Shiro Gelato & Snack

From sweet to savoury, Shiro Gelato & Snack has all of your Japanese treat cravings satisfied in this one-stop shop.

One of Southport's best hidden gems, owned by Kei Okamoto and her partner, this is the pair's very first hospitality venture and it is certainly a hit with hungry crowds from the Gold Coast and beyond. 

Expect to find a constant flow of customers flocking to try their specialty gelato, and there are plenty of flavours to choose from—premium matcha (definitely a crowd favourite), premium hojicha and Oreo, Hokkaido milk, plus a rotation of exciting, unique flavours to dabble in. The fun doesn't end there—you can get your gelato hand-wrapped in mochi, transforming it into a deliciously gooey, chewy daifuku.

Can't get enough matcha? Well, this is the place for you. Shiro has recently brought out its own matcha range, sourced directly from farms at the foothills of Mount Fuji, and it's about to have matcha lovers everywhere hightailing their way straight to Southport. Choose from the vibrant green premium matcha, the more subtle and nutty genmaicha, or the smoky caramel notes of the hojicha.

With so many delicious options, choosing your beverage is a challenge in and of itself. But personally, we can't get enough of their yuzu matcha soda and the strawberry hojicha—both equally flavourful and very strong contenders for the title of 'the drink of summer'.

While you’re treating your sweet tooth, you may as well delve into the savoury side of Japanese cuisine with a freshly made onigiri; a traditional rice ball made with rice from the Tohoku region of Japan. Our top pick is the tori tama, a delightful mix of flavoured chicken mince with marinated egg. 

Shiro Gelato & Snack also offer other delectable onigiri, including karaage chicken misomayo, spicy tuna or salmon, miso pork, umeboshi (Japanese pickled plum), and lots more. Pro tip: with onigiri this good, you'll want to try a few different flavours—trust us.

With a large portion of their ingredients imported from Japan and everything on offer being made in-store, you are guaranteed a fresh and tasty experience with every bite, lick and sip. 

Image Credit: Shiro Gelato & Snack | Supplied