And the ice-cream/gelato parlour craze does not end, being Hougang Green Shopping Mall this time round. Icebar is a spot that will be bound to attract the hipsters — dark interior, outlandish quotes that are lit with neon lights; one could simply describe Icebar’s character as rebellious, loud and flashy, especially for a cafe that is well-hidden on the second floor of the neighbourhood mall away from all the F&B tenants in the building located at the first level.

Skimming through the flavours available here, the decision was made for the White Chrysanthemum & Goji Berries and Milo Dinosaur gelato here — the former being our favourite of the two with its light, floral tea notes that was reminiscent to brewing chrysanthemum tea using the dried flowers; incredibly aromatic and almost herbal, while the goji berries add the earthy sweetness that gives the flavour sufficient sweetness. The Milo Dinosaur will not disappoint those who are fans of the childhood chocolate malt drink — sufficiently rich without biting the throat given the “heatiness” of Milo and just sweet enough without being cloying. Wished the waffles were executed better though; no doubt crispy and sufficiently fragrant, but was a tad dry and clumped up easily as one chews through them. Offering patrons with three different sauces (Maple Syrup, Chocolate Sauce or Caramel) to be drizzled over the waffles and gelato, our option of maple syrup was a great decision — goes especially well with the refreshing White Chrysanthemum & Goji Berries flavour.

Whilst there is room for improvement when it comes to their waffle, Icebar is certainly a good addition to the neighbourhood mall here, which is already filled with places I already have been visiting quite a bit over the years such as Arnold’s Fried Chicken and Chef’s Hats — the latter being a spot I had visited since my polytechnic days. No doubt somewhere which residents around the area would be found having their gelato at after a meal at the mall — pretty much a great hangout situated in the heartlands.