We Found The OG Supplier Behind SG’s Traditional Ice Cream Carts

Chip Guan Heng supplies traditional ice cream in Katong

Once in a while, we come across ice cream uncles standing by their carts in this heat, selling traditional ice cream with rainbow bread, cones, or wafers. No matter which uncle you buy from, they almost always offer the same range of flavours. Naturally, we became curious about where the uncles source their ice creams, which led us to discover Chip Guan Heng.

Image credit: Charles Chan via Google Maps

Located in Katong, Chip Guan Heng is dubbed Singapore’s OG supplier for ice cream uncles. Established in 1970, it has laboriously grown from a small provision shop into a successful distributor of gelato supplies to popular homegrown brands, such as Apiary Cafe, Udders ice cream, Sweet Cheeks, and Jollibean.

Image credit: Charles Chan via Google Maps

For context, Chip Guan Heng obtained a Magnolia ice cream distribution license in the 1960s and has been supplying ice cream uncles ever since. You’ll find a variety of flavours here—even more than what you’d usually get from the carts: Yam, Mango, Blueberry, Raspberry Ripple, Chocolate Chip and more. Each box is priced at $5.50.

Image credit: Chip Guan Heng

There’s the iconic Traditional Rainbow Bread, too, priced at $2.50 for a loaf of about 12 slices. If you’re on Team Wafer Biscuit, get a pack of 70 pieces for $1.90! What really caught our eyes, though, was the variety of cones. You’ll find the classic Ice Cream Cone ($1.30 for 12), Twin Headed Wafer Cone ($30.90 for 250), and the newly added Wafer Cup ($43.90 for 450).

Image credit: Charles Chan via Google Maps

Besides the traditional ice cream flavours we’re familiar with, there’s a lineup of trendy options here. Some popular brands include Binggrae Melona Melon Ice Cream ($9.60 for eight), also available in taro, pistachio, banana, strawberry, and mango. 

Otherwise, opt for the fish-shaped Binggrae Samanco Red Bean with Vanilla Ice Cream ($8.80 for four), which comes packed with creamy vanilla ice cream and a layer of sweet red bean paste.

Check out our Instagram video for our full review.

For more interesting places to check out, read our Colbar feature, where we visited Singapore’s oldest Western “kopitiam” selling over 100 dishes since 1953. Alternatively, check out Hung Huat Cakes & Pastries, a 49-year-old traditional bakery run by a young couple. 

Address: 69 Joo Chiat Place, Singapore 427787
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am to 3pm, Sat-Sun 7am to 12:30pm
Website
Chip Guan Heng is not halal-certified.

Feature image adapted from Charles Chan via Google Maps and Charles Chan via Google Maps