Beat the KL heat in these 13 fantastic ice cream shops!
I think we can all agree that sometimes, all it takes to make our day right is a nice cone (or pint!) of ice cream. Nothing quite captures the same feeling of eating ice cream in the middle of a hot summer day to cool off and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time.
Luckily for me, I reside in Kuala Lumpur, which is easily one of the best places to be for an avid ice cream lover. Throughout the years, I’ve discovered amazing shops in the Golden Triangle and some hidden gems in quiet neighbourhoods, which is why I decided to make this list!
So if you’re aching to quench your desire for something sweet or you’re looking for something to beat the heat, look no further! Here are some of my personal recommendations for the best ice cream shops in KL!
LlaoLlao
— Media credit: dintaifungmy
Address: The Pavilion, Jln Bukit Bintang
Contact details: +60 11-2428 1026
Operating hours: Daily from 20:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $
Although technically it’s a frozen yogurt shop, LlaoLlao is just too good not to include on this list—after all, it’s sweet and cold too! Also, we love this shop because it offers tons of customisation.
They offer tons of toppings and sauces to decorate their plain yogurt, which by the way, is already delicious in itself. You can either go for chocolatey, fruity, nutty or a mix of everything—you honestly can’t go wrong with any of them!
Furthermore, it’s a healthier option compared to your usual ice cream cone, which is perfect for those on a strict diet. Their yogurt reportedly contains fewer calories and fat content, and they’re gluten-free so you won’t have to feel guilty after satisfying your sweet tooth!
Pro tip:
If it’s your first time here and you’re overwhelmed by the amount of choices, we recommend going for the classic Biscoff sauce and crumbs combination. Furthermore, if you want to add some fruits, we highly suggest choosing strawberries or kiwis.
Inside Scoop
— Media credit: myinsidescoop
Address: Suria KLCC, Concourse Level
Contact details: +60 3-9779 9142
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $
OG’s will know Inside Scoop to the point that hearing its name will leave them salivating for some ice cream. It’s one of the most famous ice cream parlours in the country, boasting several branches in Kuala Lumpur alone—and for several good reasons!
For starters, they feature one of the most diverse flavours of ice cream ranging from classic vanilla to mint chocolate chip, strawberry cheesecake and more. Furthermore, we love how they introduce a new series of flavours at specific times of the year like summer, Halloween, etc.
We also love how they offer exotic flavours that you wouldn’t typically find in regular ice cream parlours. Our favourites out of them all are hands-down the durian and teh tarik, which are perfect for introducing you to some of Malay’s most famous flavours.
Pro tip:
If you want to try something more unique than your typical ice cream pint, we recommend getting their ice cream mooncake. These mooncakes are filled with various flavours of ice cream, and they’re perfect for gifting, as they come in these cute boxes.
The Ice Cream Bar
— Media credit: theicecreambar.my
Address: 60, Jalan 27/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas
Contact details: +60 3-2856 7435
Operating hours: Daily from 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $-$$
The Ice Cream Bar is my type of bar because I’d much rather get drunk on some sweet sorbets and creamy ice cream than alcohol. Funnily enough, they do offer ice cream flavours that incorporate spirits like whisky, beer, rum and even Japanese soju!
Thankfully, the alcohol content in these flavours isn’t super high so you won’t walk in curved lines after eating them. It’s also worth noting that the alcohol they use is all top-shelf calibre, featuring brands such as Jim Beam, Guinness, Bacardi and more.
You can even order these alcoholic ice creams in cake form if you’re looking to celebrate something special! Don’t worry though, as they also offer non-alcoholic ice cream cakes such as Biscoff and Ferrero Rocher, so you can also gift them to your little ones!
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on making your visits here a regular thing, we recommend signing up to become a member! You’ll gain exclusive points and rewards that can eventually grant you discounts and other goodies.
Kind Kones
— Media credit: kindkones
Address: F.29, Level 1, Bangsar Village
Contact details: +60 3-2201 5013
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $
Who said vegans can’t have fun cold treats? Kind Kones is one of the most inclusive ice cream parlours we’ve seen in Kuala Lumpur because they’re 100% cruelty-free and environmentally friendly—pretty cool!
However, we have a feeling that even non-vegans will enjoy this store just because of how delicious their ice cream is! They have just about every variation you could think of, whether it be black forest, salted chocolate, strawberry and more.
Furthermore, they also offer local flavours that will immerse you in Malaysia’s cuisine. For instance, they have an ice cream called pandan gula melaka, which exactly tastes like palm sugar.
Pro tip:
You can also visit their branch at Plaza Damansara if their location at Bangsar Village is out of your way. This is also a better option if you’re looking for a place to sit, as this branch features its own store as opposed to the stall found in Bangsar Village.
Paolo Paolo Gelato
— Media credit: paolopaologelato
Address: E-GF-01 No.49, The Five, Kompleks Pejabat Damansara
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $
Paolo Paolo Gelato is one of the new kids on the block and I’m sure that it’s here to stay, given its expansive menu. Starting with their ice cream selection, they offer a wide array of flavours that will make anyone feel like a kid in a candy shop.
What makes it harder to order is that all of them look tantalising, from the mint green chocolate chip to the strawberry, chocolate, vanilla and everything in between. If you want our advice, however, we recommend getting the pistachio!
We also love how generous the serving size here is, which is saying a lot coming from a frugal foodie like me. For instance, every flavour you choose will grant you one additional scoop—talk about value for money!
Pro tip:
If you’re planning on commuting, the fastest way to get to Paolo Paolo Gelato is by riding the MRT and dropping off at Semantan Station. From there, you only have to descend the station and you’ll find the ice cream parlour right next door!
Sangkaya
— Media credit: sangkayamy
Address: 87-1, Jalan Radin Bagus, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling
Contact details: +60 3-9056 2987
Operating hours: Daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $
Sangkaya is one of the most unique ice cream spots in Kuala Lumpur, mainly because its products are all coconut-based. Don’t worry though, as you won’t be stuck on coconut flavour, as they dazzle their ice cream with toppings and sauces that completely change the taste.
For instance, they offer a durian-flavoured ice cream, which perfectly blends together with the rich and creamy coconut base. They also offer a gula melaka flavour, where the ice cream itself is sprinkled with palm sugar, adding a distinct type of sweetness to the flavour.
You can get their ice cream in either cups, cones, waffle bowls or our personal favourite, coconut bowls! I’ve got to say, eating ice cream straight out of a coconut husk wasn’t in my bingo card but I’m glad to have tried it here!
Pro tip:
We recommend visiting Sangkaya on Wednesday, as this is when they hold their special “Wednutsday” promo! During this specific day of the week, patrons can enjoy 20% off on Sangkaya’s signature coconut ice cream!
Licky Chan & The Poke Guy
— Media credit: lickychan
Address: 24, Jalan Yap Ah Shak, Chow Kit
Contact details: +60 11-6410 3677
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Cost: $$
Licky Chan is another ice cream parlour that puts their own spin on the classic cold treat, and we’re here for it! For instance, the names of the flavours themselves are out-of-this-world, which is fitting for some of their more unorthodox variations.
One of their weirdest yet oddly delicious flavours is the pickle lick, which mixes pickled beetroot, peppercorn and yogurt. Our personal favourite, however, is the “Midnight in Kyoto”, which uses matcha, coconut, soy milk, pineapple and coconut crumble.
Furthermore, they also offer alcohol-infused ice cream flavours, which features spirits that you would’ve never thought as a dessert. From Bacardi to rum and more, you’ll be surprised how well they blend with your traditional ice cream flavours like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, etc.
Pro tip:
Be sure to follow their official Instagram account to see their latest announcement on new flavours and upcoming events! You’ll sometimes find them in pop-up stores nationwide!
Crème De La Crème
— Media credit: mycdlc
Address: Mid Valley Megamall, Mid Valley City
Contact details: +60 3-9056 2987
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $-$$
With a name like Crème De La Crème, we had to include it in a list of the best ice cream spots in Kuala Lumpur! Fortunately, they’re able to back this name up, as they really do offer spectacular ice cream.
One of our favourite things about this place is that they don’t just offer your typical ice cream flavours! Instead, they feature artisanal ones like Earl Grey tea, mango passion and others that will leave you feeling like a connoisseur of this dessert.
We also love how they’re embracing the Malay culture by featuring flavours inspired by local delights. A perfect example of this is their pandan kaya toast, which perfectly encapsulates the distinct flavour of pandan and coco jam—yum!
Pro tip:
One of the fastest and cheapest ways to get to Crème De La Crème is to ride the MRT and drop off at the MidValley Station. This will take you directly to the mall of the same name, where you’ll find the ice cream parlour.
