8.30pm. Regular operating hours are 12pm – 10pm daily.

2. No Horse Run

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Yishun is boasting a brand-new insta-worthy ice cream parlor. If you’re looking for classic flavors, they’re serving up a Neapolitan-looking set of three bestsellers:

Smoked Milk with Cacao Nibs , Strawberry Chai, and Fleur De Cao Dark Chocolate . Not afraid to venture into Thai-inspired flavors, the Lemongrass Pandan gelato adds an interesting mix to the bag. Yay or ‘neigh’? We’ll let you decide.

No Horse Run is located at 160 Yishun Street 11 #01-216, Singapore 760160. Open 2pm – 11pm daily.

3. Hay Gelato

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Hay Gelato is contemporary cuisine Brine Restaurant’s brainchild. Quickly finding its way into the hearts of East-siders, Hay Gelato boasts 12 flavours like Balsamic Strawberry and Meyer Lemon. True to their name, they have a flavour called Smoked Hay made by (you guessed it) smoking real hay and infusing that into their gelato.

Hay Gelato is located at 136 Bedok North Avenue 3 #01-148, Singapore 460136, p. +65 9663 4254. Open 3pm – 2am daily. Closed Mon.

4. Isee Cream

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One of the new kids on the block in the world of icy confectionaries and the Thomson neighbourhood, their current list of flavours include Blueberry, Lychee Raspberry, and Biscoff. If you’re looking for someplace fresh, grab a scoop at Isee Cream (atop their herb & spice infused Belgian waffle if you can!).

Isee Cream is located at Thomson V2, 11 Sin Ming Road #01-14, Singapore 575629. Their operating hours are Wed-Thu, Sun 2pm – 11pm, Fri-Sat 2pm – 2am. Closed Mon-Tue.

5. Haute & Cauld

Hungry at 2 AM? Haute & Cauld’s Midnight Scoop Haven

If the night lights are calling and you’re craving a sweet bite, Haute & Cauld turns every late‑night sigh into a crunchy delight. Open till 2 am, this jewel on Singapore’s eastern side is your answer to those midnight cravings.

What’s on the Menu?

  • Hazelnut Rocher – buttery, nutty, and totally decadently sweet
  • Strawberry Cheesecake – a creamy cloud of berries and cream that melts in your mouth
  • Hokkaido Milk – pure, creamy, and a white splash of heaven

This place doesn’t care if the sun’s out or a full moon is blazing – the scoops literally melt your worries away.

Location & Hours

Stop by at 740 Bedok Reservoir Road #01‑3179, Singapore 470740 and let the smooth vibes seep into your night.

Weekdays: 12 pm – 2 am
Tuesday Special (because even yours truly loves variety): 6 pm – 2 am

So whether you’re a dawn‑dodge morning person or a night‑owl superstar, Haute & Cauld’s welcoming open door comes with a scoop that sticks in your heart – glad you’re calm that no Queen’s cartoon animated films ever exist. (What a twist!)

6. Momolato

Sinfully indulgent without the ‘sin’, Momolato remains one of the healthiest choices for diet-conscious consumers looking to satisfy their creamy cravings. The Asia-Pacific winner at the Gelato World Tour Final boasts flavours like the fan-favorite Mao Shan Wang Durian to the fruity Himalayan Osmanthus Mango Passionfruit .

Momolato is located at 34 Haji Lane, Singapore 189227. Open Sun-Thu 12pm – 11pm, Fri 12pm – 2am, and Sat 12pm – 2am.

ALSO READ: This new keto-friendly cafe at Haji Lane has healthy, diabetic-safe gelatos in pandan leaf-wrapped cones

All-time favorites

7. Apiary

Beat the Sweet Sweet with Apiary’s Ice Cream Wonderland

Ready to treat your taste buds with something that’s both sweet and slightly daring? Apiary is more than just a scoop‑shop—it’s a sweet‑loving playground, and the name itself tells you exactly where the magic happens: an apiary as in a cozy hive for honey bees.

Why Everyone’s Buzzing About It

  • 19 rotating flavors. From classic vanilla to the daring Blue Milk, the menu never settles into a predictable rut.
  • Top‑notch ingredients. Every swirl is a promise of quality—no shortcuts, just creamy, dreamy goodness.
  • Bold experimentations. If you like your dessert quirky, try the Blue Milk: a sweet-salty fusion of blue pea flower and a pinch of sea salt.

