Cool Off with a Scoop of Classic Italian Gelato

Katie Coy, Managing Editor | Jul 5, 2022 4:43 pm | 1 comment | 330 reads

With summer firmly underway in the capital it’s fair to say that everyone is looking for ways to cool off. Well, why not cool down and treat yo’self at the same time with a scoop of creamy, delicious gelato. Gelato is the Italian word for ice cream, although there are actually key differences between the two, one of the main ones being that gelato normally contains less fat than normal ice cream but still manages to taste way smoother and creamier.

Venchi

This luxury Italian chocolate shop was founded all the way back in 1878 and currently has four branches here in Beijing. Along with their top quality chocolate, Venchi also offer up an array of different gelato flavors. From your usual Choclate (Azteco) to more unusual flavor like Florentine Cream or Chocolate and Ginger. You can also choose to upgrade to a Gourmet Cone for RMB 15 and add either Whipped Cream (RMB 5) or Supreme Chocolate Spread (RMB 15).

Prices:
Mini (two flavors) RMB 59
Regular (three flavors) RMB 69
Large (four flavors) RMB 79

Takeout
Family Pack (500g – three flavors) RMB 210
Family Pack (750g – four flavors) RMB 310
Family Pack (1000g – five flavors) RMB 385

La Platea

At their new Sanlitun branch, La Platea have added gelato to their Mediterranean menu. They keep things pretty traditional with six classic flavors on offer: vanilla, milk chocolate, pistachio, strawberry, raspberry and melon. You can also add a variety of toppings to the gelato such as Whipped Cream, Crushed Almonds or Chocolate Sauce for RMB 8. Along with these they also offer two special gelato desserts – Chocolate Explosion (RMB 68) and Summer Temptation (RMB 68).

Prices:
One scoop RMB 25
Two scoops RMB 45
Three scoops RMB 60

La Cola

This Italian gelato shop has two locations in Beijing – one in Solana shopping mall and one in Beijing Fun. Both locations have a physical shop and also a super cute, mint green gelato stand that can sometimes be found parked outside nearby. La cola has gelato flavors ranging from classic Italian flavors like pistachio to more Asian flavors like Matcha or Rose Lychee. You can choose to have your gelato served up in a waffle cone or a cardboard cup.

Prices:
One classic scoop RMB 36
One crown scoop RMB 52
Two classic scoops RMB 52
Two crown scoops RMB 78
Two scoop mix (one classic, one crown) RMB 68

iGelato

With multiple locations in the capital, iGelato have established themselves as a firm favorite. They of course have a range of more traditional flavors available, but what makes them really stand out is some of their more unique creations such as their chocolate bar based gelatos like a Snickers or Ferrero Rocher. However they also have some truly unique flavors such as the Marine Cyanobacterium, (for those who don’t know cyanbacterium is a blue green algae).

Prices:
One scoop Italian classic (one flavor) RMB 36
One scoop crown select (one flavor) RMB 52
Two scoops Italian classic (two flavors) RMB 52
Two scoops crown select (two flavors) RMB 78
One crown scoop plus one classic scoop RMB 68

Takeout
500g classic RMB 188
500g crown RMB 268
Crown and classic RMB 228

Nama Cocoa

This chocolate shop serves up gelato with a side of cuteness with the Nama Cocoa penguin featuring prominently in their shops and on their gelato. You can choose between having your gelato served in a cone or a cup and they all come topped with a piece of chocolate and chocolate penguin. Along with the usual gelato flavors they have a few special offerings such as Earl Grey Milk Tea, Guinness Beer and Malaga wine