Beaming for something chilled with a twist? We’ve got the inside scoop on how to stay cool this season with Masala’s curated picks of unconventional ice creams worth the melt.

Between the sweltering heat and the kind of rain that sneaks up on you just as your hair begins to behave, Bangkok’s weather can be rather unforgiving. And while air conditioning does its part, there’s something far more satisfying about cooling off with a scoop of ice cream. Some of our fondest memories as children may as well be ice cream dripping down our hands, sticky cream clinging between our fingers, as we clutch cones full of sugary goodness that were sure to give our parents a headache afterwards. Familiar classics like chocolate and strawberry may hit the spot, but if you want a taste that feels like dancing at the movies, the team at Masala embarked on an adventure of our own to find the most unique and exciting flavours to try around Bangkok. Trust us when we tell you, these scoops are mystical, magical, and totally worth your time.

DAISY’S ICE CREAM

Our first stop on this flavourful foray was Daisy’s Ice Cream, tucked neatly into the Somerset Ekamai Bangkok, just a stone’s throw from the entrance of Soi Ekkamai 2. Founded by attorney-turned-ice cream-artisan Thanawan “Por” Yimkaew, the brand began after a trip to the Pacifiic Northwest left her craving rich, creamy textures that were nowhere to be found in the City of Angels. After a year of perfecting her recipe in small batches, Daisy’s Ice Cream was born in November 2020, lovingly named after her boxer dog. The brand quickly became a local favourite over the course of four years on its Instagram platform, and its newly opened brick-and-mortar space now offers her signature scoops in full form.

Among her best-loved creations is Daisy’s dough, a decadent number laced with chewy cookie dough chunks. For something a touch more playful, her take on Bubblegum is delightfully nostalgic, and for those with a soft spot for confection, should not miss Gooey butter cake. If you prefer your scoop on the refreshing side, the Mulberry ginger sorbet is a standout. Icy, tart, and ever so slightly botanical, it is perfect for fans of Santal 33, chilled vermouth, and sun-drenched terraces. And finally, for those partial to a little tipple, her Rum raisin is a grown-up treat with just the right amount of mischief. Whether you are five or fifty, there is truly a scoop for every palate at Daisy’s

Instagram: @daisysicecreams

CHURN’D BY MULTISEED

Though they don’t have a brick-and-mortar store in Thailand just yet, this homegrown brand from India, known for its vegetarian, egg-free, artisanal frozen treats, is now available for direct orders and on-demand via Grab and Lineman. There are ice cream shops aplenty, but when we’re not in the mood for a pint or a scoop, what’s the next best thing? Ice cream sandwiches, of course—but Churn’d levels it up with a full range of frozen delights. From ice cream bites and mochi to their signature waffle cannoli rolls, it’s all the goodness of ice cream without the mess! Their seasonal Back-to-School collection evokes a taste of nostalgia amongst the diaspora, with playful spins on iconic childhood biscuits. Think Parle G with filter coffee ice cream, Little Hearts with mango cream, and Bourbon for a double chocolate dose. Just the right hit of frozen sweetness, without the sugar overload. If you’re in the mood to share, opt for their Churn’d Delight Gift Box or a set of 12 miniature cannoli with refined flavours such as Pistachio,Cold coffee biscooff,off Dark choc, and more. Their ice cream cake is a charming centrepiece, beautifully layered with sponge and fruit toppings, making it a fitting choice for birthdays, toasts, and wishful moments alike. Beyond everyday indulgence, Churn’d has become a go-to for gifting and celebrations, offering everything from bulk gift boxes to on-site frozen dessert carts for weddings events, and pop-ups. If it’s frozen and fabulous, chances are Churn’d has churned it!

Instagram: @churnd.bkk

CHILLERZ

Tucked away in a small corner of Rama III, on Nang Linchi Road, is Chillerz. Their adorable logo of a ghost (or an ice cream scoop, depending on your level of whimsy) welcomes you into their indie operation. What once began as a series of pop-ups in collaboration with Master Chef Thailand winner Chef Angkrit turned into a full-fledged operation between two friends,Mark Bradbury, a former psychology professor at the University of Chulalongkorn, and Pavin (Pan) Wongvises, a creative director and former spa owner. Noticing a gap in the market with traditional ice cream shops, Chillerz aimed to be a space serving premium, small-batch ice creams, and an ever-changing menu with a flair for the experimental.

