With the heat at its peak, six Arab-born ice cream parlors are swapping imported offerings for regional flavors — from date maamoul to rosewater.
Dara’s ice cream
Egyptian favorite established in Cairo. The parlor was founded by Dara Ghosheh, who studied gelato-making in Milan, and grew to eight branches before crossing the Red Sea — it now scoops in Jeddah and Riyadh.Nakhati
This female-owned Riyadh gelateria, whose name means “my flavor,” reworks Italian technique with local flavor profiles such as dates, yogurt, mastic, and Arabic coffee sourced from women-led communities across the Gulf.Duirrah
Named for the Arabic word for “circle,” the Riyadh outlet swirls its soft serve into signature rings, with nostalgic flavors such as vimto and mango.Nouq
The Dubai brand leans into regional tastes, scooping ashta, halawa dibs, Arabic mastic, date and honey saffron.Hanna Mitri
A family-run Beirut institution hand-churning since the 1940s, prized for pared-back, additive-free scoops of rose, pistachio, and apricot.Gerard
The Amman favorite on Rainbow Street draws crowds for its chocolate-glazed cones and long roster of flavors.
