+39 Gelato Bar
Circular Road has long been one of my favourite places to hang out for a drink or that delicious Yong Tau Foo (albeit it is probably the unhealthiest thing you can eat) along the stretch of shophouses. Six weeks ago, a rather peculiar store popped up on the radar! The +39 Gelato Bar utilises the spanking new IdeaTre by Carpigiani. In fact, it is the first store in Asia-Pacific to actually have this fitted (and second store worldwide) so you have to check it out for yourselves.
According to one of the Gelato Chefs of +39 Gelato Bar, unlike other gelato making machines, the IdeaTre allows the gelato to be stored and produced in the same tub. This reduces the probability for the crystallisation to happen and therefore ensuring that the gelato you enjoy is always creamy and consistent.
+39 Gelato Bar has a pretty simple interior and to be honest, there was nothing really reminiscent of a bar. I had initially pictured the place to be more like N2 Extreme gelato or Gelato Messina in Fitzroy, Melbourne - dark, thumping music and some sort of exciting vibe. +39 Gelato Bar is a lot more laid-back in that sense and it was bright and especially quiet (since only light music was being played). That being said, this store is truly a new kid on the block and has therefore not gotten as much recognition or media attention.
The gelato flavours at +Gelato Bar rotates on a daily basis while keeping some of their favourites in tact. While I was there, I could choose from Coconut, Pistachio, Hazelnut, Passion Fruit Sorbet, Chili Chocolate, Raspberry Sorbet, Aperol Sorbet and the incredibly special Goat's Cheese gelato. Even though some of these flavours sound pretty ordinary, I assure you that the consistency and creaminess is like no others - you will probably not want to consume the regular Gelatissimo that Singaporeans have grown so fond of. I'm no gelato connoisseur but I know a quality product when I see one and this is it!
The quality gelato that +39 Gelato Bar serves come in three sizes - Piccola (S$5.50), Media (S$7.50) and Grande (S$9.50) which consists of one, two and three scoops respectively. Sure it doesn't come cheap but if you are feeling like getting some quality gelato, this is your place to get.
Even though the gelato has impressed me and left me wanting for more, I thought the other dishes were pretty average at best. The crispy waffles (which were affectionately named "Wowffles") went well with the gelato but honestly why ruin a perfectly produced gelato which can very well stand on its own?
Anyhow, if you are in the vicinity (or if you have a major gelato craving), give +39 Gelato Bar a try! It doesn't come cheap but the difference in quality is truly distinct and you will definitely learn to appreciate a product that we have gotten so lazy to appreciate.
+39 Gelato Bar
29 Circular Road, Singapore 049385
Monday to Saturday (11am to 11pm)