Top 6 Best Avocado Ice Cream Stalls in Dalat You Must Try

Avocado ice cream, locally known as Kem Bo, is Dalat’s most famous and beloved street dessert. Combining the velvety richness of locally grown ripe avocados with fragrant coconut milk ice cream and crunchy toasted toppings, this sweet highland treat has captivated domestic travelers and international food enthusiasts for decades. Whether you prefer bustling heritage stalls operating since the 1980s or sleek modern cafes serving artisan fruit gelato, exploring Dalat’s avocado dessert culture is an essential culinary adventure.

Overview of Dalat Legendary Avocado Ice Cream Culture

The agricultural plateau of Lam Dong province surrounding Dalat enjoys cool highland temperatures and fertile red basaltic volcanic soils. These distinctive growing conditions produce exceptional avocado varieties, particularly the elongated 034 avocado and the round, rich Booth avocado.

Unlike imported commercial avocados that can feel dry or watery, Dalat avocados feature thick, golden pulp with a high natural oil concentration and a naturally sweet, nutty aroma. Decades ago, highland dessert vendors realized that instead of blending the avocado into a watery iced shake, gently whipping the ripe fruit pulp with sweetened condensed milk created a luxurious emerald mousse that rivals fine European custards.

When topped with a dense scoop of homemade coconut milk ice cream, crunchy roasted peanuts, and toasted dried coconut shavings, the dish delivers an unforgettable balance of warm vegetal butteriness and freezing tropical sweetness.

Over the years, Dalat’s avocado ice cream scene has divided into two complementary experiences. Nguyen Van Troi Street in Ward 2 serves as the historic street food corridor where classic family-run shops serve hundreds of bowls daily on stainless steel tables. Meanwhile, newer artisan venues across Ward 10 and near Xuan Huong Lake blend specialty coffee culture with handcrafted gelato techniques, providing aesthetic seating and sophisticated flavor variations.

Comparison of the Top 6 Avocado Ice Cream Spots in Dalat

Choosing the ideal spot depends on whether you seek nostalgic street-side energy, quiet artisanal craftsmanship, or contemporary cafe surroundings.

*Note: The prices and rates listed above are for reference only and subject to seasonal updates or provider adjustments.*

Top 6 Dalat Avocado Ice Cream Stalls

1. Thanh Thao Avocado Ice Cream on Nguyen Van Troi

Thanh Thao at 76 Nguyen Van Troi is widely recognized as the national pioneer of Dalat avocado ice cream. For over three decades, this multi-level shop has remained the primary destination for first-time visitors seeking the original highland recipe.

The avocado puree at Thanh Thao is famous for its thick, velvety consistency. Rather than blending the fruit with crushed ice, the kitchen mashes pure ripe avocado flesh with a measured splash of sweetened condensed milk, resulting in an exceptionally dense green base that supports the toppings firmly.

The signature glass features a generous scoop of fragrant coconut ice cream made with real coconut cream, showered with toasted coconut flakes and crunchy halved peanuts. Because Thanh Thao is extremely popular, the ground-floor plastic seating fills quickly during late afternoon and evening peak hours, creating a lively, high-tempo street food atmosphere.

2. Kem Phung on Nguyen Van Troi Street

Located just down the street at 97A Nguyen Van Troi, Kem Phung is Thanh Thao’s primary historic rival and holds an outstanding 4.5-star rating backed by more than 2,700 customer reviews.

Originating as a humble market stall inside Dalat Central Market during the 1980s, Kem Phung has perfected an ultra-silky blending technique. The avocado layer here is noticeably smooth and whipped, delivering an elegant mouthfeel with a balanced sweetness that never overwhelms the palate.

In addition to its culinary precision, Kem Phung earns high praise for its spotless dining room, spacious table arrangements, and polite, organized staff. If you prefer savoring your dessert without feeling rushed by waiting crowds, Kem Phung is an exceptional choice.

3. Kem Bo Na Ri Beside Thanh Thao

Situated immediately adjacent to Thanh Thao at 74C Nguyen Van Troi, Kem Bo Na Ri provides a wonderful alternative when neighboring lines spill out onto the sidewalk.

Na Ri holds an impressive 4.5-star rating from several hundred loyal patrons who appreciate its relaxed pace and friendly family management. The avocado puree at Na Ri is rich, glossy, and distinctly buttery, closely rivaling the neighborhood’s biggest names in flavor depth.

Pricing remains budget-friendly, and the stall also prepares refreshing mixed fruit cocktails and traditional egg custard flan. Sitting at Na Ri’s sidewalk tables lets you soak in the nighttime street energy of Nguyen Van Troi while enjoying prompt, personalized service.

4. Cham Cafe and Avocado Ice Cream on Nguyen Trai

For travelers who want to combine authentic highland dessert flavors with a stylish cafe atmosphere, Cham Cafe at 27 Nguyen Trai in Ward 10 is a standout destination. Boasting an extraordinary 4.7-star rating with over 3,200 reviews, Cham has redefined Dalat’s dessert culture for modern explorers.

Cham merges the aesthetics of a specialty coffee roastery with meticulous dessert craft. Their avocado ice cream is prepared using carefully selected ripe local avocados whipped to order, served in sleek glassware that showcases the vivid green and white contrast.

The interior features warm Scandinavian-inspired wood accents, indoor greenery, and ambient lighting, making it an ideal venue for travelers who enjoy photography, relaxed conversation, or remote digital work while treating themselves to a premium sweet snack.