Locations That’ll Make You Grin

Don’t worry about getting lost; we’ve got two sweet spots for you:

  • 84 Neil Rd, Singapore 088844 – call +65 6493 7273 to book a scoop.
  • 61 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8 #01‑02, Jubilee Square, Singapore 569814 – ring +65 6980 6296 for reservations.
Opening Hours (Because No One Likes to Wait)
  • When the city’s on a heightened alert: Mon‑Sun, 12 pm to 9 pm.
  • Normal schedule:
    • Sun‑Thu: 12 pm – 10 pm
    • Fri‑Sat: 12 pm – 11 pm

So, whether you’re craving a nostalgic scoop or something fresh and out‑of‑the‑box, Apiary’s got you covered. Grab a spoon, let the honey buzz carry you, and treat yourself like the scoop‑lover you truly are.

8. Birds of Paradise

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Boasting long queues at its Jewel location, Birds of Paradise has become a staple dessert pitstop for anyone wandering about the airport mall.

Their top three bestsellers, White Chrysanthemum, Midnight Gianduja, and Lychee Raspberry goes down well with all their customers. From fruits, flowers, basil, and blue ginger, their herb-infused gelato menu bring the South East Asian palate right to the tip of your tongue.

Birds of Paradise is located at 63 East Coast Road #01-05, Singapore 428776. Open   11.30am – 8.30pm daily during P2HA, otherwise 12pm – 10pm. BOP Jewel Changi Airport outlet is temporarily closed.

9. Creamier

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Get your favorite creams on a cone at Creamier. Bestsellers like their Earl Grey Lavender and Roasted Pistachio will definitely hit the spot this summer.  

If you’re looking for something to tingle your tastebuds, newly crafted comforts like Lemon Curd Matcha Croissant are surely a step out of the ordinary.

Creamier is located at Blk 131 Toa Payoh Lorong 1 #01-02, Singapore 310131. Their P2HA operating hours are Mon-Sun 12pm – 10pm.

10. Dopa Dopa Creamery

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Forget waffles and ice cream. Dopa Dopa Creamery hits a homerun with their game-changing buttery croissants and ice cream confections. For someone who has a life-long obsession with flaky pastry, this place is a dream come true.

With flavors like Raspberry Milk and Mango Pear Sorbet, Dopa Dopa Creamery is going to send you a shot of dopamine with every bite.

Dopa Dopa Creamery can be found at 29 South Bridge Road #01-01, Singapore 058665, p. +65 6535 3539. Open Mon-Sat 12pm – 6pm. Closed on Sun.

11. Geometry

Discover The Sweet Spot: Geometry

Looking for desserts that taste like a work of art? Geometry is your go‑to spot. This chic little cafe turns every gelato into a masterpiece, made from the ground up with top‑notch, globe‑trotting ingredients.

Why It’s Worth the Trip

Instead of the usual cookie dough or chocolate, they bring you flavors that spark conversation:

  • Earl Grey Tie Guan Yin – Imagine sipping a tea‑infused dream that melts in your mouth.
  • Pistachio – A nod to the culinary elite, crunchy yet creamy.

If you’re craving novelty, this place is a no‑brainer.

Location & Hours

Address: 2 Jalan Bukit Merah #01-5142, Singapore 150002
Phone: +65 6255 6366

Open schedule (regular hours)
Sun‑Thu: 12 pm – 9:30 pm

Evening premiere on Fri & Sat (holiday vibe)
Fri, Sat: 12 pm – 11 pm

Grab your taste buds and head over—Geometry is ready to serve up something unforgettable.

12. Kooks Creamery

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Get your cameras ready. Kooks Creamery’s famous lava cookie and ice cream dessert is a treat for both your sweet tooth and your Instagram followers.

No matter what cookie and ice cream you mix and match, that feeling of seeing the warm cookie lava ooze out under an ice-cold scoop of cream never gets old. As you coo over your aesthetically pleasing Boomerang, don’t forget to pick up a spoon and dig in quick!

ALSO READ: 15 ice cream cafes in Singapore to beat the heat

Kooks Creamery is located at 211 Serangoon Ave 4 #01-02, Singapore 550211. Open Tue-Thu, Sun 12pm – 10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-11pm. Closed on Mon. Kooks Creamery The Cathay is located at Handy Road #01-06, Singapore 229233. Open daily 3pm – 9pm due to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert).

13. Merely

With a full spread of 31 different flavors on rotation, Merely has been providing scoops of happiness to their satisfied customers since 2012. Other than bestsellers such as Salted Butterscotch and Oreo Milk, Merely occasionally mixes it up with seasonal treats or stunning R&D inventions such as their Orange Meringue with meringue bits woven-in for a citrusy crunch.

Merely can be found at Sunshine Plaza, 91 Bencoolen Street #01-13 Singapore 189652, p. +65 8874 5760. Their Sunshine Plaza opening hours are Mon-Thu 12pm – 10pm, Fri-Sun 12pm – 10.30pm. Closed Sun. Merely’s second outlet is located at Our Tampines Hub, 1 Tampines Walk B1-52, Singapore 528523. Their OTH outlet is open Mon-Thu 12 .30pm – 9.30pm, Fri-Sun 12.30pm – 10pm.

