Kōri

The Verdict

Melbourne's insatiable appetite for ice cream is well noted, come rail, hail or shine there's always a queue at several of the top gelaterias around town. Coming in with an exciting new take on the dessert variety is Kōri— a boutique ice cream store inspired by the flavours and methods of Japan. 

The new shop is a joint venture between former Masterchef guest chef and dessert specialist, Bernard Chu (LuxBite) and trailblazing Melbourne chef, Joane Yeoh (Press Club, Tonka, Coda). 

Joane Yeoh, who was a finalist in the Good Food Guide 'Young Chef of the Year' developed her dessert and ice cream skillset living and working in Tokyo, even spending time 'staging' (working voluntarily to learn new skills) at one of Tokyo's top restaurants, Narisawa. 

It was during her time in Japan that Yeoh developed an appreciation of the country's approach to dessert, "their flavours are very light, things are generally less sweet; this is what I like about it, I could eat ten pancakes a day and not feel disgusting," says Yeoh

This isn't your run-of-the-mill gelato store, Bernard and Joane have brought this less intense sugar approach and focused in on flavour. In lieu of the 'rum n rasin', you'll find Yeoh and Chu's clever interpretations from matcha pistachio to strawberry shortcake. Dairy-free punters will also be able to get a look in with a selection of plant-based options with tofu vanilla, as well as the salty and zesty nori and yuzu.

Your options also extend to the cones, from a staple waffle to decorated numbers adorned in decadent textural additions such as dark chocolate coco pops or raspberry crunchies.

The new store which sits on a humble stretch of Glenferrie Road has been artfully curated, working alongside a design agency Architects EAT to transform the heritage-listed building into a functional daily piece of art. 

A minimalist fit-out sees a bold red wall and shelving in contrast to the industrious steel island bench and concrete floors, there's a feeling of consideration to the entire experience of ordering a cone. 

 Kōri is open now, head over here for more info. 

Image credit: Kōri (Shannon McGrath)