Elsie Duque Hills

Staff Writer

And so it goes—the cool breeze of spring slowly dwindles away, summer creeping onto us like an old friend—all too familiar in its arrival. Sun rays burst through blue skies, rosy cheeks saturate Montreal’s bustling terrasses astalks of aperol spritz’ and sandy, turquoise beaches fill the streets. Of course, summer bliss is a scarce good, it’s cost-benefit analysis ever so bittersweet. For every iota of joy, rush of endorphins, and freckle-dotted faces follows a sinister force: the sweltering, unapologetic heat. Luckily, I’ve curated a humble yet essential list of refreshing desserts scattered throughout the streets of Montreal—each distinct in flavour yet equally capable of softening summer’s bite.

A powerhouse of Japanese sweets, Matcha Zanmai on Mackay Street consistently exceeds expectations. Offering a distinct selection of traditional desserts crafted with precision and care, the shop blends refined pastry techniques with delicate, nuanced flavours. The matcha soft-serve is a non-negotiable: deeply herbal, almost earthy in the best way, and balanced by a subtle sweetness that lets the quality of the tea shine. It’s the kind of dessert that feels both indulgent and refreshing, perfect for humid downtown afternoons, and a convincing introduction into the depth of Japanese flavours.

                                                                    Via Instagram, Matchazanmai

If variety is what you crave, Ca Lem delivers with an impressive lineup of sixteen distinct, house-made ice cream flavours. From honey lavender, to Vietnamese coffee, with a must-try in pandan coconut, the range feels inventive and, at the same time, thoughtfully balanced—offering something for every palate, even the indecisive ones. What sets Ca Lem apart is its use of coconut milk across all its sorbets and pints, lending each scoop a velvety, almost lavish texture without the heaviness of traditional dairy. Beyond the flavours, the parlour itself adds to the experience, being welcoming and designed to foster a quiet sense of comfort and community.

Via Ca Lem website

A haven for the sweet-toothed, Meetha Ice Cream on rue de Liège feels less like a shop and more like a destination. A cult favourite in Montreal, it pushes far beyond the norm, offering flavour combinations that are as inventive as they are rooted in tradition. “Unique” hardly does it justice—the complexity demonstrated is deliberate and memorable. A standout is the Ghee Ne Gaur: a base delicately infused with clarified butter, ribboned with ghee and jaggery caramel, a rich non-centrifugal sugar widely used across South Asia. It’s rich without being too overwhelming, balancing depth with warmth. Behind it all, owners Deexit Patel and Aakruti Patel lean into nostalgia, crafting flavours that carry both comfort and cultural ingenuity, and then sharing that experience with our deeply lucky city.

Via Instagram, @MeethaMtl