Listen to the article
The Maldives promises its visitors endless days of sun. Yes, the yearly climate of the Maldives consists of two monsoons. Still, you can expect warm tropical days even if visiting during the rainy season.
While the sun is one of the main reasons tourists visit the Maldives, it often comes with harsh and humid weather conditions. As a result, the accommodations, whether beach villas or those unique water bungalows are always air-conditioned. Similarly, resorts keep their indoor spaces, from kids’ clubs to restaurants, cool. You’ll also find that private island retreats plant trees on beaches and around their open pools so guests can lounge in the shade during the sweltering afternoons.
Another favorite way for residents to cool down during hot days is ice cream. Not just popular among kids, one often finds adults lining up outside ice cream parlors in the Maldives.
Interestingly, dedicated ice cream parlors are not all that common across the country. So, if you come across one in Malé or any of the best island retreats, make the most of it. Oh! And be ready to be wowed by their collection featuring classic and unique flavors of gelato, ice cream, sorbets, sundaes, and more.
Tuk Tuk Gelato – Patina Maldives Fari Islands
They have an ice cream truck at Patina Maldives Fari Islands instead of a store. The ever-changing menu here comprises natural and creamy house-made ice cream, gelato, and sorbets.
Besides the typical cones and cups to serve the ice cream in, Tuk Tuk Gelato presents several of its creamy delights in a coconut shell. In addition to the novelty and sustainability factors, the presentation adds an exciting tropical touch to enjoying these sweet treats. The truck opens its door to residents from noon up until 17:00.
Ice & Chocolate Studio – Six Senses Laamu
Ice and Chocolate Studio is one of the few ice cream parlors in the Maldives, offering complimentary ice cream to resident guests. So, you can imagine the rush at the parlor when it opens every day.
The studio is no ordinary stall, though. On their menu are 48 different flavors, including ice creams and sorbets. Kids and adults often visit the studio for seconds or thirds during the day. The aim is to try and taste them all before the end of their stay at Six Senses Laamu.
The in-house chefs don’t just stick to popular concoctions, often rotating the dessert menu. They are particularly known for inventing and trying new flavors like orange marmalade, feta cheese, and wasabi. The chocolates made in the studio are available across the island. You can also take a chocolate-making class here.
Island Ice – Kuredu Island Resort & Spa
Kuredu Resort’s Island Ice is an open-air parlor offering a range of “freshly made ice cream” in various flavors. Prepared on a cold stone, the ice cream has a silky texture that makes it creamier and more delicious.
Additionally, you can add multiple toppings, from fresh fruit and chocolate chips to fudge and coconut, to give your ice cream a personal touch.
Fini Foni – Gili Lankanfushi Maldives
While many of the ice cream parlors in the Maldives start serving only around noon, the one in Gili Lankanfushi welcomes guests from 10:00 up until 19:00.
The parlor’s name, Fini Foni, translates to “cold sweet.” However, the menu of this poolside eatery has plenty of both savory and sweet pleasures. So, after a swim or a game at the next-door tennis court, you can relish chilled tomato soup, curried meatballs, cold seafood tortellini, or a chicken shawarma wrap.
Of course, they also have an array of handmade ice creams made using natural ingredients. Whether desiring a yummy snack or wanting to bite into a complimentary popsicle, a visit to Fini Foni is a must during your stay at Gili Lankanfushi.
La Joie – Joali Maldives
Joali Maldives’ all-day chocolate and ice cream parlor promises premium treats to satiate your sweet cravings. The store has 36 ice cream and sorbet flavors. However, the chefs are forever ready to concoct new ones based on guest suggestions.
Among the extensive ice cream menu here, you’ll find exotic flavors like black sesame, yogurt, red bean, green apple and Chardonnay, yuzu, and pink guava.
After picking a scoop or two of your choice, it’s possible to add toppings like mixed nuts, meringue, berry compote, coconut flakes, and the like. When staying at Joali Maldives, you can also visit La Joie for delicious and filling ice cream sundaes, frozen desserts like mango brownies, and chocolate boxes.
So Cold – Soneva Jani
So Cool at Soneva Fushi is among the most famous ice cream parlors in the Maldives. It serves over 60 classic and bespoke flavors, including ones that are dairy and refined sugar-free.
So Cold at Soneva Jani follows the same plan and ethos. Here, guests can mix flavors, try new inventions by the team, and taste limited edition preparations. Moreover, So Cold also has charcuterie and cheese, making it a lovely spot to be when wanting something sweet, salty, or savory.
Furthermore, all Soneva properties not only have ice cream parlors, but the treats are complimentary for their guests.
Chill’d Café – Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences
Chill’d is a casual beachside café where most residents spend some time when staying at Amilla Maldives. The café serves plates full of delicious snacks, from sandwiches and salads to sushi and summer rolls.
However, in tune with the resort’s “wellness your way” concept, you can request food per your personal dietary preferences.
For ice cream aficionados, though, Chill’d is the place to be between 14:00 and 16:00 every day. At this time, the café serves complimentary homemade gelato to all residents.
Seagull Café – Malé
Public islands aren’t without their small stalls and convenience stores that sell these refreshing sweet delights. However, Malé has one of the most iconic ice cream parlors in the Maldives.
Starting as an Italian gelateria in the 1980s, Seagull was among the first places to introduce Maldivians to gelato. Although the cafe now offers food and coffee, ice cream is still one of its best sellers.
At Seagull Café, you can indulge in 35 flavors, including fiesta blue, bubblegum, gianduja, blueberry cheesecake, and Seagull sarubath.
If desiring more than just a scoop, go for their decadent and colorful creations like hot fudge brownie sundae, cold spaghetti, Coppa Italia, and banana split.
Scoop Maldives – Malé
Scoop is another well-known ice cream parlor in Malé, with its origin dating back to the late 1980s. Nowadays, Scoop offers more than just cold comfort. Their menu consists of burgers, thin crust pizzas, sandwiches, and açai bowls.
However, locals come here regularly for their sweet treats. Among the must-haves on their ice-cream menu are the peanut butter brownie sundae and Fantasia, which consists of chocolate and strawberry ice cream, jelly, mixed fruit, water, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream. Faloodah, a cold dessert with noodles, basil seeds, and rose syrup, is another favorite you must try at Scoop.
