New in town: Ice Ke Lim, Joo Chiat — Asian-flavoured Italian gelato with mantou

With the current humidity and hot, sunny weather, it’s no wonder why I crave a cone of ice-cream to cool me down every other day. Adding to our 10 best local indie ice cream joints is the four-month-old ice cream booth, Ice Ke Lim. 

Unlike most ice cream parlous in Singapore, Ice Ke Lim does not have a air-conditioned storefront but is hidden in a coffee shop beside the famous Ah Lim Jalan Tua Kong Mee Pok. Located at Joo Chiat Place, this ice cream parlour serves up mouthwatering icy treats that harmonises delightful Asian flavours with smooth, silky Italian gelato. 

Unique yet familiar flavours aside, Ice Ke Lim also promises a touch of nostalgia by serving their ice creams not only in cones and also steamed buns as well as fried mantous; an upgraded version of the roadside ice cream most of us are familiar with. 

Made only with all-natural ingredients without the addition of eggs, nuts, gluten and preservatives, Ice Ke Lim’s range of ice creams are divided into two selections—Wa Lau (S$3.90 per scoop) and Tok Kong (S$5 per scoop). 

Made with one main ingredient, Walau includes the likes of Tahitian Vanilla, Lychee, Horlicks and their popular Pisang Pisang. Also known as a banana cake in a cup, Pisang Pisang boosts the rich, creamy flavour and fragrance of fresh bananas. This is one healthy snack filled with vitamins and potassium for weight-watchers who also love a sweet treat!

As an ice-cream lover, I am particularly intrigued by Ice Ke Kim’s Tok Kong range of flavours. Specially curated with a blend of ingredients, Tok Kong features ice creams that are bolder in taste. 

Whilst their Milo Kopi will be my number one pick to fight the impending food coma after a bowl of mee pok, I would gladly give my virgin Ice Ke Lim ice cream experience to their Bak Kwa ice cream. I mean, who says Bak Kwa can only be consumed during Chinese New Year? Bring me this savoury goodie in a gelato form and I will gladly consume it any time of the year. 

If you are looking for a more substantial treat, pair their ice cream with a Fried Mantou or a Steamed Mantou for just S$5.50 with Wah Lau or S$7 with Tok Kong. The contrasting texture of the mantous and ice cream will certainly tickle your fancy especially if you are a fan of the ice cream and bread combination!