14. Milk and Honey Gelato

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Tucked away in heartlands, we have the modest but meritorious Milk and Honey Gelato. If you live in the east, you’re only a stone’s throw away from savouring a scoop of their signature Milk and Honey gelato with house-made honeycombs. The go-to order to satisfy any caffeine craving, though, is their creamy Tiramisu.

Milk and Honey’s outlet is at 86 Bedok North Street 4 #01-179, Singapore 460086. They are open Mon-Thu 2pm – 10pm, Fri-Sat 1pm – 1am, and Sun 12pm – 10pm.

ALSO READ: Best ice cream shops for under $5 a scoop

15. Sunday Folks

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If you’re crazy over chocolate, you’re going to love a scoop of Sunday Folk’s Dark Chocolate Ferrero ice cream. Pair it with a square of waffles and you’ve got yourself a true tried-and-tested sweet treat.

Miss traveling? They’ve got a taste of Japan in their new Genmaicha and Matcha Mascarpone flavours. Every day is a Sunday when you indulge in some creamy confections at Sunday Folks.

Sunday Folks is located at 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-52, Chip Bee Gardens, Singapore 278116, p. +65 6479 9166. Due to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) measures, they are temporarily closed. Purchase their desserts online here.

16. Sweet Cheeks Gelato

Sweet Cheeks: Where Your Cravings Are About to Melt

Ever heard the phrase “You Make Me Melt”? It’s not just a line; it’s the entire vibe at Sweet Cheeks. This ice‑cream spot turns every scoop into a heart‑warming moment. Whether you’re craving a taste that feels like a comfort‑food hug or something daringly spicy, they’re ready to deliver.

What Makes the Menu a Sweet Surprise

Sweet Cheeks doesn’t settle for ordinary. Their selections go from the nostalgic to the adventurous:

  • Honeycomb Delight – Sweet, sticky honey‑drizzled crunchy bliss, just like the old‑timers’ favorite.
  • Cinnamon Brown Bread – Warm, spice‑infused comfort shaped like a loaf of golden-brown bread. Imagine breakfast in a cup.
  • And a whole host of other flavors that’ll tempt your taste buds into a state of fond, blissful confusion.

Where to Find These Melting Moments

The flagship shop is tucked away at 37 Tai Thong Crescent, Potong Pasir, Singapore 347862. Their second outlet is temporarily taking a break but used to be located at 529 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10, #01‑2353, Singapore 560529.

Open all week long, from 1 pm to 11 pm. Drop by for a scoop, or place an order online if you want to keep it all at home.

Quick Note: Still #1 in Tasty Treats

If you’re wandering around JB and looking for a worthy ice‑cream stop, don’t miss the newly opened Inside Scoop at North Bridge Road. They’re making a splash just like Sweet Cheeks, but in a whole new place.

17. Tom’s Palette

Tom’s Palette: Singapore’s Creamy Adventure

Since 2005, Tom’s Palette has been turning heads in Singapore by daring to dream about dessert. Forget ordinary scoops – the house creates ice‑cream marvels you won’t find anywhere else.

Stand‑Out Flavors to Try

  • Mango Sticky Rice – Thai‑inspired sweetness that feels like a tropical vacation in every bite.
  • Nasi Lemak – The iconic Malay feast reimagined as a creamy, cloud‑soft treat.
  • Chocolate Sorbet – A timeless classic that sings rich, chocolaty notes without any sugar overload.
  • Granny’s Favorite – Think creamy chocolate malt gelato, packed with chocolate chips and house‑made cookie dough; it’s like a nostalgic hug in a cone.

Visit Us

Drop by at 51 Middle Road #01‑01, Singapore 188959 or give us a ring at +65 6977 9749. We’re open Mon‑Sat 12 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Let your taste buds do the talking and experience dessert in a whole new way!

18. Twentygrammes

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Dessert boutique Twentygrammes serves up your traditional ice cream and waffle pair with astounding aesthetics. Whether it be soft-serves, sauces, bananas, or berries, you get to customize what goes on your Buttermilk Waffles.

If you’re having a hard time deciding, give their signature Smores Waffles a shot. Upgrade the way you eat your icy treat today.

Twentygrammes is located at 753 North Bridge Rd #01-01, Singapore 198721, p. +65 9447 2020. Open 10.30am – 9pm daily during P2HA, otherwise Mon-Thu 12pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-1am, Sun 12pm-10pm.

This article was first published in City Nomads.
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