The summer is the perfect time to indulge yourself and cool off with a sweet and delicious ice cream - not that it isn't also perfect in autumn, winter and spring ... But for those who want a change from the ubiquitous Haagen Dazs, what are the choices? Always devoted to duty (and ice cream), City Weekend has tracked down the best places to go to be cool in every sense.

Kowloon Ice House

For those who know and love the heady delights of Hong Kong - and its desserts - this place is a haven, a friendly cafe that offers much more than just ice cream. But if ice cream's what you're craving, they have a tasty pancake filled with it. (18 RMB) Better yet is the mango ice (20 RMB) - fresh, fruity and fabulous.

Location: 48 Fengxian Lu, by Shimen Er Lu

Tel: 6218-3301

La Perla

Mama mia! The best ice cream CW tasted, with strong distinctive flavors, and a huge range of fruit toppings to choose from. This funky cafe is a great place to hang out with friends while working your way through nearly twenty flavors (eat in Y15 for 1 scoop), or for something a little different try the new ice cream sandwich.

Location: 21 Yandang Lu

T: 6385-7787

Ven-Ice

A cool venue where you can watch the world go by while trying the huge range of tastes. The ice- pizza (Y68) looked good but tasted nothing special. Choose your own combination of flavors rather than opting for the attractive but unoriginal sundaes. Sit in the relaxed interior or choose an outdoor table for that continental cafe feel.

Location: Unit 1, House 22, North Block, Xintiandi, Lane 181 Taicang Lu (near Madang Lu)

Tel: 6326-1844

Paulaner Deli & Bakery

The perfect place for lunch with friends, this chilled cafe has a limited range of rich, delicious ice creams at Y17.50 each and the attached restaurant, Paulaner Brauhaus, has a larger range to try. There's also a garden to sit in for alfresco, afternoon indulgence.

Location: 150 Fenyang Lu

T: 6474-5700