Jaffna’s Ice Cream Wars.

If you love Jaffna, check out the new Wolvert Apartments in the city center.


The devout may throng Nallur seeking spiritual satisfaction, but there is a pilgrimage of a completely different kind on offer not too far from the historic temple. Nallur is also home to two of Jaffna’s most iconic ice cream parlours – Rio Ice Cream and Lingam’s Ice Cream. While there are several other ice cream parlours in the area, these two enjoy the most fanfare, and have their own legions of faithful followers. We decided to try both to see how they stack up in Jaffna’s ice cream wars.

Round One: Lingam’s (021 222 7327)

We checked out Lingam’s first, as it is one of the main rivals challenging Rio’s supremacy. They had a slew of ice creams, juices and snacks on offer, all of which are vegetarian. (We’re not too sure about the gelatine in the ice cream and jelly, though).

We ordered their sundae special and the locally ubiquitous cordial called Nelli Crush, made famous by the nuns of Thologatti, near Jaffna.

The green Nelli Crush cordial (Rs. 70) is supposedly made using the extract of nelli or local gooseberries. While the drink was predictably—and pleasantly—sweet, it defied the local fondness for toothache-inducing sweetness. Topped with pieces of fresh pineapple and casa casa (or basil) seeds, it was a pleasant drink.

At only Rs. 200, the sundae special had generous scoops of five different ice cream flavours: strawberry, chocolate, pistachio, mango and coconut. This whopper of a dish came sprinkled with chocolate chips, jelly, cashews and Smarties. Considering that Jaffna’s ice cream parlours are infamous for their indistinguishably over-sweet concoctions, we were pleasantly surprised by the flavour of this sundae. The different scoops blended well together, with the coconut and mango flavours standing out for their unsynthetic, natural taste. The scoops were also quite creamy, albeit loosely layered. We weren’t quick enough to get through it all before all the flavours melted into a smorgasbord of rainbow hues within the dish. Even so, we had no complaints about this semi-solid amalgamation interspersed with crispy, chewy bits for texture. The sweetness was not particularly pronounced, and compared favourably with that of popular brands in Colombo. It was also well worth the money we paid for it.

Round Two: Rio (021 222 7224)

For comparison, we also tried out Rio but have to say, we were disappointed after coming in from Lingam’s.

They too had a wide variety of vegetarian snacks, juices and ice cream confections available but we tried only their sundae special to see how it compared with Lingam’s.

The menu stated that their sundae special comprised of chocolate and strawberry scoops, but I suppose they had run out of chocolate because they served it with a coconut ice cream scoop instead. The coconut flavour didn’t particularly work with the strawberry. This sundae also didn’t have as generous a sprinkling of chocolate chips and cashews as Lingam’s. At Rs. 300, it had to concede defeat to the former. But as a standalone dish, it fared quite well. Once again, we found that the syrupy and artificial taste of the ice cream had been toned down quite a bit. The scoops here were slightly bigger (but only marginally) and also denser and firmer than the ones at Lingam. Although the ice cream here was less creamy, the sweetness was just right, in our estimation. It was quite sweet, as one would expect of any ice cream, but without being over-the-top or off-putting.

As a native of Jaffna, I had not visited either of these local landmarks for years, fearing the artificial flavour of their ice creams. So it was a pleasant surprise to revisit them and find that their quality has drastically improved. I wasn’t expecting it to be an enjoyable experience – yet it was. We walked out riding a pleasant sugar high instead of staggering out disoriented after a sugar overdose, as we had anticipated.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

7 Cuisines in 7 Days 

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Kamu Trending

Hidden Spot Worth Finding: The Avenue, Colombo

Located in Colombo, The Avenue is one of those spots that feels comfortable the moment

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Tea Trails & Tastes: : Best Eats in Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

By Fathima Rukaiya, Let’s take a flavorful journey through the culinary landscapes of Ella and

Highlights Kamu Trending

Press Conference: Celebrating 50 Years of The London Grill & Welcoming Visiting Chef Phillip Davenport

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 14 May 2025 – Cinnamon Grand Colombo is pleased to invite

Highlights Kamu Trending

Trending.

7 Cuisines in 7 Days 

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Kamu Trending

Hidden Spot Worth Finding: The Avenue, Colombo

Located in Colombo, The Avenue is one of those spots that feels comfortable the moment

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Father’s Day Festivities Await at Cinnamon Grand Colombo

This Father’s Day, Cinnamon Grand Colombo invites guests to honour Dad with an array of

Trending

Celebrate Sustainability & Community at the POYA Market Mount Lavinia Hotel

The POYA Market returns to Mount Lavinia Hotel on Monday, 10th June 2025, from 10

Trending

Yamu Guide.

The 2025 High Tea Round-Up

Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing high tea? Whether you're into sweet

Highlights Yamu Guide

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025

By Linara Wimalaweera Father's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and influence of

Yamu Guide

Top Must-Try Restaurants in Ahangama for 2025

Ahangama, a charming surf town on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is becoming a popular spot

Highlights Yamu Guide

8 Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your Mom This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special time set aside to honor the amazing women who shape

Yamu Guide

Colombo’s best kept secrets – Date night spots 2025

Colombo might be known for its trendy cafes and fancy rooftop spots, but who says

Kamu Yamu Guide

A Luxurious Seafood Experience at Fat Crab Colombo

Fat Crab Colombo offers a wonderful dining experience that combines luxury, live music, and an

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide