Ca Lem

Ca Lem means “ice cream” in Vietnamese, but in NDG, it also signals the arrival of something different. Opened by Stephanie Le in 2016, this compact corner shop set out to bring more than just dessert to the neighbourhood—it brought a whole spectrum of flavours, often influenced by Southeast Asian ingredients and Le’s own creative instincts. Expect rotating combinations like black sesame, Thai tea, or ube, alongside coconut-based vegan options and a weekly soft serve twist that rarely repeats. It’s not just about novelty—everything is made on-site, in small batches, with serious attention to texture and balance. The vibe matches the scoops: bright, playful, full of charm without trying too hard. A patch of fake grass out front and a wall covered in customer notes only adds to its standing as a true community fixture. Now with locations across the city, Ca Lem started local—but it never lost that homegrown curiosity.