5. Dalato Artisanal Gelato on Yersin Street

Located at 16 Yersin Street near Dalat Train Station, Dalato introduces an artisanal Italian gelato sensibility to Vietnam’s highland fruit bounty. Earning a glowing 4.7-star rating from nearly 1,000 discerning diners, this creative gelateria is ideal for foodies seeking innovative culinary concepts.

Dalato formulates its frozen treats with reduced refined sugars, placing total emphasis on the pure, unadulterated fruit flavors of Lam Dong agriculture. Their signature creation is a delightfully molded avocado ice cream pop shaped like a miniature sliced avocado, complete with a chocolate shell and a nutty seed center.

The texture here is remarkably dense, creamy, and elastic, characteristic of authentic small-batch gelato. Dalato also crafts unique flavors utilizing local Dalat strawberries, passion fruit, and highland black tea.

6. Kem Bo Co Kim on Le Van Tam

Tucked away in a peaceful residential lane at 54/2 Le Van Tam, Kem Bo Co Kim offers an intimate culinary escape from tourist thoroughfares. With an exceptional 4.7-star rating, this hidden gem is beloved by local university students and neighborhood regulars.

Visiting Co Kim feels like being welcomed into a warm Dalat family living room. Co Kim sources her avocados directly from trusted family farm plots, ensuring every batch meets rigorous ripeness standards.

The avocado cream is rich, fragrant, and comforting, presented with generous toppings of freshly toasted coconut ribbons and warm hospitality. The quiet neighborhood setting provides a serene backdrop for unhurried conversations in the cool evening mountain air.

4 Step-by-Step Procedure for Enjoying Dalat Avocado Ice Cream

Step 1: Taste the Pure Avocado Puree First

When your dessert arrives, begin by dipping your spoon straight to the bottom of the glass to sample a small mouthful of the emerald avocado cream on its own.

Appreciate the velvety smoothness, natural buttery oils, and subtle nutty vegetal sweetness before mixing it with other ingredients.

Step 2: Sample the Coconut Ice Cream and Toppings

Next, take a small taste from the top layer. Notice the cold, fragrant sweetness of the coconut milk ice cream and the satisfying crunch of the roasted peanuts and toasted coconut shavings.

High-quality coconut ice cream should feel light and refreshing on the tongue without leaving a heavy, oily coating.

Step 3: Gently Fold the Layers into a Marbled Swirl

Use the long dessert spoon to fold the cold coconut ice cream downward into the room-temperature avocado puree in a gentle, swirling motion.

Avoid whipping the glass into a watery, uniform liquid. Creating marbled green and white swirls ensures that every spoonful delivers a delightful contrast between freezing sweet coconut and rich, silky avocado.

Step 4: Pair with Warm Street Food Delicacies

Locals rarely treat avocado ice cream as an isolated snack. Follow your cold dessert with a hot paper cup of fresh pandan-infused soy milk or a piping-hot slice of grilled Dalat pizza from a nearby vendor.

The sensory transition from cold, creamy fruit to hot, savory street food captures the timeless magic of Dalat evenings.

Important Tips for Visiting Dalat Avocado Ice Cream Stalls

Following a few local tips guarantees a seamless and delicious dessert excursion across the city.

First, consider timing your visits to avoid heavy dinner crowds. Historic shops along Nguyen Van Troi Street experience peak rush between 19:30 and 21:00 when tour groups finish dinner. Visiting between 14:00 and 17:00 allows you to enjoy relaxed seating and prompt table service.

Second, understand seasonality. While modern cold storage and staggered regional harvests keep avocado ice cream on menus throughout the year, Dalat’s peak avocado harvesting season runs from May through September. Visiting during these summer months ensures the richest flavor and lowest prices.

Third, explore optional toppings. Many established venues offer a supplemental topping of fresh mashed durian paste (“Sau Rieng”) for an additional small charge. For durian lovers, the combination of buttery avocado, pungent durian, and sweet coconut milk is considered the ultimate highland indulgence.

Fourth, keep small Vietnamese cash denominations handy. While modern cafes like Cham and Dalato readily accept bank transfers and card payments, traditional neighborhood stalls like Thanh Thao, Na Ri, and Co Kim operate primarily with cash.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dalat Avocado Ice Cream

What makes Dalat avocado ice cream unique compared to other desserts?

Dalat avocado ice cream uses fresh, unheated ripe avocado pulp gently mashed with condensed milk rather than blending the fruit with crushed ice. This technique preserves the fruit’s dense, velvety texture and natural buttery oils, creating an indulgent foundation for sweet coconut ice cream.

How much does a bowl of avocado ice cream cost in Dalat?

At traditional street stalls, a standard glass of avocado ice cream costs between $0.80 and $1.40 USD. Contemporary cafes and artisanal gelato parlors charge between $1.20 and $2.20 USD due to premium seating and handcrafted small-batch ingredients.

What is the best street in Dalat for avocado ice cream?

Nguyen Van Troi Street in Ward 2 is Dalat’s historic avocado ice cream center, hosting legendary establishments like Thanh Thao, Kem Phung, and Na Ri within a short two-block walking stretch.

Can avocado ice cream be made less sweet?

Yes, travelers who prefer subtle sweetness can ask the vendor for “It Ngot” (less sweet), prompting the kitchen to reduce the quantity of condensed milk added to the avocado base so the fruit’s natural nutty profile shines through.

Exploring Dalat’s authentic street markets, historic dessert stalls, and panoramic mountain passes on two wheels is an exhilarating travel experience. Booking a curated tour from Dalat with a skilled local guide allows you to uncover the city’s finest hidden culinary secrets while enjoying an unforgettable highland road trip.