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If there’s one thing to know about the summer season in a tropical country is that the sizzling heat and increase in temperature can feel unrelenting. Scorching temperatures and suffocating humidity make navigating life in a tropical country quite difficult, no matter how we feel like we’re used to it already. But as unbearable as the heat can be, there are also ways to cool down, such as a trip to your favorite ice cream or dessert shop.
After all, you can’t go wrong with ice cream. Summer, or any hot day, is the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a cold dessert. The crowd favorite dessert both refreshes, satisfies, and comforts during the hottest of summer days, whether with friends, family, your partner, or even alone. Indulge in a sweet treat (or two) at these spots around the Metro.
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Kariton – Unique Gelato Made With Local Ingredients
From Australia to the Philippines, Kariton has been making waves locally not just because of their artisanal gelato, but in how each flavor is unique, creative, and made with premium ingredients most wouldn’t expect to use in gelato. In particular, Kariton is known for its use of Filipino flavors and inspirations that are as modern as it is nostalgic. From turon, keso, lumpia, and more, their gelato is one to remember.
Kariton’s branches are located at Tiffany Place, Salcedo, Makati, Molito Lifestyle Center, Alabang, and SM Aura Premier, BGC.
Farmacy – An All-American Retro Parlor Experience
Unlike most ice cream places in the city, Farmacy has stood out for its retro American ice cream parlor design and aesthetic. It’s an old-school ice cream shop that can satisfy a sweet tooth craving, whether that be a scoop of a classic flavor like vanilla or their signature banana split and sundae with all the fixings.
Farmacy is located on the ground floor of Verve Residences Tower 1, 26th Street corner 7th Avenue, BGC, and on the upper ground floor of Coral Wing, The Promenade at Okada Manila, New Seaside Drive, Parañaque City.
Manila Creamery – Ice Cream Featuring Filipino Flavors
As their name suggests, Manila Creamery specializes in making gelato with and based on local ingredients and flavors, showcasing how Filipino-made ice cream will always hit the spot. While there’s nothing wrong with the usual flavors, there’s just something special about seeing offerings using staple and seasonal flavors across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Also, they offer dairy-free and sugar-free options, too, for a cold treat with less guilt.
For a full list of their branches, you may check their Instagram page.
Half Saints – Not Your Typical Halo-Halo
Half Saints is best known for their pasties. But the bakeshop has been expanding its menu, and that includes adding halo-halo to its list of items. Their take on the classic dessert is anything but typical, as their spin makes for an extra indulgent treat. Currently, Half Saints offers three different flavors: HS Signature, Ube Cheesecake, and Banana Con Hielo.
Half Saints is located on the ground floor of Milestone at 5th Avenue, BGC, and 62 Sgt. Esguerra Ave, Diliman, Quezon City.
Venchi Gelato – Experience Traditional Italian Gelato
For an indulgent splurge, if you’re in the mood to spend on your dessert, stop by Venchi. Aside from chocolates, the Italian brand is also known for its gelato that is made fresh every day in the traditional Italian way (which means you’re not supposed to see gelato piled high in tubs). It makes for an experience you’ll be hard-pressed to find anywhere in Manila, with both classic and vegan-friendly versions of their rich and creamy flavors on offer.
Venchi Philippines is located at Central Square Mall in BGC and Podium in Ortigas, Pasig City.
Gelato by Chef Miko – Gourmet Flavors You’ll Love
The brainchild of chef Miko Aspiras, this gelato parlor features an assortment of quality gourmet flavors that make for cold treats worth the trip. Notably, they arrange their offerings under the categories “Love it,” “Obsessed,” and “Legendary,” though any tier is worth a try.
Gelato by Chef Miko is located on the 4th floor of SM Aura Premier, BGC, the ground floor of Greenhills Mall, San Juan City, and Joel’s Place in Proscenium, Rockwell.
Carousel Creamery – Over 101 Ice Cream Options to Choose From
Carousel Creamery can be considered a Greenhills institution at this point. The ice cream parlor is known for its over 101 flavors available every day that range from diverse tastes to classic staples. Whether as a mid-day treat or to cap off a night out in Greenhills, Carousel Creamy won’t disappoint. And with so many choices available, you’ll find a flavor to like.