For those who are looking to dip their toes in the waters, we recommend Earl grey chocolate, a familiar ice cream favourite with a tea base that tastes bittersweet yet leaves you wanting more. Next on the list is the Burnt honey miso, a combination that sounds unique from first listen. The first bite alone promises a deep and layered umami sweetness that is hard to find elsewhere. Sometimes, what we want out of ice cream isn’t sugar but a little kick. The Lemon custard with passionfruit curd is tangy, tropical, and dreamy. It tastes just like summer in a cup (or a cone, if you prefer). For those feeling a little bold, for the ones who enjoy walking on the off-beaten path and are a little kooky when it comes to their flavours, ask for their Massaman spice. If you know, you know.

Instagram: @the.chillerz.bkk

GROOB GLACÉ

Nestled on the fringe of Chinatown and just a brisk stroll from Hua Lamphong Train Station, Groob Glacé is the inspired creation of three friends: Bossprai, Tokky, and Chef Fah, a notable contender from MasterChef Thailand Season 4. United by their passion for Thai sweets and the indulgent allure of ice cream, they conceived a name that artfully blends two cultures. “Groob” playfully captures the Thai word for crunch, while glacé lends a touch of French elegance, meaning ice cream. This inventive moniker arose from their keen observation of a gap in the market: ice cream that delights with a satisfying crunch. Through their shared devotion to traditional Thai ingredients and confections, they embarked on a chilly venture that reimagines familiar flavours with a playful yet refined twist.

Of course, we must begin with Groob Glacé signature ice cream, the Sweet braised banana; a creation Chef Fah once made for Robert Downey Jr. himself! Made from bananas that have been, as the name suggests, slowly braised with pandan and palm sugar, the resulting taste is an ode to every Thai sweet and dessert we have tasted and loved. Continuing the trend of delectable Thai desserts, we have the Bamboo purple sticky rice. This scoop catches your attention immediately with its soft purple colour. Inspired by the traditional desserts found in Nong Mon Market, this ice cream is rich, creamy, and coconut-y. Skip the mango sticky rice and have a scoop of this instead. Thai fish sauce on ice cream, anyone? Thai vanilla with a twist reimagines the classic salted vanilla ice cream with a nam-pla salted caramel drizzle, giving this ice cream the perfect mix of sweet, salty, and savoury. If you like your desserts named after drinks, and are an avid frequenter of ChaTraMue, then Yin yang (Thai tea black sesame) will satisfy your cravings. The steeped tea aroma blends with the black sesame sauce to create a taste that evokes nostalgia for your favourite street cart.

Instagram: @groobglace.bkk

GROOMEDICECREAM

Settled in Soi 5 Chulalangkorn, in the heart of Bangkok’s trendiest food district, Bantadthong, is the newly relocated Groomedicecream. A homemade ice cream shop, they believe in the idea that anything can become ice cream. With twelve flavours to choose from, customers at Groomedicecream are spoiled for choice. And if that weren’t enough, their specialty is their deep-fried ice cream reminiscent of school days in Thailand. Or if you like your ice cream to go, they even offer ice cream shakes for those who like their scoops without the fuss. They believe in experimenting with their flavour and remixing new concoctions out of familiar favourites. Through using high-quality ingredients, the makers of Groomedicecream let their creative side out to play. Nothing is an accident. Every single flavour is groomed to please and delight our tastebuds.

On our visit to Groomedicecream’s newest branch, we tasted a refined line-up of their signature scoops and deep-fried favourites. Blondie yoghurt was a standout, blending frozen Greek yoghurt with salted caramel and lotus Biscoff. I’m in love with the cocopairs fragrant coconut ice cream with cake crumbles and a soft blue marbling. Eggcellent offered a milky base touched with salted egg, rich and subtly savoury. For a nostalgi twist, the Deep-fried Dubai chocolate ice cream was a true delight, with chocolate ice cream wrapped in warm fried dough, topped with pistachio cream and crisp kunafa.

Instagram: @groomedicecream