By Daniëlle Gerber
With spring already here, prepare for rising temperatures in Stellenbosch. Luckily, warmer weather’s favourite dessert, ice cream, is waiting – and the options in Stellenbosch are plenty. With a range of flavours, you will be sure to find something you like. Below, find a list of the best tried-and-tested ice cream and gelato spots in town, as well as their vegan and diabetic-friendly options.
1. Gelato Mania
Gelato Mania seems to have been around forever and for good reason. They offer a wide range of gelato, as well as sorbet, a diabetic and a vegan option, alongside standard gourmet flavours.
Location: 18 Andringa Street, Stellenbosch Central
Vegan option: One option
Diabetic friendly: One Option
Price: About R35 for a single scoop in a sugar cone or cup
2. Swirl’n
Swirl’n is the place to go for self-serve soft serve if you are on a budget. Choose from a range of different flavours and swirl your own serving size in a choice of tub, sugar cone, or waffle. There is also a range of toppings to choose from, such as sauces, sprinkles, chocolates and more.
Pro-tip: toppings are not allowed for cones due to the mess that it can create.
Location: Shop 8 Le Coutzenbourg Building, Church Street, Stellenbosch Central
Vegan option: Yes
Diabetic friendly: No
Price: Can be more expensive, depending on the serving size chosen
3. Kristen’s Kickass Ice-Cream
Kristen’s is quite new to the scene but delivers delicious ice creams to Stellenbosch. With a range of decadent and unique flavours – imagine vegan Black Forest with brownie chunks or creamy butter pecan – this is a definite must for your summer bucket list.
Pro-tip: For R5 more you can go half-and-half with flavours to try two flavours at once. Personal experience has shown that they are generous with the portions, and you get the perfect two-scoop-sized serving!
Location: Shop 9B, De Wet Centre, Corner of Bird and, Church St, Stellenbosch Central
Vegan option: Yes
Diabetic friendly: Yes
Price: R32 for a single scoop and an additional R3 for a sugar cone – butter or vegan
4. Crème de Levain
Crème de Levain is unique to Stellenbosch and offers a range of gelatos and sorbets. Here, you can find the famous bubble waffle cones to enjoy your dessert in – the only place in Stellenbosch offering these, to my knowledge.
Location: 14 Church Street, Stellenbosch Central
Vegan option: Kinda (sorbet options)
Diabetic friendly: Yes
Price: R29 for a single scoop
There you have it, some of the best places to try in Stellenbosch for your frozen dessert fix. I would recommend trying each place at least once as they each offer something unique. What is your favourite ice cream or gelato spot in Stellenbosch?
