Flavours you can’t miss
What started as a dorm-room experiment — a date ice cream recipe that failed more times than it worked — has grown into one of Abu Dhabi’s most talked-about food projects. Mina Creamery, founded by Emirati ice cream writer Rihab Al Gurg and Anant Singh, is opening its first-ever physical shop at Mina Port’s creative MiZa district, marking a major moment for the homegrown brand.
Previously known for pop-ups and same-day deliveries, Mina Creamery has quietly built a loyal following by doing things differently. This isn’t ice cream made for mass appeal — it’s ice cream as storytelling.
At Mina Creamery, every flavour begins with a feeling. Inspired by a mother’s kitchen, regional traditions and shared nostalgia, the duo treats ice cream as a medium for comfort, curiosity and cultural expression.
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Everything is made from scratch using a proprietary recipe that results in a buttercream-smooth texture, bright flavours and a clean finish. Locally farmed produce and ingredients from neighbouring regions are central to the process, with each recipe designed to tell a story rather than follow trends.
The ever-changing menu is what truly sets Mina Creamery apart. Expect regionally inspired combinations like olive oil with za’atar, salted saffron with halwa, and orange blossom with fig jam swirl, alongside playful creations such as berry hibiscus sorbet and cherry pie.
Opening at Mina Port places Mina Creamery at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s emerging creative district. The new shop transforms the brand from a delivery-only favourite into a physical space for gathering, tasting and lingering — a natural next step for a project built on community and shared memories.
Still a little bit cult, still deeply personal, and now finally permanent, Mina Creamery’s first shop feels less like a business expansion and more like an invitation.
Image credit: @minacreamery on Instagram
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com
