Shanghai's Gelato Map: Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tofu Pudding, and Scallion Oil Noodles Are All Getting the Gelato Treatment

Nearly ten specialty shops are packed into a single block of Wulumuqi Middle Road, a stretch gelato lovers have nicknamed Shanghai's "Gelato Street." But more than sheer density, what really makes this city worth the detour are the handful of shops turning gelato into a testing ground for local flavors—Chinese herbal medicine, tofu pudding, scallion oil noodles. Things that once had nothing to do with Italian gelato are now getting scooped into little cups.

The shops putting Chinese herbal medicine and tofu pudding in a gelato cup

Zhong Yao Tang, which opened in mid-2024, put "Chinese herbal medicine" right into its brand name. Loquat paste gets turned into gelato, the black sesame tangyuan flavor actually has chewy glutinous rice balls folded in, and the black glutinous rice flavor comes with whole grains of rice still intact. The Chinese yam-angelica-goji flavor and the ginger-cinnamon flavor lean bittersweet, with noticeably less sugar than typical gelato—the ginger-cinnamon flavor has even been described as tasting like pumpkin pie. Beyond gelato, the shop also sells traditional sweets like liangfen (herbal jelly). Two scoops ¥38, three scoops ¥45, pint ¥150.

Making Gelato is an unassuming little shop specializing in flavors from the Fujian and Guangdong regions. Its signature tofu pudding flavor captures the light, delicate aroma of fresh soy milk, with just a touch of sweetness added. The menu also features combos like pineapple cake, sour mango, and tomato beer, while the caramel pudding and smoked sea salt cookie flavors come specially recommended. There's a small courtyard seating area in the alley next to the shop—perfect for sitting down and finishing your scoop before heading out. Two scoops ¥38, three scoops ¥48.

Currently considered the personal top pick, Gelato Dal Cuore is best known for a viral "scallion oil noodle" flavor—and it genuinely tastes remarkably close to the local noodle dish. Limited daily specials like durian Musang King and pandan kaya millefeuille pop up unpredictably, while the classic lineup includes salted caramel, amarena cherry, burrata cheese, 75% dark chocolate, and purple sweet potato. The flagship store on Shaanxi North Road offers a more complete range of seasonal flavors, including rum crunch, sea buckthorn mango, and salted cream caramel. Two scoops ¥40, three scoops ¥48, with pint containers ranging from ¥160 to ¥300 depending on size—the brand has also teased an upcoming pint-sized release.

Classic flavors that justify the price tag

If you're just after a solid, traditional flavor, Azabuya specializes in matcha, offering three intensity levels—Level 1 mellow, Level 2 rich, and Level 3 nearly overwhelming—with most people ultimately settling on Level 2 for its balance. Beyond matcha, the black sesame and chocolate flavors are also worth trying. Two scoops ¥35, with an extra charge for pint containers of the matcha flavor.

Luneurs, a gelato line born out of a French bakery, serves a salted caramel that's been called the best version in all of Shanghai, with the dark chocolate and vanilla flavors equally well-executed. One scoop ¥35, two scoops ¥58. Italian chocolate brand Venchi, meanwhile, delivers a signature called Chocoviar—75% extra-dark chocolate paired with chocolate "caviar" pearls. It's on the pricier side, but the texture and layering back it up. Two scoops ¥59, three scoops ¥69.

For those who prefer lighter or lower-fat options, Spoooon on Yongkang Road makes house-made yogurt and frozen yogurt, with cups starting at ¥24. Meanwhile, Avocado Tree—with locations in Taikoo Hui and Grand Gateway—serves an avocado soft serve that takes a completely different route, with a small size at ¥19 and a regular size at ¥26.

Prices and addresses mentioned in this list are based on information publicly available from each shop. Some items are seasonal offerings, and availability may vary at each shop's discretion.