Booza Ice Cream
— Media credit: boozamy
Address: 179, Jln Gading, Bukit Bintang
Operating hours: Daily from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Cost: $
You can’t have a list like this and not include a Turkish ice cream joint, which is where Booza Ice Cream comes in! This humble stall in Bukit Bintang will give you the complete Turkish ice cream experience, from the fun show to the amazing cones—the works.
What makes Turkish ice cream different from other variations is that they’re notably thicker and more gooey. This is why you’ll often find the ice cream men being able to stretch them to ridiculous lengths.
The taste itself is magnificent as well regardless of which flavour you choose! Speaking of flavours, they offer all the classic ice cream variations, from rich dark chocolate to creamy strawberry, plain vanilla and more.
Pro tip:
Be sure to have a companion record a video of yourself ordering from the ice cream master of this cart! Trust us, you’ll be in for a show and you’ll want to save this memory forever.
Whimsical Gelateria & Cafe
— Media credit: whimsicalgelato
Address: FF-17, The Waterfront @ ParkCity, 5
Contact details: +60 3-6270 0966
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $-$$
Whimsical Gelateria & Cafe is the place to be if you’re craving more than just ice cream and you instead want it as a way to cap off a delicious meal. It’s more of a brunch cafe where you’ll find various types of Western dishes such as burgers, pasta, salads and more.
Of course, the real highlight here is their wide selection of gelato, which are as authentic as they may come. We love their gelato because they’re thick, creamy and best of all, they come in various unique and traditional flavours.
For instance, one flavour that stood out to us the most was their nasi lemak gelato—no, your eyes aren’t fooling you. If that’s a bit too much for your taste, don’t worry, as they also serve more traditional flavours like blueberry, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.
Pro tip:
Before or after indulging in delicious Western food and authentic gelato, make sure to stop by Central Park! It’s located just outside the cafe, and it’s the perfect place to take a walk and admire beautiful scenery while eating your ice-cold gelato.
Sōfte
— Media credit: keepitsofte
Address: Ground Floor, IB Tower, 8, Jln Binjai
Contact details: +60 12-694 9114
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $$
If you’re one to indulge in fancy and elevated types of ice cream, then Sōfte should be right up your alley! Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, this new kid on the block is instantly gaining fame because of its artisanal ice cream flavours and freshly baked pastries.
One of our favourite things about this place, however, is the variety of ice cream types they serve, and we’re not just talking about the flavours! For instance, they serve a delicious selection of soft-serve ice cream, but they also offer sundaes and scoops—pretty neat!
They also offer amazing madeleines, which coincidentally, pair perfectly with any of their ice cream flavours! Speaking of flavours, the ones you can get here range from butter pecan to matcha, vanilla, chocolate banana and many more.
Pro tip:
While you’re here, be sure to stop by the Petronas Twin Towers! They’re arguably the most famous attraction in the city and one of the most iconic buildings in Malaysia as a whole.
TUG Gelato by the Unusual Greens
— Media credit: tug.gelato
Address: 43-1, Jalan Equine 9a, Taman Equine
Contact details: +60 3-8959 2826
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: $
“TUG” may be the abbreviation of The Unusual Greens but let me tell you, we think it’s named this way because of the way it tugs on our heartstrings. We mean that in the best possible way though, as their ice cream makes us feel things—but I digress.
One of the reasons why I included this spot on this list is because of its unique yet familiar gelatos. These aren’t your typical ice cream, as they’re notably thicker and more overloaded with chunks and bits of their respective flavours.
You can’t go wrong with any of the flavours from their menu but if you want our advice, it would be best to stick with the bestsellers! These include the strawberry cheesecake, dark chocolate and Hazelnut.
Pro tip:
If your tastebuds are feeling adventurous and you want to veer away from your usual order, we recommend getting the soursoup calamansi! This flavour perfectly blends sourness with sweetness, creating a beautiful explosion inside your mouth.
Dimpled Artisan Ice Cream
— Media credit: dimpledmy
Address: 151, Jalan SS 2/6, SS 2
Contact details: +60 12-268 6919
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 12:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $$
Dimpled Artisan Ice Cream is a bit of a drive away from Kuala Lumpur, but believe me when I tell you that the journey is well worth it! This newly opened gelateria is garnering a lot of hype because of its quaint store and an amazing selection of ice cream flavours.
In fact, their grand opening was so successful that they were able to sell 100 kilogrammes worth of gelato in just one day. It’s not hard to see why though, as their gelato is superbly thick and flavourful.
Pro tip:
Don’t immediately decide on what flavour to get based on looks alone! The store will grant you up to three free tastes to help you finalise your choice.