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The nation’s capital is hot most of the year and ice cream kiosks and shops are plentiful. I live in Delhi tried the ice creams in every one of these shops (some multiple times). These are the best places in Delhi to satisfy your ice cream craving and help cool you down.
If you’re in a hurry, here is the cheat sheet on Delhi’s best ice cream places:
- Havmor – best overall
- Kings Kulfi – best kulfi
- Gelato Vinto – best gelato
- Jaatre – best artisanal
What is Kulfi – Indian Ice Cream?
No list of best ice cream places in Delhi would be complete without including what is commonly referred to as Indian ice cream, kulfi.
Kulfi is made by boiling milk, sugar and natural flavours. Unlike ice cream, it is made without eggs and not whipped, resulting in a richer flavour and denser texture. It is frozen in molds and usually served on a stick. It’s kind of like India’s gelato. Make sure you try it – it’s delicious!
Sometimes kulfi is served in a small earthen pot (matka kulfi), sliced on a plate, or with sweet vermicelli noodles, as the famous sweet street food, faluda.
The Best Ice Cream Places in Delhi
All of these are good, but in terms of taste and value, the old-time favourites Havmor and Giani’s are the winners. All ice creams listed here are pasteurized and safe to eat.
1. Havmor
This may be the very best place in Delhi to get ice cream. Ice creams are chock full of nuts and fruit (I usually get these varieties), and delicious. They have a great selection of traditional and Indian inspired ice creams. Servings are generous and prices very reasonable.
Havmor has been around since 1945 and is a long-time favourite of locals.
They sell ice cream by the cup or cone, ice cream sundaes, cakes and milkshakes. The Connaught Place shop is very clean and memorable, with an unexpected bust of Julius Caesar on display.
Location: Block M, Connaught Place (plus multiple locations across Delhi)
Hours: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm, daily
Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk (Blue and Yellow lines), exit Gate 3
What Else is Nearby: Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place, Pracheen Hanuman Mandir
2. Giani’s
This is an iconic ice cream brand, practically a household name in Delhi. The first shop opened in 1956 in Old Delhi, and it’s still one of the best places to eat in Old Delhi. Now Giani’s has locations all across India.
Giani’s ice cream is rich, creamy and flavourful. Out of all the ice cream shops in this list, Giani’s is one of the very best, and one of the least expensive.
- Location: Municipal Market, Connaught Circle – across from Block L (plus multiple locations across Delhi)
- Hours: 11:00 am – 11:30 pm, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk (Blue and Yellow lines), exit Gates 4 or 5
- What Else is Nearby: Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place, Museum of Illusions
3. Jaatre
This is one of my favourite spots in Delhi. The ice cream is sensational, and served in either up-cycled coconut shells or terra cotta pots with lids (which you can take home and re-use). Word is spreading and Jaatre is becoming known as one of the best places for ice cream in Delhi.
There is always a selection of Indian sourced flavours, and unique combinations like palm jaggery and roasted sesame, or fig and balsamic vinegar.
The shop has a wonderful Lodhi Colony location, within walking distance of the famous art murals and Lodhi Garden. There’s a small seating area and prices are reasonable.
- Location: Meharchand Market, Lodhi Colony
- Hours: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium (aka Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium) (Violet line), exit Gate 5
- What Else is Nearby: Lodhi Art District, Lodhi Garden, Safdarjung Tomb
4. Kings Kulfi
Kings Kulfi is hands down the best kulfi I have had in Delhi. Super creamy, delicious and full of nuts and fruit – it is exactly what kulfi was meant to be. The last time I was there I had Maharaja flavour, which was so good, I went straight back in and ordered a second one.
There is a wide variety of flavours, though I always choose a traditional Indian one, like Kesar Pista, Custard Apple or Mango. You can get matka kulfi here (kulfi frozen in an earthen clay pot – and keep the pot after), as well as jalebi kulfi, faluda and traditional ice cream.
