While winters did not keep us away from ice cream, summer is here and it's officially time to enjoy a scoop (or two), guilt-free! And by ice cream, we don’t mean those synthetic-tasting, congealed vegetable fat nasties that are sold in supermarkets. We mean real, good ice cream churned out of milk and made with natural ingredients. Old and new ice cream points are serving up scoops, sundaes, sorbets, and cones, and we suggest you get in line if you want to breeze through summer. So, here are our favourite ice cream parlours in Bangalore and their specialities you can try out.
Sundaes & Sorbets: 11 Best Ice Cream Parlours In BLR & What To Get There
Corner House Ice Creams
One of Bangalore's most well-known and iconic ice cream parlours, Corner House has been serving scoops of ice cream for generations. It's highly unlikely you'll meet anyone in Bangalore who's not been to Corner House. Our favourite Corner House in the city—they have multiple locations all over town—is this one in Indiranagar.
What To Order: Death By Chocolate, Cake-A-Mocha, Brownie Fudge Sunday, Mocha Ice Cream
Cream Stone
For patrons, this place bags the top spot in the rankings of the best ice cream joint. Yes, it is set in (cream) stone, they say. They make ice cream OTT and Instagrammable. And of course it is super indulgent. You don't go here for a simple vanilla ice cream, but to try out different flavours and gobble up those waffle bowls.
What To Order: Choco Almond Fudge, Tiramisu, Willy Wonka, Magic Pop
Artinci
Head to Artinci for ice creams that are made with real ingredients, which makes them thick and creamy, and bursting with original flavour. You'll love that they have gluten-free, keto-friendly, and sugar-free options. Another interesting bit about this brand is their custom ice creams. Tried a particular flavour that you want to recreate? Describe it to the folks here and they won’t stop until they get it right!
What To Order: Dark Knight Ice Cream, Fudge Caramel Crunch Ice Cream, Coffee Buzz Ice Cream
Lakeview Milk Bar
First started in the 1930s, Lakeview’s legacy is well-known to old and new Bangaloreans. While their menu has come to include a range of short eats, they have always been known to satisfy ice cream cravings the best. Our favourite is the one on MG Road that's open late at night and perfect for a late-night ice cream date.
What To Order: Red Velvet Sundae, Hot Chocolate Fudge, Caramel Sundae, Dutch Chocolate Special, Lakeview Special
Pabrai’s Fresh & Naturelle Ice Creams
One of Kolkata’s most well-known ice cream brands, Pabrai’s serves up a range of natural ice creams. Do try their invention, the Nalen Gur, which is made with date palm jaggery. Others that will hit your sweet spot are the rose, paan, orange and basil, jackfruit flavours. Whacky and something different, you will want to keep trying their seasonal favourites.
What To Order: Nolen Gur Ice Cream, Ras Malai Ice Cream, Apple Pie Ice Cream
Art Of Delight
When you’ve had your fill of their other desserts, set your sights on their flavour-loaded ice cream section. They do sorbets, fruity, and exotic flavours, and showcase them superbly in their sundaes. Pick any from a lineup that includes Oreo Mocha, Lychee, Caramel Cheesecake, and Deep Fried Snickers and you can thank us later. You could even opt for their dessert jars, their blueberry cheesecake and red velvet cakes are good picks, we gather.
What To Order: Belgian Rock Road Ice Cream, White Chocolate Nutella Ice Cream, Mud Pie Sundae
Milano Ice Cream
Milano will have you ordering scoops and scoops of gelato whenever you drop by their locations. Extra Dark Chocolate (that totally lives up to its name with its generous helpings of cacao), the alcohol-flavoured Whiskey Irish Creme, and the Strawberry Cheesecake are all must-try. The low on sugar, but high on flavour Avocado gelato too is a winner. And for summers there’s a range of sorbets that you’d love to lap up. For more details on Milano’s gelatos, click here.
What To Order: Strawberry Sundae, Fruit Popsicles, Ice Cream Sandwiches, and scoops of the gelatos
Apsara Ice Cream
A Mumbai-based brand that's made it big in Bangalore, Apsara Ice Cream does natural and vegetarian ice cream. They also have vegan ice cream in the form of sorbets and you can get your hands on sugar-free options, too. The flavours include season specials as well.
What To Order: Guava Glory, Pani Puri Pataka, Coconut Craving, and Killer Kiwi
Ibaco
Chances are you'd have ordered an ice cream cake from Ibaco because it was a rage once upon a time. But the ice cream brand still remains one of our go-to places for all the classic flavours—think chocolate to butterscotch. The best part is they have so many toppings that you'll want to add everything. We will also suggest you try their ice cream cakes instead of the usual birthday cakes as these are a welcome getaway from the traditional ones. Highly recommend the Mango Italian Fiesta, which comes loaded with mango ice creams and nuts.
What To Order: Almond Praline, Black Forest, Cream N Cookies, Cotton Candy
Papacream
Papacream is a Mumbai-born ice cream brand that Bangaloreans have grown to love and we can see why. Known for their amusing but ridiculously yum flavours, their ice creams are handcrafted and are devoid of any artificial flavours, colours and preservatives. Plus, they have any and every topping you could think of, including red velvet crumble to candy praline and frosty loops to cookie or cheesecake crumble!
What To Order: Horlicks and Nutella Pancakes Ice Cream, Virgin Mojito Sorbet, Salted Caramel Popcorn Ice Cream
Gelato Factory
If you're looking for authentic Italian gelato, head to Gelato Factory. It is best known for its delicious gelatos and sorbets that are natural, fresher, low-fat, and more nutritious than industrial ice cream. We really like that they also have vegan options, diabetic-friendly flavours, and a growing presence of organic ingredients, while keeping the taste as good as any other ice cream.
What To Order: Ancient Rome, Stracciatella, White Truffle, Gianduia