Carousel Creamery is located at 8 Missouri St., Greenhills, San Juan City.
Carmen’s Best – A Childhood Favorite That Won’t Disappoint
A name that brings fond memories for many, Carmen’s Best is known for its premium ice cream that ranges from fan favorites to more experimental offerings. While they were mostly found at the ice cream section at grocery stores, Carmen’s Best now has multiple parlors around the country, allowing for a greater experience of their many flavors, including milkshakes and sundaes.
For a full list of Carmen’s Best ice cream parlors, you may visit their website.
Bubu Bars – Make Your Own Ice Cream Bars
If ice cream bars are your thing, Bubu Bars offer the comforting taste of ice cream made with healthy ingredients. They take the experience of ice cream bars and elevate it with a variety of flavors that you can mix and match with an assortment of dips, toppings, and sauces. It all makes for handcrafted bars that taste as great as they look. And as the cherry on top, the plant-based and dairy-free bars are vegan-friendly.
Bubu Bars is located at One Maridien, BGC High Street South.
BLK 513 – A Sweet Treat That’s All Pleasure, No Guilt
When food trends come and go, BLK 513 remains standing as one of the top frozen yogurt places in the country, and for good reason. They’ve made a name for themselves with their frozen yogurt made with activated charcoal powder, making for a healthier and less sour alternative to the usual frozen yogurt. But it’s best enjoyed with their assortment of crunchy toppings, fresh fruits, and luscious sauces.
For a full list of BLK 513’s branches, check out their Instagram page.
Alt Scoops – Ice Cream Made With Oat Milk
Local brand Alt Scoops’ oat-milk-based ice cream is made with quality vegan ingredients to make for a dessert that is both healthier and still rich, smooth, and creamy. This dairy-free ice cream has an assortment of flavors, from dark chocolate to strawberry, choco hazelnut, and more.
Alt Scoops’ physical store is located on the 2nd floor, Baron Tower, 191 Wilson, San Juan City.
Feature Image and Photos: KARITON (via Instagram), FARMACY (via Instagram), MANILA CREAMERY (via Instagram), HALF SAINTS (via Instagram), VENCHI GELATO (via Instagram), GELATO BY CHEF MIKO (via Instagram), CAROUSEL CREAMERY (via Instagram), CARMEN’S BEST (via Instagram), BUBU BARS (via Instagram), BLK 513 (via Instagram), ALT SCOOPS (via Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions
Kariton has made waves in the local food scene by infusing traditional and modern Filipino flavors into premium, artisanal gelato. Their nostalgic and creative menu highlights unique local ingredients like turon, keso, and lumpia. Customers can visit their branches at Tiffany Place in Salcedo, Makati; Molito Lifestyle Center in Alabang; and SM Aura Premier in BGC, Taguig.
Farmacy stands out for its old-school, all-American retro ice cream parlor aesthetic, serving up classic scoops, banana splits, and custom sundaes. Its two physical shops are situated on the ground floor of Verve Residences Tower 1 at BGC, Taguig, and on the upper ground floor of the Coral Wing inside The Promenade at Okada Manila in Parañaque City.
Known for pushing culinary boundaries, the bakeshop Half Saints offers an extra-indulgent and non-traditional spin on the classic local cold dessert. They currently serve three distinct, premium flavors: the HS Signature, Ube Cheesecake, and Banana Con Hielo.
Venchi Gelato serves authentic Italian gelato that is made completely fresh every single day following strict traditional practices, meaning the gelato is never piled high in standard tubs. Located at Central Square Mall in BGC and The Podium in Ortigas, Pasig, the luxury brand offers both classic dairy and rich, vegan-friendly alternatives.
Health-conscious and vegan diners can head to Bubu Bars at One Maridien in BGC for fully customizable, plant-based, and dairy-free ice cream bars. Additionally, Alt Scoops at Baron Tower in San Juan City serves rich, creamy vegan ice cream crafted entirely from an oat-milk base, while Manila Creamery and Venchi also provide dairy-free or vegan-friendly options on their menus.
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