Restaurant: Safilo Pakistan Restaurant: SugarRush Pakistan
Location: Multiple locations Location: E7 Markaz, Islamabad
Items & Pricing: Items & Pricing:
1. Pistachio Ice cream - Rs 115 1. Nuts Don't Lie - Rs 370 (Rs 40 for cone)
Rating: 3.5/5 Rating: 4/5
Nestled in the heart of E7 Markaz lies the neighbourhood not so well kept secret (for good measure), known as Sugar Rush. A recent up-and-coming ice cream bar that welcomes you into its cosy ambience with an exciting range of delightfully named flavours. The names alone are sure to tickle your fancy, one such flavour that we tried out, Nuts don’t lie was one of the most exquisite takes we have had when it comes to unconventional ice cream flavours.
Carefully centred within the hazelnut ice cream is the caramel that engages so well within the hazelnut by pronouncing its core flavour just enough to not overpower it while it is carefully balanced on a fresh flaky waffle cone, that takes you on a flavorful adventure that makes you want to come back for more. And that is where we reach our first point of contention, the price point. 370 PKR for a single scoop of ice cream is enough to make you reconsider where to go for ice cream, but then again the flavour is unmatched and if you are looking for an experience that alleviates all your senses then it is a force to be reckoned with. The variety of flavours being offered leaves you tempted for more, as one is better than the other, their brightly coloured 80s themed neon sign is a perfect representation of what you're in for. Their creative Instagram branding was enough to pique our interest. The only thing that would have made our experience a 5 out of 5 was if sugar rush had a dedicated seating arrangement, enough to accommodate a large group of people.
Chartering the more affordable waters of the ice cream world, we came across Safilo. Safilo garners a very traditional and homey feel for all Isloos, as it boasts 13 locations all across Islamabad and has been a local and well-recognized establishment for many for a variety of reasons. For several, it is the go-to ice cream place, Why? It's affordable, it offers traditional ice cream flavours and it is accessible. We thoroughly enjoyed its classic Pistachio flavour, it was everything that ice cream should be. Creamy goodness that you can't stop enjoying is enough to bring out a sense of nostalgia in you. Despite it being a worthy contender against the sugar rush, Safilo still needs to improve on a few fronts. Economically, it comes out on top but branding and ambience wise along with the variety of flavours being offered it ranks below sugar rush.
Both places offer something special in their way but both are equally deserving of a visit now and then (or more often if you are an ice cream fanatic!)
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