Small Joys Gelato

Small Joys Gelato is proof that good things come in small packages. Around 12 flavours are available at this artisan gelateria at any one time, all of them made from scratch, in small batches and with natural ingredients. The menu changes every week or two.

Unexpected Japanese flavours, such as popcorn miso caramel, are a constant. The miso (which stands in for the salt you’d find in salted caramel) accentuates the gelato's sweetness, while the popcorn adds a crunchy, chewy texture.

Other repeat flavours include Hong Kong milk tea, yuzu peach pavlova and various sorbets – from umeshu (Japanese plum liqueur) to strawberry shiso (a basil-like herb found in Japanese cuisine). All are served in a cone or a cup, but you can also grab scoops in sundae from, cradled in house-made bubble waffles or fried in coconut crumb.

Owner and gelato maker Terrence Seeto developed his talent for putting together surprising flavour combos, colours and textures while working at high-end Sydney kitchens including Aria, China Doll, The Restaurant Pendolino, and Mode Kitchen & Bar. He left the fine-dining world behind to open Small Joys in September 2022. His shop shares a clean, low-key, white-tiled space in Five Dock with modern Cantonese diner Mr Ping’s.