Overview
Deep-fried ice cream is the kind of confection that delivers the best of two worlds. On the one hand, there's frosty, creamy ice cream. On the other, there's the hot, crunchy crust. While you'd often have to venture to a suburban Chinese restaurant to get your hands on this singular treat, deep fried ice cream on-the-go is now an option thanks to a new Strathfield store from longtime Sydney food truck Duo Duo.
You may have caught the truck at a food festival or event around town, or you might remember the name for the home delivery kits that were rolled out during lockdown. Now, the dessert-loving enterprise has levelled things up and opened a flagship store on Strathfield's The Boulevard.
Sporting a slick modern fitout, the store could be dismissed as another Rivareno or Gelattissimo competitor. But, step up to the stylish marble countertop and you'll be greeted by a far more inventive addition to Sydney's dessert scene.
Of course, the deep fried ice cream is a major drawcard. The pandan coconut is the original speciality with sweetened coconut sauce and roasted coconut flakes making it a must-try for coconut-lovers. The vanilla bean serve comes topped with house-made salted caramel and butterscotch popcorn, while the cookies and cream flavour is paired with Nutella ganache and cookie crumble.
There's plenty more to love here if you're on the hunt for a sweet treat that's a little less hedonistic. There's a classic gelato bar out the front that sets itself apart with high-quality scoops and unique flavours. You'll find classics like vanilla bean and pistachio side-by-side with less traditional flavours like durian, macha, taro, blueberry cheesecake, Vietnamese iced coffee and Thai milk tea varieties.
Plus, there's doughnuts. The team recommend tucking into a creme brulee or strawberry, cream and berry jam-filled variant, while crowd-pleasers like Biscoff cheesecake or classic original glazed are also on offer.
If you're feeling parched after you've devoured your dessert, Duo Duo is ready with a selection of in-house sodas and teas as well. Order a green grape, yuzu or lychee soft drink, or opt for tea available in strawberry hojicha, apple black or grape sencha.
Duo Duo is now open at 11 The Boulevarde, Strathfield. It's open midday–10pm Sunday–Thursday and midday–11pm Friday–Saturday.
Photos: Regan Ching