There are so many reasons to seek out sweet, iced treats that melt in your mouth, especially in the tropical heat of Bali.
This list is perfect if you are reeling from heartbreak after that fuckboy dumped you (Canggu people can perhaps relate). Or if you just smashed a surfing class and want to celebrate. Or maybe you want to treat yourself after a hard day’s work. Or take your bae on a sweet date. Or you just want some ice cream for no particular reason (we’ve all been there).
Whether you prefer ice cream or gelato (the latter has less fat, but, let’s be honest, both are filled with sugar), it’s really not that difficult to find a shop in Bali that sells them. You can even rely on your trusted food delivery apps to get a scoop or a carton when the craving hits.
For this list, we’ve hand-picked some of the island’s top shops for sweet, frozen treats. We’re going to update this list from time to time – so if we’ve left out any of your favorites, feel free to let us know.
Sun’s Ice Cream
Kicking off this list is our personal favorite. Sun’s Ice Cream is consistent in delivering rich flavors and a nice, addicting mouthwatering texture while also being quite filling. You will come back, for sure, but at the same time, due to the affordable prices and generous servings, you will leave the parlor satisfied. The Pantai Batu Mejan shop also provides a nice coffee selection, so if you’re into affogato, this is the place to go. Sun’s usually has live music or DJ sets every Thursday night, so what better way to make new friends than while bonding over ice cream?
Editor’s flavor pick: Biscoff. Definitely biscoff. But if you’re bored, their malt chocolate flavor is also to die for.
FIND IT: SUN’S DESSERT BAR
Jl. Pantai Batu Mejan No.73, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351
(Note: They also have a pop-up store in Batu Bolong)
Gusto Gelato
It would have been sacrilegious to exclude Gusto Gelato from this list. Located in the heart of Seminyak, Gusto Gelato offers a plethora of interesting flavors that one might not expect, such as popcorn and chili chocolate. With its huge space and spacious parking, this shop is perfect for you to come with larger groups. It is also perfect for a Bali first-timer to get acquainted with one of the most popular hangout spots on the island. The downside of the place is that they only accept cash or QRIS code payments. So come prepared and leave your cards behind.
Editor’s flavor pick: For Gusto Gelato, in particular, the best way is to explore its huge range of flavors. But if one has to pick, their chili chocolate flavor is quite interesting for that novelty factor. If you want something safer, definitely try the apple pie flavor.
FIND IT: GUSTO GELATO
Jl. Mertanadi No.46B, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361.
Gaya Gelato
Gaya Gelato has been touted as perhaps among the best gelato chains in Bali in terms of quality. While there are several outlets, the one that comes to mind for a hangout is definitely the Petitenget branch. It’s a nice spot to have a break from walking down the beach or taking in the touristy charm of Petitenget street.
Editor’s flavor pick: Panna cotta.
FIND IT: GAYA GELATO
Jl. Petitenget, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Gelato Secrets
Gelato Secrets is perhaps one of the safer bets for you whenever the cravings start because they have so many outlets for you to choose from. One parlor that we often go to is the one in Batu Bolong. When it comes to flavors, they don’t have that many standouts. That being said, their gelato is top quality across the board.
Editor’s flavor pick: Honeycomb
FIND IT: GELATO SECRETS
Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.56, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351
Bali Blue Gelato
If you happen to be in Uluwatu after a surf or frolicking on the beach, make sure you check out Bali Blue Gelato, which is a nice shop just on the corner of Labuansait street. They have both dairy and vegan options, making this a very inclusive parlor, and they have a nice selection of flavors as well.
Editor’s flavor pick: Passion fruit and salted caramel
FIND IT: BALI BLUE GELATO
Padang Padang Beach, Jl. Labuansait No.73, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Amore Gelato
This last one is relatively new, but it is somewhat of a hidden gem away from the tourist hotspots. Amore Gelato’s flavor variety is not extensive, but that may be due to the parlor being a new player in the game. That being said, what they currently have is nothing to be scoffed at: check out the tiramisu and rum raisin flavors.
Editor’s flavor pick: Tiramisu and rum raisin
FIND IT: AMORE GELATO.
Kelod Kuta Utara Jl. Pengubengan Kauh No.69, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361