Small Joys Gelato had been on our radar for a good year before we made our visit in mid-2023. We’d been enticed after finding out that they specialise in Asian-inspired flavours and the owner formerly worked at the fine dining restaurants, Aria and China Doll.
We picked up a tub with three flavours. Their gelato was priced at $6.50 for 1 scoop, $8.50 for 2 scoops, $10.50 for 3 scoops, $18.00 for a 500 mL tub (up to 2 flavours), $29.00 for a 1 L tub (up to 3 flavours).
Apple Lemon Myrtle Sorbet, a ‘fresh green apple sorbet with lemon myrtle’.
Both the apple and lemon myrtle notes were distinctly present; however, the overall appeal of this flavour was significantly marred by the gelato’s texture. It exhibited a coarse and slightly frothy mouthfeel, akin to the sensation of freshly pureed apple processed in a culinary appliance and subsequently combined with powdered lemon myrtle.
Mandarin Yuzu, a ‘mandarin yoghurt gelato with yuzu curd’.
The anticipated presence of mandarin or yuzu was notably absent in this gelato. Instead, its flavour profile resembled that of lemon cheesecake, accompanied by a texture reminiscent of the frothy consistency found in supermarket frozen yoghurt.
Genmaicha Pistachio Latte, a ‘genmaicha gelato blended with roast pistachio’.
Among the three flavours, this one stood out as the most commendable. The toasted rice nuances of the genmaicha were distinctly discernible, and the pistachio element contributed a satisfying savoury crunch. Regrettably, the lack of creaminess resulted in a disappointing texture once more.
All three flavours we sampled at Small Joys Gelato failed to leave a noteworthy impression. In the realm of Asian-inspired ice cream varieties, we have decided to bypass Small Joys Gelato and continue visiting Ice Kirin Bar and failing that, Moo’ed Ice Cream.
Small Joys Gelato is located at 1A/142 Great N Rd, Five Dock NSW 2046.