- Location: DLF CyberHub, Gurugram (plus multiple shops and kiosks across Delhi)
- Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Cyber City (Rapid Metro line), exit Gate 1
- What Else is Nearby: DLF CyberHub, iSkate at Ambience Mall
5. Gelato Vinto
No doubt about it, this is the best gelato in Delhi. There’s a location close to where I often stay, and I’ve tried numerous flavours – they are all excellent.
Gelato Vinto is 96% fat free, and made with natural ingredients like local mangoes, berries and imported hazelnuts. Because it’s made fresh daily (even the waffle cones are made daily), there are zero preservatives, artificial flavours or colours. It’s as close to Italian gelato as you will find in India, and one of the very best ice cream places in Delhi.
It’s on the expensive side, but the flavours are so intense and fresh it’s worth every rupee. You can order their gelato online for delivery.
- Locations: Select City Walk (Saket) plus other locations across Delhi, Noida and Gurugram. See their website for all locations: https://www.gelatovinto.com
- Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Malviya Nagar (Yellow line), exit Gate 3
- What Else is Nearby: Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Select City Walk Mall, Khirki Masjid
6. Artiste
If there is such a thing as a healthy ice cream shop, this is it. Artiste does not use any sugar in their ice creams, they are sweetened with jaggery or honey. Ice creams are hand crafted with local and natural ingredients in small batches.
Some of the ice cream does taste like honey, but I had Berry Cheesecake and did not notice this at all. However, if you’re not a honey fan you may want to forego the ice cream here.
Besides scoop ice cream, you can order sundaes with natural toppings like granola and fruit, as well as milkshakes.
- Location: Block C-5, SDA Market (plus several other locations in Delhi)
- Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: IIT (Magenta line), exit Gate 1
- What Else is Nearby: Hauz Khas Village, Hauz Khas Fort, Shahpur Jat
7. Big Chill Creamery
Big Chill Creamery is the best place in popular Khan Market for ice cream. They have a large variety of delicious flavours, and sell ice cream cakes and sundaes. There’s also a small selection of bakery cakes and chocolates.
The shop is small with limited seating. Do not confuse Big Chill Creamery with Big Chill Cafe or Big Chill Cakery, which are also in Khan Market.
- Location: 6A, Khan Market
- Hours: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market (Violet line), exit Gate 4
- What Else is Nearby: Khan Market, Lodhi Garden, Lodhi Art District
8. Kuremal Mohan Lal
Visiting Kuremal Mohan Lal kulfi shop in Old Delhi is like stepping back in history. The shop is located in the most historic part of Delhi, and has been there for over 100 years. This place is famous, it’s been featured on many international travel and food shows.
Kuremal Mohan Lal was the first to offer a stuffed version of the frozen dessert – a whole frozen fruit, stuffed with kulfi. Whole fruits are emptied of their pulp, which is then added to the kulfi mixture, before the whole lot is poured back into the empty shells and frozen. They are served sliced – whole fruit included. No artificial flavours or preservatives are used.
The shop is nondescript, situated near historic Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazaar. This area is not for the faint of heart; it is crowded, noisy and generally bonkers, but it is a foodie haven. Explore Chawri Bazaar after, Delhi’s most historic market.
- Location: Shop No. 526 Kucha Pati Ram, Chawri Bazaar
- Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Chawri Bazaar (Yellow line), exit Gate 1
- What Else is Nearby: Red Fort (UNESCO), Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid
9. Cold Love
Cold Love is another ice cream shop that sells all natural ice cream, without preservatives, artificial colours or flavourings. The ice cream is excellent, but it does market itself as artisanal, so prices are on the higher side.
At the moment Cold Love has four shops in Delhi, but they also offer home delivery. Several of Delhi’s best restaurants offer Cold Love ice cream on their dessert menu.
The Connaught Place location of Cold Love has partnered with Blue Tokai (one of Delhi’s best coffee houses) and you can pick up coffee beans or a cup of your favourite java there. I think it’s the best of both worlds in one location.
- Location: Block N, Connaught Place (as well as Starling Mall in Noida, Omaxe Chowk in Old Delhi, and Basant Lok Market in Vasant Vihar)
- Hours: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk (Blue and Yellow lines), exit Gate 5
- What Else is Nearby: Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar
10. Naturals
True to its name, Naturals ice cream contains no artificial flavours, preservatives or stabilizers. They specialize in fruit ice cream, like Tender Coconut, Papaya-Pineapple, Lychee and Chickoo. Because they use fresh fruit pulp, many flavours are seasonal.
