All images: Gelato World Tour
I do have a weakness of sweets; which is why this upcoming gelato event seems altogether too tempting to skip.
Running from March 20 to 22, 2015, at Marina Bay Sands, 16 gelato flavours from Asia Pacific countries (Singapore included) will compete to be crowned the best flavour in the region.
While I’ve not personally tried these flavours yet, it doesn’t hurt to take a look at what to expect, with pictures and all; just more encouragement to sate your sweet tooth soon.
We take a peek at the most unusual entries, which feature some of the most adventurous flavour combinations we’ve seen; quite a few of which are made by Singapore brands too. Here’s a peek — in no order of merit! — at what you’ll get to try when Gelato World Tour 2015 kicks off on March 20.
1. Good ‘Ol Days gelato by Sharon Tay of Momolato, Singapore
Beancurd in a gelato treat? Sounds tastily-tempting to me. This particular flavour is described as consisting of coconut milk paired with “sweet and salty ribbons of homemade palm sugar (likely gula melaka), sea salt, and crispy flakes of savory sweet beancurd”.
2. Kochi Popz gelato by Chronos Chan & Eunice Soon of Tom’s Palette, Singapore
This flavour matches Japanese yuzu (orange) with fizzy chocolate pops; yes, the type of candy that pops in your mouth. Totally a combination that the kid in me will likely love!
3. Chendol Merdeka gelato by Marco Alfero of Alfero Artisan Gelato, Singapore
Seriously, I’m always game to try any new take on this dessert; this local favourite gets turned into gelato form via the use of coconut milk, pandan juice, gula melaka (palm sugar), red beans and smooth chendol (starched jelly). You can read our review of this gelato chain here.
4. Loving Date gelato by Stefano Cadorin of +39 Gelato Bar, Singapore
Tofu, tahina (ground, hulled sesame seeds ), dates and balsamic vinegar jelly — surely ingredients you wouldn’t expect in a gelato flavour, let alone to be matched together for a dessert dish. But the element of surprise certainly gives me more incentive to try this flavour!
5. Beer with Ciambella gelato by Harish Doneka of Pick Me Up Cafe, Singapore
Locally brewed Tiger beer is paired with Ciambella (an Italian doughnut) for a treat that’s said to be sour and sweet.
6. Singapore Sling gelato by Charles Tan of FATCAT Ice Cream Bar, Singapore
The Singapore Sling cocktail, in sorbet form — enough said, I’m just waiting to try it.
7. Mango Ube Symphony gelato by Zarah Zaragoza-Manikan of Bono Artisanal Gelato, Manila, Philippines
Mango and purple yam (which is called ube in the Philippines) aren’t quite the common pair we’ll expect, which is exactly why this might be a surprise winner.
8. Curcuma gelato by Andre Soenjoto of de Boliva, Surabaya, Indonesia
Curcuma (tumeric) in your dessert? I’ll normally say no to that. But the fact that this flavour is in the top 16 list makes for another unexpected must-try.
9. Vanilla of the East gelato by Keewin & Seow Han Ong of Cielo Dolci, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Pandan gelato accentuated with vanilla beans, folded with basil seeds and finished with a drizzle of salted Gula Melaka It’s another take on the chendol treat and is definitely another flavour I’ll love to try.
