Beyond the Food with John from Ice Kirin Bar

Does any food item in the history of planet Earth have a higher approval rating than ice cream?

Have you ever heard anyone say “”God, you know what’s overrated? F*cking ice cream.” The only discourse you ever hear about ice cream is the flavour debate, or whether ice cream is best had in a cup, cone or straight from the tub with a spoon as Celine Dion’s ”All By Myself” comes pouring out of your Google Nest.

However, let’s get another debate going. I, the same person who once declared that Cow & Moon was home to Sydney’s best gelato, might have to update that statement. As there is a new leader sitting in pole position, or more specifically, sitting in Burwood. And that leader’s name is Ice Kirin Bar…let’s hear a bit more from the geniuses behind this delicious gelato.

Isaac: What do you remember about your first experience with ice cream?

John: It has to be soft serve in McDonald’s, especially using it as a dip for fries. But what really blew my mind was those small-batch, handmade gelato shops. They showed me ice cream (Gelato) can be so creative, personal and delicious.

Isaac: Fill in the gaps between that monumental experience and the moment that Ice Kirin Bar came to life.

John: I once worked as a sales executive in one of the largest Gelato equipment/ingredients/packaging company in Australia. So I was lucky enough to work closely with some of the best Gelateria/dessert bar in Sydney. Many of them had Asian flavours, however, I always thought they can be little more authentic. Therefore, here I am.

Isaac: Outside of the food world, where do you draw inspiration from when it comes to the gelato process?

John: Browsing Asian Supermarkets and Bubble Tea shops always bring me new ideas.

Isaac: After you have an idea, what else goes into developing that flavour?

John: Firstly, we need to source the best quality or most suitable raw materials/ingredients for this particular flavour we want to make. Then it’s just trial & error until all team members are happy with it.

Isaac: When did you have your first “oh wow, I think we’ve made it/we’re onto something” thought?

John: To be honest, we never have had such a thought, there’s always different feedback and not all of them are positive. 

Isaac: Ready for the lightning round? Cone or cup?

John: Cup

Isaac: Tea or coffee?

John: Tea

Isaac: Burgers or hot dogs?

John: Burger

Isaac: Favourite movie of all time?

John: The Lord Of The Rings and Marvel series

Isaac: What’s something you’re looking forward to your followers finding out?

John: The true meaning of our name – Ice Kirin Bar , (probably only mandarin speaker would get it 😂)