As a specialty tea-infused ice cream, Ice Kirin Gelato resonates quite well with the majority of Chinese consumers, and it’s no wonder that the home-grown brand has also expanded to a third tier city like Shantou. Situated in the historic port city’s Xiaogongyua district, known for its 19th-century colonial architecture, the ice cream parlour occupies 225 sqm. (2,422 sq.ft.) spread across two floors, and features an interior design by Shenzhen-based architecture and design practice 0321 Studio. In stark contrast with the neighbourhood’s historic past, the design is clean and understated with a slight industrial edge. Large floor-to-ceiling windows allow in floods of natural light and reveal to passers-by a whitewashed setting anchored by a 7.5-metre service counter in shiny stainless steel. The crescent-shaped counter houses all necessary equipment and materials, and its outward arc echoes the street-facing façade while maintaining a small corridor for customer movement.
Additionally, the open counter design takes interaction of staff with customers into consideration, allowing easy communication and sales transactions. The counter is paired with custom-made stools crafted from untreated wood, and combined with the sink counter near the staircase, it adds a warm touch to the otherwise austere setting. The upper floor of Ice Kirin Gelato, an area where customers can sit back and enjoy their ice cream, sees a backdrop of pine wood. Here, customers sit on benches paired with sleek steel tables, in addition to bar seating alongside the window. Storage cabinets double as spatial dividers, ensuring visual openness and effortless airflow. The menu at Ice Kirin Gelato offers various ice cream options, but all blended with specific flavours from Chaoshan, the eastern part of Guangdong province. © superfuture
Ice Kirin Gelato
93 Shangping Lu (Yongxiang)
515011 Shantou
Daily 12pm-10pm
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