On a recent sunny Sunday afternoon in downtown Kemang, having just enjoyed a delicious sushi feast followed by a couple of hours shopping at the nearby Lippo mall, it was time for ice cream! The suggestion was made that we visit a particular ice cream shop, "You know the one Mum, it says 'I Scream Ice Cream' on the window". How do the kids spot these signs? It's like they sniff them out. So off we went, a quick walk down the road from the mall. Upon entering the shop, we were welcomed by many a smiling face and a mysterious fog that crept from over the counter. We soon realised that the fog was in fact liquid nitrogen, which was being used to freeze down the ingredients to make the bespoke ice cream.

The whirr of the sleek white Kitchenaid mixers (a sign of quality in its own right) filled the room but was not a distraction; if anything the sound served to create a lively and animated space. The room was both light and breezy and filled (but not over-filled) with a modern and relaxed fit out. A beautiful outdoor room was also available, complete with water feature.

After perusing the tantalizing menu, I ordered an affogato (shot of espresso coffee poured over silky vanilla ice cream... Bliss!). The kids ordered a serve of dark chocolate gelato (with dark chocolate bits) and a serve of cookies & cream (with Oreos). Of course I requested a third spoon (much to the horror of the kids, but I had to sample each flavour purely for research purposes). The ice cream selections made by the kids were delectable - fresh, creamy and generous in serving size. After polishing off our treats in record time, we vowed to return. What a find!

 Kenalkan* Astrid Hadywibowo – owner of LIN Artisan Ice Cream

Please tell us a little about your background. Where did you grow up, live and study?
I grew up in Jakarta and Singapore, then did my Bachelors Degree in Information Systems in Melbourne, Australia before working, doing my Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education, getting married and having kids back in Singapore.

Where did the inspiration for LIN Artisan Ice Cream come from?
Before LIN Artisan, I opened up a candy store called Papabubble in Grand Indonesia. Papabubble is a franchise from Barcelona, Spain. I used to bake a lot before Papabubble, and my husband and I wanted a shop that we are both passionate about. So Papabubble was the best choice we found - making things by hand, and being artistic as one of the important traits one must have in making candies. My husband is still working in advertising.

Then 1 year after the opening of Papabubble, we opened LIN Artisan with the same concept as Papabubble - open kitchen, hand made food, and customised product, also still along the line of something sweet.

Why this building and location?
Kemang is a high-class location where people are willing to pay for good quality food. We use all natural ingredients without preservatives, colourings or flavourings.

We love the design of your store- did you design it yourself?
My husband, the arty farty one between us, designed everything himself.

We can't get enough of your icecream! Where do you source your ingredients?
Most of our ingredients are imported, like milk, cream, hazelnut, cheese, etc. For fruits, we use local produce because they are fresh and more affordable than imported fruits.

Why liquid nitrogen?
Liquid Nitrogen enables us to freeze our ice cream within 3 minutes, which result in ice cream with a smooth texture and no ice particles. Also liquid nitrogen allows us to make our ice cream on the spot so we never keep our ice cream, so they're always fresh and healthy because we do not need to add preservatives to preserve the ice cream.

3 personal favourites on the LIN Artisan Ice Cream menu
Smiley Baileys, Pure Creamy Hazelnut and The Ultimate Dark Choco!

Can you tell us how you see Jakarta's ice cream scene evolving?
More and more stores are opening using liquid nitrogen. I say, if you don't have good ice cream, liquid nitrogen will only be a gimmick. People will just try once and not come back to your store. So I believe in using both good products and good recipes from my Italian friends; to give the best-tasting and best quality ice cream in town.

I noticed that LIN Artisan Ice Cream does party events- can you tell us how this works?
Yes, call us up to invite us to your place! With a minimum of 50 cups, we will make the ice cream right on the spot at your party!

Can you list 3 sources that you turn to regularly for creative inspiration?
My husband, my friends and holidays!

What does a typical day involve for you?
Sending my kids to school, going to the gym, going to either Papabubble, LIN or The Stacks Burger  (my other store), running errands, picking the kids up, sending them to football, swimming and piano lessons, and home sweet home.

3 words to describe your Jakarta

Busy, friendly, evolving

Book you are reading at the moment?

Books by Roald Dahl with my kids
Shepherding a child's heart by Ted Tripp

Music you are listening to?
Whatever is on the radio

Magazines you are reading?
Good Housekeeping, Martha Stewart Living

Any tips for new expats arriving in Jakarta?
Be ready for new adventures. People do things very differently here and the systems are different. But just be patient, smile a lot and you'll be fine.

Favourite place to eat in Jakarta?
Korean BBQ restaurants, road-side bakmi (noodles) and bakso (beef balls)

Favourite coffee (or tea if you're not a coffee drinker!) in Jakarta?
Bubble teas

Favourite place to take the children in Jakarta?

Marche - You can dine peacefully while the kids play in the kids corner.

Ecopark at Ancol - A really nice outdoor park away from the hustle bustle of the cities.

Pondok Indah Waterpark - The size is good for young kids.

Favourite homewares store in Jakarta?

Homeland

LIN Artisan Ice Cream
Jl Taman Kemang 201 no 6
Ph: 021-71794393

Words: Jo Stevens  Photography: a journey bespoke and Astrid Hadywibowo 

As of early August 2017, LIN Artisan Ice Cream closed its doors in Kemang. Although the intention is to find a new premises, we suggest you contact management at: papabubbleindonesia.gmail.com for updates on location etc.