Remember Ice Lab?
The Korean lifestyle and bingsu café captured some attention when it first opened at Orchard Shopping Centre in 2015, but was forced to shut down after 3 years supposedly due to a delay in rental payments.
Their sudden departure caught fans by surprise, though they actually have a lesser-known second branch at Bugis with different vibes.
Another surprise. It has opened a new outlet at Jewel Changi Airport.
The new Ice Lab has taken over the space previously occupied by Emack & Bolio’s (bye bye) at basement 2 of Jewel Changi Airport, located directly opposite IRVINS X Salted Egg.
With the recent openings of 82 Own at The Cathay and Smile Dessert 酒窝甜品 at Bugis, it seems that the Korean Bingsu which once trended is slowly making a comeback.
Patrons who had visited their first outlet at Orchard Shopping Centre will notice the similar, nostalgic layout at this outlet.
The iconic LED lights are created in the shapes of iconic structures of Singapore, and you will spot the Merlion, Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands and the of course Jewel Changi Airport on the walls.
The 32-seater space remains white and minimalist, equipped with wooden furniture pieces.
The menu offerings are exactly the same as the outlet at Bugis Village.
17 Bingsu flavours are available, with signature Injeolmi ($18), Korean Traditional Redbean ($18.50), Cheese ($18), Green Tea ($17) and Strawberry ($18.50).
Interesting choices include Grapefruit ($16), Milk Tea ($18), Watermelon ($18) and local-flavoured Kaya Coconut ($18.50).
Each Bingsu is served in a huge white bowl, probably the biggest I have seen in Singapore, suitable for sharing between 3 to 4 pax.
Alternatively, diners who want to try a variety can choose to have the Traffic Light Set ($25) with three different flavours served in small bowls (size of rice bowls) instead. Though they may melt faster.
If you prefer a set menu, there are 3 different ones ($18) available, named Korea, Singapore and Ice Lab Set, each coming with a small bowl of Bingsu, a toast/cake and a drink.
The “Korea Set” was paired with Injeolmi Bingsu with Injeolmi Toast and Injeolmi Latte; the “Singapore Set” with Kaya Coconut Bingsu, kaya Toast and Coconut Latte; whereas the “Icelab Set” is served with Mango Bingsu, slice of cake and Americano.
I enjoyed the Injeolmi which is a type of chewy Korean rice cake made with glutinous rice coated with roasted bean powder.
Topped with almond slices for the crunch with chewy sensations from the Injeolmi cubes, it had a nice textural contrast to the soft and fluffy shaved ice.
The Injeolmi Toast is also worth a mention, served warm with a generous amount of soft and stretchy rich cake sandwiched between two slices of toast.
It was dusted with soy beans and almond slices, drizzled with honey on top.
The Watermelon Bingsu ($18) was the show-stopper, a size that can easily feed 3 – 4 pax, generously topped with watermelon chunks.
There were also watermelon cubes layered within the thick, fluffy, snow-like shaved ice to ensure that there was a nice distribution of flavours across the entire bowl.
The shaved ice was as fluffy and soft as I recalled – fine and light with an additional cup of milk served on the side for diners who prefer a milkier taste.
With the many food offerings at Jewel Changi Airport, it is welcoming to see another dessert spot opening there, providing an alternative dessert spot for diners and shoppers.
Ice Lab – Jewel
Jewel Changi Airport #B2-234, 78 Airport Boulevard Singapore 819666
Opening Hours: 10am – 10pm (Mon – Sun)
Ice Lab – Bugis
164 Rochor Road, Bugis Village, Singapore 188439
Opening Hours: 11am – 11pm (Sun – Thurs), 11am – 1am (Fri – Sat)
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12 Korean Lifestyle Cafes In Singapore
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The Chir Café & Bar (Holland Village)
NY Night Market (VivoCity)
82Bunsik (Ang Mo Kio)
* Written by Nicholas Tan @stormscape who loves all things [NEW]. DFD paid for food reviewed unless otherwise stated.
