Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique (VivoCity)

VivoCity has seen quite a revamp in its basement level of the late in the area around its entrance that is directly linked to Harbourfront MRT Station — the area has seen a return of some of the previous tenants occupying the shop units around that corner; this includes the Kopitiam food hall, as well as some other tenants such as that of the outlet of Toast Box and McDonald’s there. One rather prominent new addition to the tenant mix in this corner would be that of Birds of Paradise — best known for serving up gelato featuring botanical elements, these folks need no introduction considering how much they have grown from their initial days at The Red House in Katong and now have outlets operating seven (7) outlets across the island including this VivoCity location. The VivoCity location is quite visible when one enters the mall directly from Harbourfront MRT Station in the basement; their neighbours being Kikanbo that hails from Tokyo, Japan serving up spicy ramen.

As with most Birds of Paradise outlets of the late, the VivoCity location sees the use of more earthy colour tones set throughout its interior — the space being one that is simple and minimalistic, yet tastefully design and in line with the brand’s identity. Seating space within the Birds of Paradise location in VivoCity is limited to the curvy communal bench in the middle of the entire space, though there are also bum rests installed on the walls on one side of the establishment that also doubles up as a standing area for one to enjoy their gelato here. Whilst still offering their signature line-up of botany-themed gelato, it seems that Birds of Paradise carries a line-up of botanical toppings at their store in VivoCity; there is also the offering of the Affogato which sees a choice of two (2) gelatos served with espresso brewed using beans from Common Man Coffee Roasters and the Matcha Affogato that features Jingshan Matcha by Heytea.

Opted for the Peach Rose Sorbet and went with their signature Thyme Cone — always felt that their sorbet creations goes well with the Thyme Cone ever since their early days when our standard order at Birds of Paradise usually comprised of either the White Chrysanthemum with Cocoa Nibs or Spiced Pear Sorbet to be paired with their Thyme Cone. The Peach Rose Sorbet does come with a slight sweetness that one would associate with peaches on first taste, before being complimented and slowly transitioning towards the floral note from the rose that forms the finishing notes of the sorbet — a very soft flavour that is pretty easy on the tastebuds especially considering the lack of dairy here; that sort of refreshing gelato flavour that isn’t one that comes with zippy and zingy elements. Pairing this up with their Thyme Cone that is freshly made in-house, the Thyme Cone carries a good crunch with a slight lingering hint of thyme that tickles the tastebuds; provides a slight hint of aroma that runs through at the back to provide yet another botanical contrast to the sorbet. Looking forward to be back to give their newer Affogato / Matcha Affogato offerings some other time!