There’s nothing wrong with a scoop of ice cream to cool your taste buds–but this summer, why not branch out?
From zesty sorbets and creamy cubes of froyo to thirst-quenching slushies and fruity (non-alcoholic) cocktails, Metro Vancouver’s dessert scene is serving up chilly summer treats that go beyond the cone.
Whether you’re looking for something rich, light, tart or sweet, here’s a list of cold treats that provide more than just a break from the heat–they’re a reason to indulge.
Fruit Cocktails at Le Parfait
At Lebanese ice cream shop Le Parfait, "cocktails" take on a whole different meaning with their shikafs. A mixture of fruit puree with chunks of fresh fruit, and topped with crushed nuts and honey, there’s no room for alcohol in these cocktails. Optionally, you can add a scoop of ashta (clotted cream) for a richer taste.
Address: 812 Homer St, Vancouver
Bingsoo at My Frosty Café
From waffles and croffles to dessert toasts and macarons, this Korean café offers a wide selection of sweet treats. If you’re looking to beat the heat, look no further than their bingsoo menu offering all the classic flavours: sweet red bean, injeolmi, strawberry, blueberry, chocolate, and more. Light, fluffy and not too sweet, My Frosty’s bingsoo is a mountain of shaved milk ice layered and piled high with toppings.
Address: 2800 E 1st Ave #220, Vancouver
Frozen Yogurt Cubes at Pot O’Yogurt 满罐酸奶
Have you ever cooled your taste buds with a cup of frozen yogurt cubes?
A new frozen yogurt store in Richmond specializing in avocado yogurt smoothies also offers 10 unique flavours of cut yogurt ice cream including mulberry coconut, mango pomelo, lychee, matcha and blue algae cheese. Made from in-house fermented yogurt and fresh fruit, this playful treat makes for a tangy and tart delight.
Address: 8368 Capstan Way Unit 1326, Richmond
Mango Pomelo Sago at Desserts Artisanaux
Cantonese dessert café Desserts Artisanaux boasts an extensive menu of traditional sweet treats, from steamed milk egg pudding to coconut jelly noodles.
Among the menu’s mango and durian series, the mango pomelo sago is definitely effective against the summer heat. Silky, citrusy and just sweet enough, the mango pomelo sago is a refreshing mix of mango puree filled with sago pearls and chunks of mango and pomelo.
Address: 2675 Kingsway, Vancouver
Açaí Bowl at Kokomo
Known for their plant-based smoothies, bowls and salads, Kokomo offers a colourful selection of açaí bowls filled with fresh fruits and nutty, house-made granola. Their health-focused menu features the Kokomo, Almond Famous, A.B.J. and The Works açaí. Each bowl is packed with just the right amount of sweetness, smoothness and crunch, inviting you to soak in the sun while keeping cool.
Address: Locations in Kitsilano and East Van (Vancouver), Port Moody, and Edgemont Village (North Vancouver).
Sorbettos at Uno Gelato
Fresh, cold, and dreamy, sorbetto from Uno Gelato isn’t just a vegan alternative to gelato–it stands on its own as a summer delicacy. You can pick from six regular flavours including almond Siciliano, coconut, mango tango, midnight chocolate, passionfruit, and yuzu lemon. This summer, a zesty strawberry sorbetto is featured for a limited time.
Address: 601 Stamps Landing, 1055 Canada Pl #36, and 2579 W Broadway, Vancouver
Slushy at Chocolats Favoris
Quebec-based dessert shop Chocolats Favoris is known for their decadent chocolates and hand-dipped ice cream cones, but you can’t ignore their other frosty treats. Check out their icy frostbursts that come in five different flavour combinations: mango and pineapple; lime and grapefruit; raspberry and pomegranate; strawberry and peach; cherry and dragon fruit. Sweet and refreshing, you can also top it off with your favourite ice cream or sorbet for a rich and fruity float.
Address: 14 Water St, Vancouver
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