Jakarta is a metropolitan city famous for its street life and food. Recently, the culture of gelato and ice cream has risen profoundly. Whenever the temperature reaches over 30°C, enjoying a scoop or two of something frozen is a favorite pastime for locals and visitors alike. But what’s even sweeter? The gelato shops that seem to explode from nowhere, filling up Instagram feeds with their colorful offerings, a treat for both the taste buds and the eyes.
Why does Instagram just love food? Well, it’s because the ‘gram is just one of those visually oriented social media platforms. And, talking of visuals, this allows these gelaterias to show off how artistic their flavors are, tantalizing customers with images so appetizing, it makes one wish to jump into a cone. So let’s run through some of Jakarta’s most scrumptious gelato and ice cream shops that aren’t only a delight on the taste buds but a sight to see on camera as well.
What Makes Gelato Different from Ice Cream?
Ingredients and Texture
Gelato is nothing but a form of ice cream, though there is some major variance between them. Gelato usually has less air and may be denser to provide that sense of creaminess in your mouth. It’s made with more milk than cream, adding a rich flavor to it without being too heavy. On the other hand, ice cream usually has a higher fat content due to more cream and egg yolks, making it richer but also heavier.
Healthier Options
Gelato can be your friend for a slightly healthier option. Normally, it possesses fewer calories than ice cream because it contains less fat. Moreover, most gelaterias are careful with natural ingredients – no artificial additives inside – which makes it healthier to consume.
Top Gelato and Ice Cream Shops in Jakarta
21 Factory Premium Gelato
Jl. Veteran I No. 21, Gambir, 21 Factory Premium Gelato boasts artisanal methods. Whatever gelato is made must be freshly produced daily using the best ingredients with no artificial flavouring or colouring. Cozy ambiance will make this place perfect for relaxation while having their signature flavours, Pistachio and Salted Caramel.
Location: 21 Factory Premium Gelato
Open Hours: Everyday, 10am-10pm
Gelato Secrets
Variety of something new? Gelato Secrets has you covered! Housing outlets in city centre like Menteng and Shophaus Mahakam, this place boasts an extensive menu with flavours such as Strawberry, Mango Sticky Rice and Matcha Green Tea variant are perfect choice for those who love the experiment of taste. It is one of the best gelato in Jakarta that you must try.
Location: Gelato Secrets
Open Hours: Everyday, 10am-10pm
Honest Spoon
This small adorable store in Tebet boasts some of the creamiest gelatos icy goodness. Their scoops of gelato Chocolate Hazelnut creamery is a crowd-pleaser, considering most posts on Instagram feature their treat amidst them enjoying at this tiny shop.
Location: Honest Spoon
Open Hours: Everyday, 10am-10pm
Latteria Gelato
You will discover at Latteria how authentic italian gelato flavors keep changing and changing, so as to keep customers wanting more. Located in Pantai Indah Kapuk, this shop is underlined by freshness in its ingredients, such as Honey Lavender, which may become just right for adventurous eaters.
Location: Latteria Gelato PIK
Open Hours: Mon-Thu, (12am-10.45pm), Fri-Sun (11am-11.45pm)
LōCARASA
Situated at Jl. Kemang Raya No. 81, LōCARASA fuses delicious gelato with an artistic atmosphere. With themed decoration, this shop will be an excellent backdrop for your next Instagram while you enjoy the ice cream parlour flavours such as Tempeh Chocolate-a very local twist you might just want to try.
Location: Locarasa
Open Hours: Everyday, 12am-9pm
EM Gelato
Another thing that makes it special is the range of flavors and tastes that are available at EM Gelato. Take your gelato in a cup or waffle cone; the prices are from Rp 38,000 for a small to Rp 53,000 for a bigger portion. These are some of the most popular flavours: Tiramisu is Rich and creamy, this flavour really brings out the taste of this ‘old-fashioned’ Italian dessert.
Roti Bakar: A very unique twist on a simple kind of bread-the nostalgic flavour is relatable to many. Salted Peanut Pretzel: Sweet and salty, the perfect combination to get people hooked. Kopi Susu Tuku: A collaborative flavour that really exhibits the local coffee culture in a refreshing way.
Location: EM Gelato
Open Hours: Mon-Fri, (10am-11pm), Fri-Sun (8am-12pm)
Oma Elly Gelateria – Most Favourite Gelato Place
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This place is friendly for families, has delicious gelatos, and is warm – that is what makes this place perfect to gather in Grand Indonesia Mall. Try their Vanilla Bean flavor, it never gets old!
Location: Oma Elly Gelateria
Open Hours: Everyday, 10am-10pm
RivaReno Gelato
RivaReno is known for its high-quality ingredients it uses and iconic variety of flavours like fruits and classic cheese cake. One of them is the Tiramisu flavor, which is rich and made with love at Urban Forest Jl. RS Fatmawati No. 45. It can be felt that every scoop is special because it is paid great attention to satisfy your wholesome taste.
Location: RivaReno Gelato
Open Hours: Everyday, 7am-10pm
Romano Gelato
This is a recently opened yet already quite popular gelato spot, Romano Gelato at Pacific Place, which offers exotic flavours, such as mix Saffron Pistachio, that have stolen the hearts-and snapped pictures-of many Instagram users.
Location: Romano Gelato Pacific Place Mall
Open Hours: Everyday, 10am-10pm
Tipsy Cream
Tipsy Cream is an artisan liquor-infused ice cream specialist for adults who love their ice cream with a kick syrup. It is located in ASHTA District 8 and Urban Farm product, where weird concoctions such as Margarita Sorbet have won the hearts of party animals with ease.
Location: Tipsy Cream
Open Hours: Everyday, 10am-10pm
Vilo Gelato
Having outlets at several places in Jakarta, including Gunawarman and Senopati, Vilo Gelato boasts about the application of locally sourced ingredients to fresh flavors like Roasted Pistachio, Dark Chocolate, Black sesame, which has gone down quite well with health-conscious consumers.
Location: Vilo Gelato
Open Hours: Everyday, 10pm-10pm
How to Choose the Right Flavour for Yourself
How do you choose, every time you enter any of these awesome places? Well, first, your preference: fruity or creamy. Also, do not forget about the seasonal ones; they may have combinations that would surprise you!
From artisan gelato to icy cold delights, Jakarta is brewing with creativity and variety in each scoop of its gelato and ice cream! Whether traditional or truly adventurous, the flavors of gelato are endless to satiate the cravings of foodies for picture-perfect Instagram moments. So, next time one is out for a stroll around this sun-kissed bustling city, ring in one of these top recommendations!
FAQs
1. What is the difference between gelato and ice cream?
Gelato has less air and fat than ice cream, resulting in a denser texture and richer flavour.
2. Are there vegan options available in Jakarta’s gelato shops?
Yes! Many shops offer dairy-free alternatives made from coconut or almond milk.
3. How can I find the best flavours on Instagram?
Follow local food bloggers or hashtags related to Jakarta’s food scene; they often share their favorite spots!
4. What are some must-try flavours at these shops?
Don’t miss out on unique offerings like Honey Lavender at Latteria or Saffron Pistachio at Romano!
5. Do these shops offer delivery or takeout options?
Most of these gelaterias provide takeout services; check their social media pages for delivery options!