Naturals uses buffalo milk in their ice cream. Buffalo milk has a higher fat content than cow’s milk, and gives ice cream a smooth and creamy texture without the need for stabilizers and emulsifiers.
I have been eating Naturals ice cream since 2017 when I was first introduced to it in Kolkata by a local. It has always been excellent. There are now locations all across India and prices are reasonable. They have become the newest of the established, iconic Indian ice cream brands.
- Location: Block L, Connaught Place (plus multiple locations across Delhi)
- Hours: 11:00 am – 12:00 am, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk (Blue and Yellow lines), exit Gates 4 or 5
- What Else is Nearby: Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place, State Emporiums on Baba Kharak Singh Road
11. Creme-Borne
This is a small, quaint shop with a good selection of scoop ice cream. They serve fancy sundaes, waffles, pancakes and gourmet soft-serve in flavours like Black Velvet and 24k Gold. The ice cream is very good and reasonably priced.
I’m not sure what french fries have to do with ice cream, but there are many varieties of fries featured on the menu.
- Location: Municipal Market, Connaught Circle (across from Block L)
- Hours: 11:30 am – 12:30 am, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk (Blue and Yellow lines), exit Gates 4 or 5
- What Else is Nearby: Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place, Jantar Mantar
12. eMoi
eMoi is divine! They have a full range of tub ice cream, ice cream sticks and ice cream cakes. They offer vegan and sugar free options. Their ice cream sticks are the creamiest and most delicious I’ve ever had. eMoi is hands-down the best place in Delhi to get ice cream on a stick.
Some of eMoi’s products are available on the grocery delivery apps, Big Basket and Blinkit (which delivers within 30 minutes – I’ve taken advantage of the is many times!)
- Locations: Select City Walk (Saket) plus other kiosks across Delhi. See their FB account for the latest locations: https://www.facebook.com/emoiloves/
- Hours: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Malviya Nagar (Yellow line), exit Gate 3
- What Else is Nearby: Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Select City Walk Mall
13. Classic Ice Cream Cafe
This was a great find in east Delhi. It’s an old-fashioned ice cream shop with an impressive selection of scoop ice cream, sundaes, shakes, sodas, waffles and soft-serve. Nothing super gourmet, but all delicious and at reasonable prices.
This is an excellent choice for the whole family. Everyone is sure to find something they love. Classic Ice Cream Cafe also serves a limited selection of fast food, like Maggi noodles and french fries.
It’s easy to find, on a prominent corner of the market, and there’s plenty of seating.
- Location: United Plaza, Maharshi Valmiki Marg, Anand Vihar (second location in Swasthya Vihar near Preet Vihar metro station)
- Hours: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Karkaduma (Blue and Pink lines), exit Gate 1
- What Else is Nearby: Raj Ghat (Gandhi Memorial), National Gandhi Museum and Library
14. Nirula’s
Nirula’s is a Delhi institution. It’s been around since 1977 and holds a nostalgic place in the hearts of many Delhi families.
The selection is great – there are lots of flavours including some very Indian ones like Pineapple Chili and Zafrani Badam Pista, as well as ice cream cakes, sodas, sundaes and hot drinks.
The ice cream was not the most flavourful, but Nirula’s is famous for their sundaes, which look amazing. Prices are budget friendly.
- Location: Block M, Connaught Place (plus multiple locations across Delhi)
- Hours: 11:00 am – 1:00 am, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk (Blue and Yellow lines), exit Gates 4 or 5
- What Else is Nearby: Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place, Shankar Market
15. Krishna Di Kulfi
This is a wonderful, little kiosk located in the quieter Pandara Market. The kulfi is creamy, flavourful and reasonably priced. They serve all the traditional flavours, as well as sugar free versions.
The peaceful (by Delhi standards) and central location alone is enough to make Krishna Di Kulfi one of the best places to get ice cream in Delhi.
