On a perfectly sunny day in Sydney, ice cream is the perfect way to titillate your taste buds. Whether it's a creamy vanilla flavour or a refreshing sorbet, this frozen dessert is always a hit at Sydney beaches and city spots.
I haven't included gelato in this list because I feel like gelato establishments deserve a separate article. Gelato is a specific type of Italian ice cream which differs from regular ice cream. Ice cream has a lower sugar content than gelato, but also a higher butterfat content. I always found regular style ice cream more filling and more decadent. Indeed, ice cream has a harder texture because it uses more cream, and accordingly it doesn't melt as quickly as it's kept at a lower temperature.
Here are my picks of the best ice cream parlours I've found in Sydney.
1. Mövenpick
I grew up on
Mövenpick ice cream in Europe so when I found out that there was a store opening at Bondi Beach, I was undoubtedly excited. Mövenpick is a Swiss ice cream chain that can be found all over the world, but Sydney was only graced by its presence relatively recently.
Admittedly, a scoop of ice cream is quite expensive ($4.95), but ever so worth it. It's the most decadent ice cream I know. The flavours are indulgent and creamy. My absolute favourite is Maple Walnut, but I also love Caramelita (which has chunks of caramel fudge in it), and vanilla dream (in which you can see the real vanilla beans - not just vanilla flavouring).
A scoop of Maple WalnutOn the website, Mövenpick calls their flavours ice dream. I can't help but agree - their ice cream is definitely dreamy. Make sure you try a scoop of heavenly Mövenpick when you're at Bondi Beach.
2. Passionflower
Passionflower is an ice creamery that's special because of its Asian-inspired ice cream. Some of the exotic flavours include Sticky Rice, Japanese Green Tea, Durian, Lychee Rose, Pandan, Jackfruit, and Taro.
A scoop of ice cream is pretty pricey here ($6), but I'd recommend getting one of the sundaes from their menu anyway. My suggestion is that you share a few between a group of people - that way you can try lots of flavours. When I go with my girlfriends we usually order one creamy, chocolaty sundae and one with sorbets from the amazing and extensive menu.
Ooh Lala at PassionflowerOne of my favourite dishes on the menu is Ooh Lala, which has three scoops of seasonal sorbets on a fruit salad and drizzled with passionfruit sauce. This is perfect for when you don't feel like a creamy dessert and want something refreshing and fruity instead.
If you'd like to try something a bit more experimental, go for the Final Fantasy (black sesame and coconut ice cream, black jelly and evaporated milk). I can't get enough of the black sesame ice cream here.
Chocolate waffles at PassionflowerThere are also yummy dishes that include American-style pancakes, waffles or crepes (served with ice cream of course). So far everything I've tried on the menu is to-die-for. What gets me coming back is the Asian touch in a lot of the dishes.
Quick note: beware of the $10 minimum spend on weekends. Don't come here if you're not planning to try anything under $10.
3. Cold Rock Ice Creamery
Since 1996 this Australian ice cream store has been spoiling ice cream-lovers.
Cold Rock is so unique because you can choose your flavour of ice cream as well as your toppings. After picking the flavour and toppings, they are mixed and smashed on a cold rock.
Cold Rock ice cream
I love that you can mix your own flavours together. The usual favourite mixtures are with vanilla or chocolate ice cream mixed with caramel fudge, Oreos, Maltesers, or M&Ms. I also enjoy a scoop of lemon sorbet with Nerds - I only recommend this if you like sour desserts.
There are many outlets all over Sydney, but some that are near the city include Darlinghurst and Haymarket as well as Newtown and Manly. Check the
website for more locations.
4. Royal Copenhagen
Royal Copenhagen is an Australian ice cream branch that is based on a Danish concept. The Royal Copenhagen flavour is my favourite. Also good is Pralines & Cream. If you feel like a drink instead, have a yummy milkshake made from ice cream flavours.
Royal Copenhagen ice cream in a cone
The best thing about Royal Copenhagen is the waffle cone. These delicious cones are made at the store, so the smell is always very enticing. There are a few locations around Sydney - Circular Quay and Manly are amongst them. The Manly store also has a new "Silk" ice cream alternative. This Silk ice cream is not frozen - it has a much smoother texture. See the
website for more information.
