Where To Get True Italian Gelato In Dubai

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by Sophie She

Where To Get True Italian Gelato In Dubai

17 Apr 2024

We all know that even those of us who claim to be sour-pro, saying “no, I’m not a sweet tooth” (before midnight, at least). Even these people worship one sweet thing... Gelato!

What is Gelato?

Gelato is a traditional Italian frozen dessert that is somewhat similar to ice cream but has a richer and denser texture. It is made with milk, sugar, and flavourings such as fresh fruit, nuts, chocolate, or other ingredients. Gelato typically contains less air and butterfat compared to ice cream, giving it a smoother and more intense flavour.

The process of making gelato involves churning the ingredients at a slower speed than ice cream, which results in its creamy texture and distinct taste. It is often served in a variety of flavours, and it can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for desserts like cakes, pastries, and waffles.

Photo: Erwan Hesry

Still, why not an ice cream?

While both gelato and ice cream are delicious frozen desserts, they have distinct differences in ingredients, texture, fat content, serving temperature, and flavour intensity.

Gelato offers a denser, smoother texture with a more intense flavour, while ice cream has a lighter, fluffier texture with a richer mouthfeel.

Gelato typically uses more milk than cream, which results in a lower fat content compared to ice cream. Ice cream, on the other hand, is made with a combination of cream, milk, sugar, and often egg yolks. It generally has a higher butterfat content due to the use of more cream.

Italian gelato usually has a lower fat content, usually ranging from 3% to 8%.While, ice cream generally has a higher fat content, typically ranging from 10% to 25%, which gives it a richer and creamier mouthfeel.

Furthermore, gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream, around -10°C, which enhances its flavours and allows it to melt more quickly in the mouth. Ice cream is served at a colder temperature, usually around -14°C to -12°C, which gives it a firmer texture and longer melting time.

Authentic gelato in Dubai

Now we are all on the same page of all differences between gelato and ice cream, we have a tip for you on where to taste the Italian goodness.

Gelateria La Romana was born in the heart of Rimini in 1947, now also established in Lecce and worldwide in France, and the UAE.

This gelateria is especially sweet, as it is named after the founder's daughter.

Gelateria La Romana proudly claims to present traditional flavours crafted only with carefully chosen ingredients, adhering to the time-honoured recipes of the past.

Walking into the Dubai Hills branch of their, you can even see the gelato laboratory with staff kind enough to share the process of gelato coming to life.

What is peculiar about the place—when purchasing a gelato, you first have to come to the cashier and actually pay for the cone. Then, you may put on whatever flavours you like (not more than two scoops for the medium cone, though), and you won’t be charged extra for the scoops themselves!

Locations

Ready for a desert?

We got you:

@gekaterialaromana_uae

— Nakheel Mall

— Dubai Hills Mall (least crowded one)

— Bluewaters

— The Galleria Al Maryah Island

— Mirdif City Centre

Enjoy!

by Sophie She