Ice cream is versatile. Besides being go-to breakup food, it’s also one for days that are happier. India has always had its kulfi but since Western flavours gained prominence, there has been no looking back. Gone are the days when Nirula’s was the only ice cream parlour. Foreign brands have opened outlets in India and besides these, the country has also seen a surge in local ice cream brands over the last few years. Check out these artisanal ice cream brands from India that have had us screaming for ice cream:
Jaatre
Started by the team behind one of Delhi’s favourite restaurants—Carnatic Cafe—Jaatre has redefined what it means to eat ice cream. The brand believes in using sugar sparingly and also sticks to making vegetarian ice cream. Flavours like ratnagiri mango, pistachio and chocolate are some of their bestsellers, but don’t miss the unusual flavour combinations like black pepper and cardamom, and rose and strawberry. The terracotta tubs that the scoops are served in only add to the ice cream’s appeal.
Minus 30
Run by Delhi-based entrepreneur Gayatri Narang, Minus 30 specialises in regular ice creams, sorbets and even ice cream sandwiches. Try the lighter ones like watermelon, mango or nimbu paani sorbet, or choose from indulgent flavours like dark chocolate peanut butter, oreo cheesecake and Nutella. There’s even an ‘intox’ collection with flavours like Baileys and Belgian chocolate cointreau. Those who prefer vegan or sugar free ice creams are also taken care of. Currently, the brand has no store and is delivery only.
Tandy’s Creamery
Essentially an ice cream sandwich brand, Tandy’s Creamery is based in Mumbai and delivers across the city. The brand prepares the best of ice cream sandwiched between wafers, and takes pride in not using preservatives or artificial colours. They also do regular ice cream tubs besides the attractive sandwiches. Classic flavours like vanilla and chocolate compete with more unusual ones like sitaphal, walnut praline and rose.
Coppetto
Coppetto specialises in artisanal gelato, and uses ingredients like organic milk, Madagascar vanilla beans and Sicilian pistachio. Based in Mumbai, the brand makes ice creams that are rich and creamy, served in the store’s signature waffle cones, and topped with a crisp waffle garnish as well. They have flavours like salted caramel, Ferrero Rocher, raspberry sorbet, stracciatella and pistachio. The different ice creams and sorbets are brightly coloured, adding to the charm that comes with eating them.
