Open for Business: Zelati
March 1, 2022
Whilst you're adventuring on vibrant Cuba Street, make sure to take a right turn to the Left Bank Arcade and stop by Zelati for a sweet treat. From authentic gelato to Filipino inspired dessert and vegan goodness, Zelati encapsulates the Wellington spirit bridging cultures, adding creative flair and advocating for diversity. Read up our chat with Hillary Tuason, owner and operator of Zelati.
Hillary Tuason and Zelati's 2021 Burger Wellington burger: The Ooh-Be-Be (top 5 finalists)
Tell us about yourself: Hi! I’m Hillary from Zelati Dessert Café. When I’m not at the shop, you’ll find me at our ‘Freezeria’ (kitchen lab) creating new gelato flavours for some of the Wellington’s best restaurants, or even out driving the food truck on a sunny day running deliveries or slinging scoops!
Tell us what makes you special? Zelati is all about authentic gelato and great food. You’ll always find unique flavours such as our Strawberry Rose, Purple Kumara Sorbet, Fix & Fogg Peanut Butter, Keso (Cheddar), Sweet Corn, Brown Sugar Straciatella and more. We make everything from scratch right here in Wellington, using fresh milk, cream, real fruits and 72% dark chocolate in our flavours.
The flavours change often so our guests are always excited to come in and see what’s new, or to check if their favourite flavour is back! We serve exciting dessert creations and new seasonal flavours so there’s always something for everyone (vegans and omnivores!).
Photo credit: Johnny Hendrikus
What support would you love to see from your guests? Our store is tucked in an alley way off Cuba Street, so we’d love if you’d wander down to discover the magic of Left Bank Lane and pop in for a treat! Or make an order online through our website (with options for delivery or pick-up from our store or factory)!
Any specials on the menu at the moment? Our seasonal desserts such as the Mango Float and our Halo halo Sundae are now available all throughout summer, we’ve also got our special Baklava à la mode topped with pistachio and rose – a beautiful collaboration of flavours and textures with Levant Sweets; another local producer.
At the moment – we’ve just introduced our gooey UBE (purple kumara) brownie; which can be served on its own or as a brownie à la mode with your favourite scoop!
Zelati's Halo halo
Zelati's Mango Float
Zelati’s Gooey Ube Brownie à la mode
Where can we find you at lunchtime? I love to visit our friends at KK Malaysia around the corner, my favourite spot for a quick and filling lunch!
Any quotes or thoughts you want to share? “Just keep swimming” I try to remind myself this every day, to keep going, not only for me but for others around me too - especially my family, my awesome team, and our amazing customers and supporters. I always remind my team that we’re blessed to be able to bring joy to others through our food and our service, especially now – so we’re just going to keep pushing and keep on doing what we do best and ride the wave!
Photo credit: Johnny Hendrikus
Check out Zelati on Instagram and Tik Tok.