Hello, Gelato

What better way to fight the heat waves than to indulge in an ice-cold cup of gelato? The perfect middleman between fruity froyos and creamy ice creams, gelati are in a class of their own. Below, we present five of the city’s best gelato shops.

Cova
Over the years, Cova has found its way into the hearts (and stomachs) of customers citywide. Not only does this age-old Milanese establishment make exquisite pastries, but their gelato is also praise-worthy. Made with the finest and freshest milk and eggs, the gelati are offered in a variety of delicious flavors. The originals—crema, chocolate, pistachio and marron glace—are favorites with the customers while the napoleone al pango and gelato alla banana provide a unique combination of sorbet and gelato. With a number of Cova restaurants and gelato counters around the city, customers have the option to take out or to dine-in.
Various outlets, including Shop 116, Ocean Centre, 5 Canton Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2992-0720

Gino’s Gelato
In our humble opinion, a scoop of Gino’s Gelato is the best way to start a day at the Peak—grab a cup, cone or even a waffle bowl while enjoying the breathtaking view of the city. You can’t go wrong with classics such as chocolate or vanilla, but for the more adventurous gelatolites, the rich chocolate brownie, Thai coconut sago or the sweet and refreshing osmanthus and longan tea are sure to tickle those taste buds. The gelati here are slightly more expensive here (at $45 a scoop), but you have Gino’s word that only the highest quality of ingredients are used.
Shop G18, Peak Tower, The Peak, 2849-8314

Holly Brown Coffee
Don’t be misled by the name—Holly Brown also serves a variety of refreshing gelato on top of its java collection. With two generous-sized venues—including a newly opened K11 shop in TST—Holly Brown serves low-fat and low-sugar gelato that come in many unique flavors such as bubblegum, tiramisu, black cherry, Ferrero Rocher and the house special, blue vanilla (in honor of the shop’s dominant color). Customer favorites are the wild berries and the mint chocolate. The gelato can all be served in mid- to massively sized waffle cones—or even with a steaming cup of espresso. As for the venue itself, it provides a relaxing and chilled out ambiance while devouring an ice-cold dessert.
22 Stanley St., Central, 2869-9008

i-Scream Gelato
Opened by Italian native Paolo Predonzan in 2005, i-Scream has five different branches across the city. A gelataio (Italian for “ice cream maker”) by profession, Paolo’s aim since setting up the franchise has always been to serve the best gelato in Hong Kong. Must-tries are the Australian anzac biscuit and the brownies with cornflakes and cookies. Cocktail themes are found on i-Scream’s summer menu, with flavors such as Cosmopolitan, Piña Colada, Bellini, Bloody Mary, Margarita and the Cuba Libré (each containing about 2 percent alcohol). But you can’t miss the classics: chocolate, vanilla, cookies and cream, and Cadbury Crème Egg are all flavors one can fall back on at the end of the day. As one of the most reasonably priced gelato stores in Hong Kong, i-Scream’s definitely a favorite.
Unit A, UG/F Shama Place, 30 Hollywood Rd., SoHo, 2344-1778

XTC
With a spattering of outlets all over Hong Kong, XTC is our top pick for the best gelato in town. Since introducing customers to their first cup of gelato ten years ago, XTC has definitely come a long way. Popular flavors include the classic vanilla and chocolate, while their more adventurous Hong Kong-style milk tea and the stem ginger cater to local tastes. The hot chocolate gelato with a spicy aftertaste is also a hit among fans. For the summer, XTC is promoting two new flavors: banana flambé, and volcanic pistachio made with Sicily-imported pistachios. But that’s not all: affogato (gelato topped with espresso), milkshakes, gelato cakes and cookie sandwiches are also available at XTC. The ingredients used are natural, authentic, fresh—and also low-fat (good news for the health-conscious).
Shop B, 45 Cochrane St., Central, 2541-0500