Other Indian desserts are also available, like gulab jamun, faluda, kheer and rasmalai.
Krishna Di Kulfi is located near many of Delhi’s best places to visit. It’s an ideal place to stop for a break and something cool. Plus Pandara Market is full of wonderful restaurants to have lunch or dinner at while out sightseeing.
- Location: Pandara Market, India Gate
- Hours: 11:00 am – 1:00 am, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market (Violet line), exit Gate 2
- What Else is Nearby: India Gate, National Gallery of Modern Art, Bikaner House
16. Turquoise
This is the only place in Delhi NCR you can get authentic and traditional Turkish style ice cream (also known as dondurma).
The addition of salep to the ice cream gives it a stretchy, chewy texture which is resistant to melting, perfect for Delhi’s climate. Salep is a natural ingredient, made from the roots of certain orchids which grow in abundance in Turkey.
If you enjoy this kind of ice cream, you’ll really like Turquoise. Insider tip: the ice cream is so dense, I almost broke the little wooden spoons it was served with. Get it in a cone – it will be easier to enjoy!
- Location: DLF Mall of India (Noida), 1st Floor (kiosk)
- Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Sector 18 (Blue line), exit Gate 1
- What Else is Nearby: DLF Mall of India
17. Kahhak Creamery
This place is a little hard to find. It’s on the first floor of a what looks like a residential building, with a very small sign on the sidewalk.
Kahhak Creamery specializes in using imported ingredients like Swiss chocolate and Italian figs. While the ice cream selection isn’t large, only about a dozen flavours to choose from, the quality is excellent, making it one of the best places for ice cream in Delhi.
Scoop ice cream is the only thing served here, so if you want something to drink or a sundae you’ll have to go elsewhere.
- Location: D-600, 1st floor, Chittaranjan Park
- Hours: 12:00 pm – 10:00 am, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Nehru Enclave (Magenta line), exit Gate 4
- What Else is Nearby: Kali Mandir, Kalkaji Mandir
18. Rupa Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant
This is a quaint neighbourhood cafe that sells ice cream, sundaes, shakes, ice cream sodas, fruit chaat with ice cream, and a selection of foods like pizza, noodles, pasta and sandwiches.
There’s plenty of seating and prices are moderate.
- Location: Post office block, Block D, Krishna Nagar
- Hours: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: East Azad Nagar (Pink line), exit Gate 1
- What Else is Nearby: Ghazipur Flower Market
19. Ladurée
Ladurée specializes in macarons (and they do that very well) but they also have a selection of sorbets and ice cream in single serve tubs. All come with a signature macaron on top.
This would not be my first choice for ice cream (Big Chill Creamery in the same market is a better option), but if you happen to be buying macarons and want ice cream, it’s convenient. Plus, you can enjoy your ice cream upstairs in the beautiful cafe.
- Location: 17B, Khan Market
- Hours: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm, daily
- Nearest Metro Station: Khan Market (Violet line), exit Gate 4
- What Else is Nearby: Khan Market, Lodhi Garden, Lodhi Art District
Ice Cream Carts in Delhi
In the hotter months numerous ice cream carts ply the Delhi streets. The most reliable brands are:
- Kwality Wall’s
- Mother Dairy
- Havmor
- Amul
The Best Online Ice Cream Shops to Order From
These are all small batch, artisanal ice cream shops with excellent ice cream. Gelato Vinto, Cold Love and Jaatre all have shops you can visit; Minus 30 only offers online delivery service. They are the best places in Delhi for home delivery of ice cream.
Most other ice cream and kulfi shops will deliver using one of the popular food delivery apps, Zomato or Swiggy. Some eMoi ice creams are available on Big Basket and Blinkit, the grocery delivery apps.
- Cold Love: https://coldlove.in
- Minus 30: https://minus30.co
- Jaatre: https://jaatreicecream.com
- Gelato Vinto: https://www.gelatovinto.com
How to Get to the Best Ice Cream Places in Delhi
The most efficient way to get around Delhi and visit the best ice cream places is by Delhi metro. It’s an excellent system, easy to use and inexpensive. Most importantly, it goes everywhere.
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
