Summer heat is full-on. And as if that weren’t enough, the rising temperatures are exacerbated by Hong Kong’s nefarious humidity.

If, like us, you refuse to melt like a hapless Popsicle on the hot concrete, blaze through the sweltering summer season with our guide to the coolest places to enjoy refreshing treats in the city.

And don’t brave the heat alone; grab your bestie and bring your Entertainer App for unbeatable Buy One Get One Free offers, and choose to diet another day. Your sweat glands will thank you.

Let’s go!

XTC Gelato, homegrown and proudly local, everything is made from scratch. From peeling and washing the fruit, to toasting and grinding whole nuts – it is all done by hand. Gelato fans love their take on Hong Kong Milk Tea and Real Pineapple Bun, but the seasonal sorbet highlights will awaken your palate with bright, tangy flavours. Try a Pabana Tropicana (mango, lemon, banana, passion fruit – pictured), or for a more surprising experience, the Raspberry, Basil & Pepper.

• Shop B, 45 Cochrane Street, Central
• KP-01, Star Ferry Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui
• Shop B2, Hysan Place, 500 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay
  
  

Anything But Salads caters to the health and fitness nuts, not only by boosting contemporary snacking with ancient Asian herbal remedies, but also by serving 100%, all-natural, paleo-vegan ice cream, called – what else? – Superfood Ice Cream (pictured)! Go ahead and visit their friendly shop in Sheung Wan – it feels more like a stylish café, and it’s pet-friendly, too.

• Shop B, G/F, 14 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan
  
  

Ice’Licious serves hand-made ice scramble and frozen fruit candy bars (pictured). Their wide variety of ice lolly flavours ensures there’s something for everyone, and the fact that they’re inexpensive (and a total scream after you factor Buy One Get One Free in), are especially remarkable.

• G/F, New Hennessy Tower, 263 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai 
  
  

Echigoya is making a lot of noise lately, and for good reason. Located in foodie ‘paradise’ Tai Hang, they are one of very few places in the city that offer authentic Japanese Kakigori (shaved ice). Beat the heat with a Rainbow Kakigori (pictured) or try their nutrient-rich Green Tea flavour.

• G/F, 27 Shepherd Street, Tai Hang
  
  

Lab Made is the city’s first liquid nitrogen ice cream parlour, and the creativity here is astounding. Signature flavours include HK Crispy Toast (pictured), Purple Rice, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Apple Crumble, Lemon Meringue Pie, and more. The menu changes every two weeks.

• 6 Brown Street, Tai Hang
• G42, Miramar Shopping Centre, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
  
  

Check-in Tokyo justly shows why ‘The Camera Eats First.’ Here’s one place where playing with one’s food is actually encouraged. Animal Zoo (pictured) is cuteness overload – but it ain’t all just visual. The Japanese-inspired soft serve flavours hit the spot, including the trending Uji Matcha and cult favourite, Ramune.

• Shop 9B, G/F, 43P – 43S Dundas Street, Mong Kok

The Chocolate Room brings a wide assortment of chocolates sourced from the world’s best producers, right into its Hokkaido milk soft serves. Check out their Friday Weekly Special menu updates and, whilst you’re at it, top up your ice cream with even more chocolate – like chips and mini donuts.  Chocoholics, rejoice!

• Shop 2040 – 2041, 2nd Level, Sunshine City Plaza, 18 On Luk Street, Ma On Shan

The Entertainer App contains over 1,300 Buy One Get One Free offers from more than 300 of Hong Kong’s top merchants. Use Promo Code FOODIEHK2016 to purchase the App online at a discount for $385 (RRP $450).