Remember SWIRLGO, the pop-up kiosk in Orchardgateway specialising in DIY ice cream creations (like the viral Lao Gan Ma gelato)?
They’ve since opened up a proper physical store in Wisma Atria, branding it as the world’s first and only omakase-style gelato experience.
As its name suggests, SWIRLGO Omakase Gelato Lab offers the option of omakase-style gelato specially crafted to your preferences. Whether you like it sour and refreshing or creamy and bittersweet, everyone is bound to find something that tickles their fancy.
There are 10 gelato flavours (or bases) available, along with over 40 mix-ins, toppings, and drizzles to choose from, so the possibilities are endless!
“Tamer” selections like Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Crunchy Peanut Butter, and Loacker Biscuit are joined by the more “out there” options of D24 Durian, Knafeh, and Lao Gan Ma — see what I mean about there being something for everyone?
You can even get pastries like Butter Croissant, Mango & Passionfruit Tart, Nonya Kueh, and Fried Dough Medley (you tiao) to be mixed in with your gelato.
There are two ways to customise your gelato, the first being the omakase option, where you’ll have to chat with SWIRLGO’s professional gelato artists about your taste preferences. It’s more of a similar concept to that of a bespoke cocktail bar, as compared to that of actual Japanese omakase, but the element of surprise is there.
The artist will then concoct a gelato creation, and you’ll even get to watch it being churned up by the innovative SWIRLGO capsule machines.
Each omakase-style gelato is priced at S$12.90 and comes with a curated pastry pairing.
My colleague, who wanted something “sweet and creamy”, received a birthday cake-inspired gelato topped with Fruity Pebbles and Rainbow Sprinkles, served with a Fudgy Belgian Brownie on the side.
We also got to try gelato mixed in with Crunchy Peanut Butter and Peanut Muah Chee, a delightfully sweet, nutty, and well-balanced creation that left us singing praises.
However, if you prefer to take matters into your own hands, the other option is to Build-Your-Own gelato. Opt for either a Single (S$6.90) with one base, mix-in, topping, and drizzle, or a Combo (S$7.90) comprising one base, two mix-ins, three toppings, and a drizzle.
There is also a curated list of bestsellers for the uninspired (or when your creative juices ain’t flowing), with standouts like the Burrata Parmesan Pomodoro (S$7.90) — it contains sundried tomato, dried basil, and even balsamic vinegar — as well as the Orh Nee (S$7.90), a combination of yam gelato with kaya, taro & yam cubes, and pandan sago.
In a bid to put my spin on the existing Lao Gan Ma (S$6.90) creation, which features mix-ins like Lao Gan Ma (obviously), Okinawa brown sugar syrup, and Mala potato chips, I decided to create my very own concoction, that ended up being equal parts wonderful and wacky.
As a lover of all things sour and spicy (but not numbing), I decided to go for a base of Cream Cheese gelato, with Lao Gan Ma and Spicy Rice Cracker as my mix-ins, topped off with Candied Yuzu Peel and a sprinkling of lime zest.
It was, to put it simply, tom yum in gelato form, with a very unique flavour profile that was more savoury than sweet.
But seriously, there’s something really exciting about being able to personalise your very own gelato creation — it makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop (or even better, Willy Wonka).
I only wish the shop space was a little less cramped, given that it gets super packed on weekends.
All things considered, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience that makes for a great date idea or group hangout, and I can’t wait to return to SWIRLGO Omakase Gelato Lab for more gelato-makin’ fun!
SWIRLGO Omakase Gelato Lab
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???? 435 Orchard Rd, #B1-04, Singapore 238877, Wisma Atria, 238858
???? 11am–10pm (Daily)
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I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