Checked out the new Aphrodite — a pretty new ice-cream establishment that and just recently opened their doors along Desker Road in the Jalan Besar neighbourhood. For those who may be unfamiliar with the exact street where Aphrodite is located at, they are located just slightly diagonally opposite the Phat Chic Forever outlet here; also just a stone’s throw away from Berseh Food Centre. Decked in a rather simple but soothing decor theme, the cafe features white walls and wooden furnishing and fittings — clean, but inviting. All the gelato flavours here are made in-house; the same can also be said about their waffles and waffle cones here. Whilst they are currently serving up tea and milkshakes as the only choices of beverage here, they are also looking into serving up specialty coffee here in time to come.

Two types of waffles are being listed on the menu here; the Original and the Charcoal — the latter was unavailable for the day so we opted for the former instead, and also went with a scoop of the Aphrodite (also their signature flavour) Gelato, as well as the Drifting Snowflake Jasmine Gelato. The waffle here comes with a drizzle of maple syrup around the side as well, where patrons can dab the waffle on for a slight sweetness. We felt that the Original Waffle here is quite decent; it not only wafts of a distinct buttermilk fragrance, but was crisp on the outside yet fluffy within — one that was rather close to being cake-y yet not overly dense. We also like how the waffle doesn’t really come too sweetened here; much of the reason being so was due to how they had intended the flavours of which are to be supplemented by the scoops of gelato and maple syrup drizzled along the side. Between the two scoops of gelato we had opted for, the Drifting Snowflake Jasmine is the safer option between the two; essentially a flavour churned from Jasmine Tea, the “Drifting Snowflake” may sound fitting for the festive season, but actually refers to the type of tea leaves used, being the Bi Tan Piao Xue — it’s pretty light and subtle, but the floral and tea aroma remains rather distinct and noticeable without overwhelming the tastebuds. In comparison, the Aphrodite is a more daring approach — a combination of blue cheese and chocolate which is especially intriguing; the chocolate base provided much of the bittersweet notes, but ends off on a rather interesting hint of blue cheese that wasn’t particularly heavy that provided a flavoural contrast that wasn’t particularly intimidating, and actually works for us. Also appreciated how the gelatos here were smooth; all that whilst not being particularly milky, and carried its intended flavours throughout especially well.

It is very early days for Aphrodite considering that they had only opened their doors since Christmas Eve, but they are undoubtedly off a very good start. Interesting yet solid gelato flavours is pretty much in their blood here — think Brown Butter Spice, Thyme and Goat Cheese; all of which are flavours we are especially keen on trying to next time we are here. There has been much thought placed in their creations here, and it pretty much tells by its own — an earnest and down-to-earth operation where the folks behind the counter are serious on providing their very best for the patrons who comes through their doors. Wishing the folks behind Aphrodite all the best; can’t wait to be back soon to try the other inventive flavours which they have to offer!