Guide to discover Mumbai's top handmade ice cream spots

Back in 500 BC, the Persians would pour grape juice concentrate over snow and eat it as a summertime treat. This technique of preserving snow for culinary purposes laid the foundation for the development of ice cream as we know it today. Today, more than 2,400 years later, city-based artisanal ice-makers are ringing in innovative flavours to combat Mumbai's unforgiving summer.

If you're in the mood for some icy, flavourful joy, here are some of the coolest hand-made ice-creams from Mumbai that you absolutely must check out.

Guide to sourcing hand-made sorbets and ice-creams in Mumbai:

Sorbet masala treats
Mumbai's iconic Apsara Ice Creams began its journey at the historic location of Walkeshwar in South Mumbai in 1971. While the handcrafted popsicles were an instant hit for almost four decades, in 2014, the second generation launched these sweet treats to Mumbaikars in Powai, Andheri, Lokhandwala and King Circle.
Today, the store boasts handpicked ice creams made with luscious chunks of real Alphonso mangoes, jamuns, coconut, watermelon and every seasonal fruit you could think of! Their best seller ‘Pani Puri Patakha' and Guava Glory are a toothsome blend of 10 different spices that create a medley of chatpata sorbet. If you have a spice tooth - their masala ice creams are a big hit. What's more, vegans can also enjoy dairy-free alternatives for classic desserts.

Price: Rs 74
Order: Swiggy or Zomato
Address: 74/76 Walkeshwar Road Malabar Hl, South Mumbai
Call: 9727997410

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Kesar at kiosk
If you're a Mumbaikar and haven't sampled Nidhi Ice Cream and Juice Centre, you're missing out big time. This Girgaon-based ice cream parlour is not your regular store, as it dishes unique flavours out of a kiosk with no seating arrangement.

More than a decade old, this stop features a long list of hand-made ice creams. Ranging from lychee to black currant and a fusion mix of pineapple and guava, indulge in juicy, succulent fruits like musk melon, gulkand almond, and of course, mango. Enjoy some of the most authentic, preservative-free popsicles at this iconic store.

Price: Rs 50
For order, call: 022 2388 7435
Address: NO.127/2, Sakarwala Building, VP Rd, Kakadwadi, Khandiwadi, Ambewadi, Girgaon

Tea for two?
Can't have chai because it's sweltering hot outside? Go for masala chai ice cream from Icecreamskee. This Juhu-based home kitchen makes ice cream in small batches and one of their founders, Asha Thakur, tells us these sell like hotcakes round the clock. "Most customers who try it for the first time in summer keep coming back for it through the year," she adds.

Apart from the regular fruit-based ice creams, the store also specialises in ice creams ranging from Gujarati chai masala, lemon grass, jalebi, avocado, rose pista, chilli guava, cinnamon-vanilla-sea-salt, salted caramel, orange, and much more. What enhances their appeal is the use of high-quality ingredients, zero preservatives and use of seasonal fruits.

Price: Rs 350 per tub
For order, call: 9321129029
Address: CD Barfiwala Road, JVPD Scheme, Juhu

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Boozy scoops
There are days when nothing but a good ol' helping of decadent chocolate ice cream will do, and taking it one notch higher is this South Bombay café.
If you like your ice cream boozy, then the whiskey ice cream with chocolate truffles at Gallops is made just for you. The sinful delight of chocolate truffles with homemade whiskey ice cream, gives you a kick and a sugar rush in the same lick.

Price: Rs 385
For order, call: 69600111/Zomato
Address: Royal Western India Turf Club, Mahalakshmi

Italy in Worli
Flying to Italy for their authentic gelatos might be an overkill. Ice-lovers, if you're looking for some good artisanal gelato in Mumbai then head to Sucres Des Terres in Worli. While a bit on the expensive side, this shop's Clean Mean Vanilla Bean is a must-try transformation of regular vanilla. It also features inventive blends like rosemary with lime, espresso ice cream, peach sorbet with balsamic pearls and more. Additionally, they carry limited seasonal fruit flavors such as mango, apples, and strawberries.

Began with a passion for adventure, each jar of ice cream is carefully hand-packed into small batches reminiscent of childhood, travels and experiences. The chefs only work with the freshest seasonal fruits, natural milk and indulgent cocoa & chocolate.

Price: Rs 750-950
For order, call: 9920985880/Swiggy
Address: Worli

Mother's love
Indulgences don't always have to be guilty, especially when it comes to ice creams. Handcrafted with a mother's care, Bina's Homemade Ice Cream offers delectable flavours that are low on preservatives and artificial sweeteners. Bina Doshi, who is currently 64 years old, began her journey decades ago in the most traditional manner - through basic word-of-mouth publicity.

Starting small, her passion and dedication have helped her build a reputation for quality and taste. Today, she is renowned for selling more than 500 scoops a day across the city, a testament to her ice cream's popularity and loyal customer base.

The bestsellers at this store reflect her creativity and flair for unique flavours. Chai Biskoot is a delightful combination that brings the comforting taste of tea and biscuits into a frozen treat. Rose Sabja offers a fragrant and refreshing experience, blending the floral notes of rose with the unique texture of basil seeds. Spicy Guava is a bold choice that balances the sweet and tangy flavours of guava with a hint of spice, making it a standout favourite among her offerings.

Price: Rs 750-950
Order: Zomato/Swiggy
Call: 9930312999
Address: Bina's Homemade Ice Cream, Shop no.12, Raghavwadi. Under French Bridge, Near Patidar Samaj Hall, Huges Road/Gamdevi