Cover Here are the best places to get vegan ice cream in Hong Kong (Photo: @melody.eathard/Instagram)

Are you on the hunt for the best vegan ice cream in Hong Kong this National Ice Cream Day? We're listing the best places to try the dairy-free dessert

On the rise in Hong Kong's vibrant food scene is all things vegan. And while a lot of vegan restaurants have been popping in lately, vegan desserts are still a relative newcomer. But thanks to the launch of Omnipork and Omniseafood, vegan bubble tea brands and hotels going green—plant-based eating is on the rise.

If you're on the hunt for vegan desserts, be sure to visit one of these cafes and bakeries, but if you're looking for something more refreshing, you might want to try vegan and dairy-free ice cream. For me, who loves ice cream but is also lactose-intolerant, I'm always on the lookout for where I can enjoy my fair share of dairy-free ice cream.

By shopping, eating and enjoying these dairy-free treats, you will also be supporting small businesses and homegrown Hong Kong brands who are trying to stay open to serve us despite being hampered by the pandemic.

See also: The Best Soft Service Ice Creams In Hong Kong

1. Happy Cow

A list on vegan ice creams wouldn't be complete without first mentioning Happy Cow, one of the first on the block to offer vegan ice cream. Their vegan and dairy-free ice creams are locally made from scratch using coconut milk as a base and including other plant-based ingredients.

You can choose from a variety of options including fruity ones like dragon berry or refreshing ones like salted caramel. Whether you like it in in a cup or a waffle cone, that's entirely up to you.

Happy Cow is located near the Observation Wheel in Central but it also available for purchase at Fusion, Taste, ParknShop outlets and Great Food Hall.

Happy Cow, various locations across Hong Kong, happycowhk.com

See also: Le Fromage, Hong Kong's First Vegan Cheese Shops At K11 Musea

2. Igloo Dessert Bar

Chances are, you might have seen the cult-favourite White Rabbit candy-flavoured ice cream sprawling across you social media feed. The wildly-popular flavour is from Igloo Dessert Bar which is well-loved for its other nostalgic and wacky ice cream offerings including the Hong Kong-style toast.

The ice cream here is made from coconut and almond milk as a base allowing vegans and those who are lactose intolerant to relish their delectable treats. Vegan cakes are also available at this dessert shack.

Igloo Dessert Shop, Shop C, Lower Deck, Star Ferry Pier 7, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2656 3318, facebook.com/igloodessertbar

See also: 7 Traditional Hong Kong Sweets To Try

3. Emack & Bolio’s

Looking for an Instagram-worthy dessert treat? Look no further than Emack & Bolio's. The over-the-top ice cream cones and dramatic sundaes will not just be a great addition to your feed but are also extra healthy. The vegan and dairy-free sorbets offer three distinct flavours: lemon, mango and raspberry.

Besides ice cream, smoothies and chocolates are also up for grabs. If you're not up to go all the way to Hong Kong Island to try their delicious treat then you can also order it on Deliveroo.

Emack & Bolio's, G/F, 26 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2505 6626, emackandboliohk.com

Shops G09 & G10, Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong

See also: The Best Instagram Bakeries And Cake Shops In Hong Kong

4. I See I See

While not offering ice-dream, I See I See's sophisticated ice-pop is a close cousin that's worth a try. Not all of their flavours are vegan, but they still have a wide variety of fruit-flavoured icy desserts that check your non-dairy needs.

From simple flavours like mixed berries, strawberry to pineapple to more elaborate ones like black pepper mango passion fruit, there's bound to be something for you to try here.

I See I See, Shop MC04, G/F, Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, facebook.com/iseeiseehk

1/F, Lab Concept, Queensway Plaza, Admiralty, Hong Kong

See also: The Best Cafes And Bakeries For Vegan Desserts In Hong Kong

5. XTC Gelato

XTC Gelato has been offering its delicious gelato since 2001. With a variety of dairy, gluten, soy and fat-free gelatos, it's no surprise that this longstanding dessert shop captured the hearts of many. Over 20 different flavours are offered in-store with their gelatos made using all-natural and fresh ingredients daily.

Don't want the same flavour? Not to worry as their offerings rotate every four months, spread out across their three locations.

XTC Gelato, various locations, xtc.com.hk

See also: The Best Matcha And Green Tea Desserts Sports In Hong Kong

6. Givrés

Givrés is home to the famous rose gelato which you may have seen across your social media feed. The rose gelato is definitely this artisanal cafe's signature dessert and it's all hand-crafted.

But you'll still be spoiled for choice at their assortment of vegan sorbets, British desserts and drinks. Many desserts just look pretty but Givrés's selection is as good as it looks.

Givrés, 7 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 9659 0816, givres.com

See also: Meet Alison Chan, The Pastry Chef Creates Illusion Cakes Inspired By Everyday Objects

7. Harmony Dessert

If you're really on the hunt for a healthy ice cream alternative, Harmony Dessert has got you covered. Not only are their desserts vegan and dairy-free but it's also GMO-free, low fat, less sugar and 100 per cent natural.

While they offer a number of desserts, their ice cream made from almond or cashew milk is a sure winner. Flavours like pistachio and raspberry are blockbusters but there's also lemon and poppy seed to try. Otherwise, you can also combine Harmony ice cream with your own dessert recipes.

Harmony Dessert, various locations, +852 9168 0892, harmonydessert.com.hk

See also: 7 Instagram Bakeries for Minimalistic Korean Cakes

8. Dama

Dama is known for its vegan soft-serve with its unique flavours including the bestseller, Black Hawaii which is made with coconut, charcoal and cacao. Instagram lovers will like the hot pink dragonfruit while the durian flavour is a great way to relish the durian especially those who are put off by its smell.

Located in K11 Musea which is bustling with shops and restaurants, Dama is a good stopover after a day of shopping and eating.

Dama, Shop 411, 4/F, K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, +852 9527 2033, facebook.com/damajuice

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9. So Coco

So Coco wants to eliminate the stereotype that healthy food is tasteless and boring, instead of showcasing the balance between tasty and healthy eating. What better way to tickle our tastebuds than with mouth-watering ice cream? A perfect refresher after a delicious meal. So Coco, as its name suggests, uses coconut as a base. Their main offering is vegan ice cream but they also have coconut puddings and cold-brew coconut water tea and coffee on the table.

Choose from six flavours of ice cream from coconut, strawberry, passionfruit, Thai tea and matcha. But if like me, you always can't decide, just order a bundle and choose a selection of any ten products. So Coco is available at various supermarkets including Three-Sixty and City Super.

So Coco, various locations, +852 3568 0229, sococo.chttps://www.sococo.com.hk/om.hk

See also: Where To Find The Best Bakeries In Hong Kong For Your Bread And Pastry Fix


This article was originally published on February 11, 2021 and was updated on July 15, 2021.

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