
TL; DR | Summary
Ice Kirin Bar is your go-to spot for late-night Asian gelato cravings in Sydney CBD, with daily closing times of 10 pm. I recommend their uji matcha, oolong peach tea, and Japanese yuzu sorbet, as this gelato joint did a fantastic job of capturing the flavour of each ingredient without being overbearingly sweet. The daifuku add-on is highly recommended for an even better experience, as it introduces a wonderfully soft and chewy texture to the smooth gelato.
Ice Kirin Bar Review
Tucked away in the hugely popular Regent Place shopping centre along George Street, Ice Kirin Bar is a welcomed addition to this foodie hotspot. Being their second store, with the first one in Burwood and already a hit among locals, Ice Kirin Bar has quickly established itself as a go-to for authentic Asian-inspired gelato. It's all about takeaway here, with no seating available, but that's hardly a downside given its prime location and 10pm closing time.
Getting to Ice Kirin Bar is a breeze, thanks to nearby tram and train stops located conveniently at the shopping centre, or if you prefer driving, there's plenty of parking nearby. However, if you're not open to Asian flavours, I wouldn't recommend this place as there's not much outside of that spectrum on their menu. The prime focus of Ice Kirin Bar's menu is to celebrate Asian-inspired components with a focus on authenticity and quality, making it a haven for those who cherish these flavours.
The green tea variety here is astounding, with three different flavours: uji matcha, uji genmaicha, and sencha. But it doesn't stop there. Flavours like black sesame, Vietnamese coffee, peach oolong, and Japanese yuzu sorbet ensure coverage of most Asian beloved favourites.
Ice Kirin Bar's range is dietary inclusive, with most of their gelato gluten-free and usually having one vegan option available.
As a bonus, matcha and tea enthusiasts can purchase tea leaves and bags at the store. Their use of a premium Japanese tea brand highlights their dedication to quality. I know this because I have the same one for personal use, as other teas don't compare to this brand.
Ice Kirin Bar Menu: Asian-Inspired Gelato
The service at Ice Kirin Bar is quick, making it easy to grab delicious gelato even during their busy hours. Each gelato at Ice Kirin Bar is intriguing, with no bland-sounding flavours.
Here's the scoop on what I've tried:
Uji Matcha
This one tops my ranking, without a doubt. The depth of the matcha flavour is authentic, bold, and exactly what you'd hope for. It's a true homage to authentic matcha's slightly sweet, subtle bitterness. If you're a matcha enthusiast like me, consider this a must-have.
Uji Genmaicha and Sencha
These two take you on a different green tea journey, offering a unique twist distinct from the usual matcha offerings. The Uji Genmaicha has an intriguing, nutty, almost toasted rice flavour. On the other hand, the Sencha provides a cleaner, grassier green tea taste. Both diverge from the classic matcha while maintaining the spirit of high-quality green tea.
You can learn more in my blog post: Sencha Vs Matcha Green Tea: What’s The Difference?
Peach Oolong
The Peach Oolong gelato was a delight. On most occasions, this flavour is usually wrongfully executed, either being overly sweet or having one element that overpowers. However, this peach Oolong gelato blends the lovely, fragrant notes of peach with the sophisticated, mellow characteristic of Oolong tea. It's a slightly creamy gelato that's as refreshing as it makes every bite a joyful, fruity experience.
Black Sesame
A classic in the world of Asian flavours. This gelato choice is ideal for those who appreciate black sesame's deep, nutty, and distinctiveness. While it doesn't necessarily break new ground in the realm of black sesame gelatos, it's reliably delicious and a safe bet for fans of this flavour.
Vietnamese Coffee
My expectations met a bit of a snag here. As a big fan of the robustness and sweetness of traditional Vietnamese iced coffee, I found this version leaning too heavily on the sweet side. Using instant G7-branded coffee also missed the mark for me as it lacked the depth and intensity of authentic Vietnamese coffee I had hoped for.
You can read more in my blog post: What Is Vietnamese Coffee? How To Make It & Brewing Methods
Japanese Yuzu Sorbet
This sorbet is a refreshing palate cleanser. It hits the palate with the yuzu's tangy, citrusy element, which is enhanced further by the zest mixed in. It's light, refreshing, and perfect for something less creamy but tangier.
Honey Roasted Oolong
This one was a pleasant surprise. It was not overly sweet, which I appreciate in a dessert that could quickly become too sweet. The honey-roasted Oolong flavour is subtle, leaving you with a lovely, lingering, smoky aftertaste that's just right.
Daifuku Add-on
With its invitingly soft and chewy texture, the mochi sheet add-on beautifully complements any creamy gelato flavour. The daifuku's plump, spherical form looks great in photos and videos and enhances the dessert with a lovely textural contrast. I recommend it if you don't mind paying extra for that extra stretch for an uplifted gelato experience (and if you want to get a few more views on your social media).
RECOMMENDED
- Uji Matcha
- Peach Oolong
- Yuzu Sorbet
- Opting for the daifuku add-on
- Visiting multiple times to venture into their rotating flavours
Final Words
Ice Kirin Bar stands out as a prime destination for Asian-inspired gelato delights. With standout flavours like the authentic uji matcha, balanced peach oolong, and zesty yuzu sorbet, it caters to all who seek an authentic Japanese gelato experience. Adding unique options like daifuku and pineapple buns further uplifts the gelato experience. So, if you're in the mood for exceptional, Asian-flavoured gelato, Ice Kirin Bar is an essential stop.
Have you experienced Ice Kirin Bar yet? Please share your thoughts and tell me about your go-to gelato place in Sydney in the comments below.
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Where to find Ice Kirin Bar Regent Place
Address
Hours
- Monday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
Website
Phone
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