Gelato has carved out a special place in Singapore’s dessert scene. While ice cream remains a beloved classic, gelato offers something a little richer, a little denser, and a whole lot more luxurious in terms of flavour. Unlike ice cream, gelato uses less air and more milk than cream, giving it that silky texture and intense flavour many dessert lovers adore. In a country as warm and humid as Singapore, gelato has become a go-to treat—whether for a mid-day pick-me-up, a post-dinner dessert, or a weekend indulgence.
This guide walks you through the best gelato shops in Singapore, what makes each one special, and how to pick the perfect scoop for your taste.
What Makes Great Gelato?
Before you set off on your gelato tour across Singapore, it helps to understand what defines a truly memorable scoop. Good gelato should be dense, smooth, and slow to melt. It should showcase flavour intensity without being overly sweet. Fresh ingredients—think real fruit, premium chocolate, roasted nuts, pure nut pastes, and quality milk—make all the difference. Finally, serving temperature matters: gelato should be slightly warmer than ice cream to highlight its creaminess and aroma.
Once you’ve had genuine artisanal gelato, you can taste the difference immediately. Singapore’s gelaterias know this, and many focus on house-made flavours, small-batch churning, and inventive combinations inspired by both Italian tradition and local tastes.
1. Birds of Paradise – Botanical-Inspired Gelato
Birds of Paradise has become a household name among gelato lovers, known for its unique botanical-inspired flavours. Located in charming neighbourhoods like East Coast and Jewel Changi Airport, this gelateria stands out because it infuses herbs, spices, teas, and flowers into its gelato. Flavours like White Chrysanthemum, Strawberry Basil, and Pandan Kaya have gathered a cult following for being refreshing yet distinct.
But the star isn’t just the gelato. Their signature thyme cones—freshly baked in-house—add a fragrant, savoury crispness that pairs beautifully with floral or fruit-forward flavours. Because of its light, delicate profile, Birds of Paradise is a great option for those who prefer gelato that isn’t too heavy or sugary.
Given its popularity, you’ll often spot queues, especially at Jewel. But one taste of their elevated flavour pairings makes the wait worth it every time.
2. Dopa Dopa Creamery – Nutty, Toasty, Addictive
If you gravitate toward nut-based flavours, Dopa Dopa is your paradise. Tucked near Clarke Quay, this gelateria specialises in roasted nut gelato, all made in small batches. Their Roasted Pistachio is often cited as one of the best in Singapore for its deep, buttery, toasted aroma. Hazelnut, Pecan, Peanut Butter, and Matcha flavours are similarly bold and satisfyingly rich.
Dopa Dopa also experiments with pairing gelato with croissants and brioche slices—ideal for those seeking a more indulgent treat. If you like your gelato thick, creamy, and dessert-like, this spot should be on your list.
Despite the richness, the flavours remain well-balanced and not cloying. The team puts a lot of care into sourcing premium nuts and developing their own nut pastes, which is why the flavours remain consistent and many customers return repeatedly for their favourite scoops.
3. Gelatolabo – Artisanal, Experimental, and Beautiful
Gelatolabo has built a reputation for being one of the most inventive gelato makers in Singapore. Their flavours are not just unique—they’re culinary creations. Expect combinations like Yuzu Ginger Flower, Kyoto Shiso Mint, or Honey Chrysanthemum with Cacao Nibs. They emphasise single-origin ingredients, organic fruits, and natural herbs.
The gelato here is more delicate and chef-driven, focusing on layered flavours rather than outright sweetness. One standout is their Bronte Pistachio, made from rare Sicilian pistachios known for their intense aroma. The texture is velvety, and the flavours often come with subtle notes that linger pleasantly.
Gelatolabo also makes beautiful mochi-gelato sandwiches that combine soft chew and creamy bite—a treat that’s visually appealing and delicious.
4. Burnt Cones – Milanese-Style Gelato
Best known for their charcoal-burnt cones (hence the name), Burnt Cones is an Italian-inspired gelateria that offers gelato in varying degrees of “doneness” — from light to full black. But the gelato itself is the real attraction. With flavours like Fior di Latte, Black Sesame, Scamorza, and Ube, Burnt Cones balances classic Italian favourites with trendy Asian flavours.
