Kem CoBa (in Vietnamese it means "third auntie's ice cream", nickname given to co-owner Ngoc by her niece) offers fresh ice cream and sorbet prepared with premium quality ingredients, with no preservatives nor artificial flavours. You'll also find homemade soft ice cream, with featured flavours that change based on the 2 chefs' mood and creative escapades. How about coconut-mango or strawberry cheesecake? You can also buy pastries that complement ice cream and sorbet. But this time, they're Ngoc's own little creations (baked on site). Now we're talking about shortbread, brownies, almond tiles, butter cakes, canelés, sponge cakes, etc. And a little (sweet) Asian touch is what makes them so special...
Reviews present Kem CoBa as a Montreal ice cream landmark known for inventive, high quality flavors and a silky texture, with soft serve often highlighted as a standout and many calling it the best in town. The menu features bold, rotating flavors including pandan, lychee, rose, durian, mango, matcha, corn flakes with salted caramel, and other Asian inspired options, along with solid hard ice creams; tasters praise strong, balanced flavors and a creamy mouthfeel that stays light rather than cloying. The experience is sometimes described as artisanal and house made, with several notes about the soft serve and sorbet being refreshingly delicious. The shop operates cash only, so visitors are advised to bring cash, which can contribute to longer lines that nevertheless move at a steady pace. A few reviews mention pricing for small portions as a drawback, but overall the place is called a Montreal classic and a must for ice cream lovers, drawing repeat visits to sample new flavors and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.
Pas trop sucrée & riche en goût, la soft serve dulce de leche & sorbet mangue était délicieuse. Avant d'y aller pensez à retirer de l'espèce car c'est cash only.
Delicious & so refreshing. Love the variety of flavours. We tried the limited time blueberry honey & it was incredible. The Raspberry rose was divine & the pandan was very interesting! we will be going back to try more flavours the next time we visit the area.
Note that the establishment is cash only.
Aug 30, 2025
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The line was kinda long, & moved slowly. Didn't know ahead of time that this place is cash only, so be prepared. The soft-serve 72% chocolate twist with framboise was delicious. Tried the hard praline first, & wasn't a big fan. Prices are reasonable.
Delicious ice cream & you can combine flavors! They'll let you taste 1. Make sure you know it's Canadian card or CASH ONLY! American cash at a 1:1 rate.
Incroyable ! Des parfums de glace originaux & délicieux ! Un coup de coeur pour le corossol qui me rappelle mon île 🏝? ❤?🇲🇬
⚠? Cash only pour le paiement, donc venez avec de l'espèce 😊
Unique flavours. Their soft serve is delicious & it changes often. They have one of the best chocolate ice cream I've ever had. Cash only, so come prepared.
I was really looking forward to trying this gelato spot after hearing so many great things, but I was surprised to find out they don't accept debit or credit - cash only. In 2025, that's just inconvenient, especially for a place with such a strong reputation.
I didn't have cash on me, so I couldn't even try the gelato. Disappointing experience overall. A heads-up on their payment policy would have been helpful. Might be great gelato, but I'll never know.
My friends & I were just walking by & realized this opened in 15 minutes, & there wasn't a line yet. Thank goodness because once we got in line, it formed... & it was long. Their shop is one of Montreal's staples & I'm happy to say that they provide a few vegan friendly sorbet options. During our visit, they had wonderful tropical fruit flavors & you can split a small cup for the same price. Their mango was refreshing & a must try. Cash only! Make sure to bring them bills to pay for this delicious Vietnamese inspired ice cream.
The ice cream from Kem coba is excellent-creamy, flavorful, & incredibly affordable. A top pick for great taste without the high price! & payment only in cash
