If you’re in Kota Kinabalu, you can tell that the weather is extreme heat and unbearable – but don’t worry, there’s an easy fix: ice cream! Treat yourself to some refreshing and delicious ice cream to beat the heat and explore the local flavors found in KK. Here are five must-try ice cream shops in Kota Kinabalu that are sure to leave you feeling cool and refreshed.
Desa Moo
Conveniently situated in KK Times Square at Imago Shopping Mall, Desa Moo brings the renowned Desa ice cream to the heart of Kota Kinabalu. DESA MOO prides itself on offering healthier food and beverage options to the local community, using only the finest ingredients, such as DESA Fresh Milk and Yogurt. They ensure that every scoop of ice cream is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional value. By incorporating fresh and high-quality ingredients into their creations, DESA MOO supports a healthier lifestyle while satisfying your cravings for a delightful, refreshing treat in the sweltering Kota Kinabalu weather.
Open from 10 am to 10 pm, there’s no need to make the long drive to Desa Dairy Farm to enjoy this frozen delicacy. Choose between two scrumptious flavors (chocolate and Natural Yoghurt) and customize your ice cream experience with a selection of toppings, fruits, and crunchies tailored to your personal preference. In addition to their yogurt ice cream, Desa Moo also offers other mouthwatering treats to combat the Kota Kinabalu heat. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in their refreshing Mango Yogurt Parfait, which combines the tanginess of mango with the creaminess of yogurt in a delectable layered dessert. If you’re in the mood for something more substantial, their sandwiches made with fresh ingredients are the perfect choice. Quench your thirst with a variety of beverages, including freshly squeezed juices and smoothies, ensuring there’s something for everyone at Desa Moo. Don’t miss out on the chance to savor this iconic Kota Kinabalu treat.
Location: KK TIMES SQUARE IMAGO SHOPPING MALL
Time: 10am-10pm
5 Degree Celcius Gelato
5 Degree Celcius Gelato at City Mall is another must-visit ice cream destination in Kota Kinabalu. With its original branch located in Lattitude 6, they have now opened a new branch in City Mall, making it even more accessible to ice cream lovers. 5 Degree Celcius Gelato is the ideal spot for those looking to satisfy their ice cream cravings after a meal, shopping spree, or movie night. Open from 11 am to 10 pm, this shop is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly. Known for its clean and cozy environment, 5 Degree Celcius Gelato boasts a diverse menu, offering more than 10 indulgent ice cream flavors to satisfy your cravings in the scorching Kota Kinabalu weather. From classic favorites to unique and innovative options, there’s a flavor for every taste preference. Whether you opt for a scoop of velvety chocolate, a refreshing fruity sorbet, or venture into the world of unconventional flavors, you’ll be delighted with the quality and taste of their frozen treats. Be sure not to miss their Tiramisu ice cream, which is an absolute must-try when visiting this delightful shop.
Apart from their delicious gelato scoops, 5 Degree Celcius Gelato also offers eye-catching gelato cakes that are perfect for special occasions or as a delightful surprise for your loved ones. To keep up with their current available options, be sure to check out their Facebook and Instagram pages. Here, you’ll find an array of beautifully crafted and delectable gelato cakes that are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your celebrations with these irresistible frozen creations.
Location: City Mall
Time: 11am-10pm (closed on Monday)
WHY Froyo
If you’re craving a healthier ice cream alternative, look no further than WHY Froyo. Also located in City Mall and open daily from 11 am to 9 pm. Their tasty frozen yogurt ice cream is made with clean ingredients and contains no preservatives, making it an affordable and accessible treat for health-conscious ice cream lovers. The smooth and creamy texture of their frozen yogurt is sure to impress, and with a wide variety of toppings, including fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and granola, you can customize your dessert to your liking.
Make sure to take advantage of WHY Froyo’s special “Why Day,” where you can enjoy a 30% discount on your froyo at all outlets. This irresistible deal is just another reason to indulge in their delightful frozen treats. To stay in the loop about their seasonal menu options and limited-time collaborations, be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram. You won’t want to miss out on any exciting new flavors or promotions from this popular Kota Kinabalu ice cream spot!
Location: CITY MALL
Time: 11am – 9pm DAILY
Moo Cow Frozen Yoghurt
Looking for a moo-velous frozen yoghurt ice cream? Try Moo Cow Frozen Yoghurt.
Located in Lintas Plaza, Moo Cow Frozen Yoghurt is a must-visit destination for those who crave a unique ice cream experience in Kota Kinabalu. Open from 11 am to 8 pm, this shop is closed only on Tuesdays. You’ll know you’ve arrived at the right spot when you see a cow standing inside the shop! Moo Cow Frozen Yoghurt not only serves delicious yoghurt ice cream but also offers a variety of yoghurt drinks for you to enjoy. As one of the earliest yoghurt ice cream shops in Kota Kinabalu, Moo Cow Frozen Yoghurt is a local favorite that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Location: 4, Jln Lintas, Lintas Plaza, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Time: 11am-8pm (closed on Tuesday)
Yöus Gelato
Rounding out our list of must-try ice cream shops in Kota Kinabalu is Yöus Gelato. Located at Lot 2 Ground Floor, Block A, Lorong Damai Point, Luyang Commercial Centre, this artisan gelato parlor offers a warm and comfy environment to enjoy authentic premium gelato. With more than 10 types of gelato to choose from, you can indulge in a variety of flavors and even opt for their homemade waffle cone for an additional charge. Open from 11 am to 11 pm (Wednesday to Sunday), and 11 am to 7 pm (Monday and Tuesday), Yöus Gelato is the perfect spot for a late-night ice cream craving. They also collaborate with Coastal Coffee Club Damai, allowing you to savor an aromatic coffee while enjoying your gelato. As one reviewer, HumanBurrito.bki, puts it: “Their gelato is creamy & milky. I could eat the minced pistachio; the taste is mild though.”
While at Yöus Gelato, be sure not to miss the opportunity to try their Niko Neko Matcha flavor, which delivers an exquisite taste of authentic Japanese green tea, combined with the rich creaminess of gelato. For the chocolate lovers out there, the 70% Chocolate flavor is an absolute must-try. This decadent treat is made with high-quality dark chocolate, providing an intense chocolate taste and a velvety smooth texture that will leave you craving more. Don’t forget to get Yous-elf a Gelato when you’re in Kota Kinabalu!
Location: Lot 2 Ground Floor, Block A, Lorong Damai Point, Luyang Commercial Centre, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Time: 11am-11pm (wednesday to Sunday), 11am-7pm (Monday and Tuesday)
Treating yourself to a refreshing and delightful ice cream is the perfect way to beat the heat in the sweltering Kota Kinabalu weather. Whether you’re indulging in the exquisite flavors at 5 Degree Celcius Gelato or opting for a healthier alternative at WHY Froyo and Desa Moo, there’s something for everyone in this diverse city. Don’t miss out on the local favorites like Moo Cow Frozen Yoghurt and Yöus Gelato, which are sure to leave a lasting impression. So, go ahead and embark on a flavorful journey as you explore these must-try ice cream spots in Kota Kinabalu. You won’t be disappointed!