Their Pistachio gelato is deep, flavourful, and a top contender for pistachio fans. For those who prefer something lighter, Fior di Latte is a simple yet elegant flavour that highlights their smooth base.
The cones add a delightful smoky, caramelised crunch to the gelato. Whether you pick a classic cone or a fully burnt one, the pairing is excellent. Burnt Cones’ late-night opening hours at some branches make it ideal for dessert cravings after dinner.
5. Tom’s Palette – Singapore’s Most Creative Gelato Lab
Tom’s Palette is a long-time favourite for adventurous eaters. Known for constantly rotating flavours and bold combinations, this homegrown gelateria has no fear when it comes to experimenting. Think Soursop, Hojicha Cheesecake, Kueh Bangkit, Granny’s Ginger Bread, or their signature Pistachio (a favourite for its roasted depth).
They make every batch from scratch—including nut pastes, jams, and mix-ins—resulting in vibrant, honest flavours. Their gelato is lower in sugar than most commercial brands, making it more flavour-dense and comfortable to enjoy without feeling heavy.
Because Tom’s Palette has been around for over a decade, they’ve built a loyal fanbase who enjoy the weekly flavours, seasonal releases, and even the chance to vote on new creations.
6. Celine’s Gelato – Under-the-Radar but Excellent
For those who love less commercial spots, Celine’s Gelato is an underrated gem. The flavours here lean toward Italian classics: Tiramisu, Gianduja, Stracciatella, Pistachio, Salted Caramel, and Mascarpone.
What sets Celine’s apart is the level of control over each batch—they stir, taste, and adjust ingredients daily to maintain quality. The result is smooth gelato that hits the right balance between richness and flavour purity. It’s a great place to go if you want reliable, “proper” Italian-style gelato without experimental frills.
7. Momolato – Keto & Sugar-Free Options
Momolato specialises in award-winning artisanal gelato, but what makes them stand out is their keto and sugar-free line. Using monk fruit and all-natural sweeteners, they create flavours that cater to diabetics and health-conscious dessert lovers.
Their gelato still retains a dense texture and deep flavour; you’d barely realise it’s low-sugar. Popular flavours include Lychee Rose, Tropical Mango, Keto Chocolate, and Roasted Pistachio. Momolato also offers gelato tubs, waffles, and colourful gelato cakes perfect for celebrations.
How to Choose the Right Gelato Shop for You
With so many gelato shops in Singapore, how do you pick the right one? It depends on what matters most to you:
For botanical flavours: Birds of Paradise
For nut lovers: Dopa Dopa
For bold, chef-driven flavours: Gelatolabo
For charcoal cones and creamy classics: Burnt Cones
For constant new releases: Tom’s Palette
For keto/low-sugar options: Momolato
For dairy-free gelato: Plant-based Oatside collaborations
Gelato is one of those indulgences that can reflect your mood—refreshing fruity flavours on a hot day, rich dark chocolate when you want comfort, or something adventurous when you’re exploring cafés.
Tips for the Best Gelato Experience
- Pick flavours that complement each other. Creamy and fruity flavours pair surprisingly well, balancing richness with brightness.
- Try before you buy. Many gelato shops offer small spoon samples—use this to discover your preferences.
- Go for fresh waffle cones. Handmade cones add an aromatic crunch that elevates the experience.
- Order gelato during off-peak hours. Freshly churned gelato tends to have the best texture.
- Choose “medium” servings when unsure. Many gelato shops allow two flavours per cup, letting you explore without overeating.
Final Thoughts
Gelato is more than a dessert—it’s a sensory experience. Singapore’s gelato scene has grown so much that you can find everything from artisanal botanical blends to bold Asian-inspired flavours, low-sugar keto versions, and classic Italian scoops made with love.
Whether you’re a purist who loves traditional Fior di Latte or an adventurer hunting for Chrysanthemum Cacao Nib, you’ll find a gelateria in Singapore that meets (and exceeds) your expectations. So grab a cone, find a cosy corner, and savour every creamy, velvety spoonful—the best gelato in Singapore is waiting for you.
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