There are definitely a lot of ice cream(eries?) opening up in the Lower Mainland. And time and time again, they come out with what seem to be better and better ice creams.
Yet despite a seemingly unending milieu of new ice creameries, the Elephant Garden Creamery really separates itself from the competition by their refreshing take on different ice cream flavours. Offering not only regular but vegan options, the Elephant Garden approaches their flavours with an Asian twist, with a lot of their offerings reminiscent of a HK style bakery or cafe. With so many tantalizing options, it was hard to choose but we were recommended two different flavours (HK Milk Tea and Mango Pomelo Sago), and they did not disappoint.
Firstly, let’s talk about the quality and mouthfeel they were able to reach with their ice cream. Now I don’t know about you, but there have been many a time where I’ve been to an artisan ice cream spot and as soon as the ice cream landed on my cone, the dreaded ice cream drip began. Whatever they’re doing at the Elephant Garden has their ice cream stabilized and lasting a reasonable amount throughout your stay. Yes, it’s creamy but not in the cloyingly sweet, Breyer’s supermarket ice cream sort of of way. Not too melty, not too firm (thanks Goldilocks) – almost gelato-like!
The HK Milk Tea flavour was robust and deep. The roasted notes of the milk tea flavour came through, with the hint of tea bitterness (in the best of ways). I also thought that the Mango Pomelo was bright and refreshing. Texturally complex, the Mango Pomelo had the smoothness of the ice cream, the juicy sections of the pomelo and the chewy delight of mochi pieces. Absolutely fantastic.
The problem we ran into is not having enough stomachs to try all the different flavours they had to offer. This is definitely earned a spot in our top ice creams in YVR, and will be a place that we frequent the next time we’re on the Drive.
If you haven’t yet been here, it’s about time you get in your car and go!
Elephant Garden Creamery
2080 Commercial Drive
Vancouver, BC
thecultureofcookery.com 