Base Gelato is a new gelato bar in Joo Chiat
If you’ve recently gone cafe-hopping in Joo Chiat, you’ve probably visited the usual hotspots such as Common Man Coffee Roasters and Elijah Pies. You might, however, miss an unassuming hole-in-the-wall shop that has recently opened right under everyone’s noses. Base Gelato is a new cafe in Joo Chiat by Creamier, selling specialty gelato flavours at nett prices.
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The space itself is very cosy and slightly dim. It boasts an industrial look, with natural light seeping in through the glass door.
Their menu is relatively straightforward: there are only six items to choose from. Each flavour of ice cream is specially curated, paired with its own unique accompaniments.
Their signature flavour is the Joo Chiat Heritage ($10), which pays homage to the locale’s Peranakan history. It features a scoop of refreshing young coconut gelato topped with smoked gula melaka caramel and grated coconut, served alongside a skewer of QQ, house-made ondeh ondeh dango.
For those who prefer stronger flavours, order the Rum Raisin Vanilla Panna Cotta ($12). The base is a layer of jiggly, silky vanilla panna cotta, made from locally grown Madagascar vanilla pods. It is topped with Jamaican rum-infused gelato and chewy sun-dried Xinjiang raisins for a nice textural contrast.
As a matcha addict, my personal favourite has got to be their Matchagato ($12).
You can expect kinako, AKA roasted soybean powder, gelato encased in a chewy mochi wrapper and topped with azuki bean paste. Matcha is then hand-whisked right in front of you and poured over the whole shebang. I was pleased to know that their matcha is sourced from Wazakura, a prominent tea-producing region from Uji known for producing matcha that tastes rich with a smooth finish.
For something on the lighter end, the Yoghurt & Honey ($10) features triple-strained Greek yoghurt gelato similar to frozen yoghurt. It is topped with toasted honey fluff and garnished with wildflower honey and locally grown edible flowers.
This was my colleague’s favourite. The gelato was creamy with a slight tang from the yoghurt, while the honey fluff was similar to meringue, adding a nice airiness and sweetness to the dessert.
Image credit: Cindy Tan via Google Maps
We didn’t get to try all of their flavours, but the Black Forest ($12) will probably be a hit among chocolate lovers. This dessert consists of a bittersweet Valrhona Coeur De Guanaja 80% chocolate gelato topped with a dollop of cream and a wild Morello cherry, served alongside a dark chocolate sponge that’s soaked in cherry-infused kirsch.
Image credit: Cindy Tan via Google Maps
Alternatively, their Kaya Butter Toast ($9) is one flavour that nods to the classic Singaporean breakfast. It comprises butter-flavoured gelato and pandan coconut kaya jam sandwiched between two crispy brown toasts.
Overall, the price tag is a little steep for ice cream, but every item at Base Gelato earns its keep. Every flavour we tried was bold yet balanced, and exactly what you want in this sweltering heat.
Base Gelato is a 19-minute walk away from Marine Parade MRT Station. Do take note that it’s takeaway only.
For a full-fledged meal before your gelato treat, read our guide to the best food in Joo Chiat. If you’re not in the area but still craving a sweet treat, check out CHAGEE’s new gelato series.
Address: 198 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, Singapore 427469
Opening Hours: Fri-Sun 12pm to 7pm
Website
Base Gelato is not halal-certified.
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Images taken by Chan Zi Xuan.
This was a media tasting at Base Gelato.
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