In the bustling culinary landscape of Brisbane, a vibrant blend of Japanese sweetness and savoury delights has emerged in the form of Shiro Gelato & Snacks. More than just an eatery, Shiro (meaning “white” in Japanese) symbolises a blank canvas, a fresh start, and a space where the passion of a Japanese team is painting new stories with authentic flavours. Their dream is to share the beauty of Japanese culture with Australians lovingly, one delicious scoop and snack at a time.
Born from the vision of Kei Okamoto and her partner, Shiro Gelato & Snacks first began captivating taste buds from a food truck at markets and festivals, gaining four years of valuable hospitality experience. This journey culminated in the opening of their first physical store in Southport, Gold Coast, in September 2023. This initial success quickly led to their expansion, bringing their unique offerings to the heart of Queensland’s capital.
Today, Shiro Gelato & Snacks boasts a thriving presence in the Brisbane CBD (Shop 2B, 131 Elizabeth St), a popular spot for office workers and students alike. They also continue to operate their original Gold Coast location at 50B Nerang St, Southport.
Their menu is an exciting fusion of traditional Japanese treats with a contemporary twist. The star attraction is undoubtedly their gelato, featuring unique and authentic flavours like premium matcha (a Kyoto import and a crowd favourite), hojicha, rich black sesame, zesty yuzu lemon, and creamy Hokkaido milk. What makes them unique is the option to have your gelato hand-wrapped in mochi skin, creating a delightfully chewy and creamy “daifuku” ice cream – a must-try experience.
Beyond the sweet, Shiro also offers a delectable range of freshly made onigiri, the beloved Japanese rice balls. Fillings span from savoury options like spicy tuna and Toriyama (flavoured chicken mince with marinated eggs) to vegetarian-friendly choices like wakame seaweed and umeboshi (salted plum). Many of their onigiri are vegan and gluten-free, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience. To complete the experience, their drinks menu features a variety of authentic Japanese teas, such as iced and hot matcha lattes, hojicha lattes, and refreshing yuzu sodas.
With most ingredients imported directly from Japan and a commitment to making everything in-store, Shiro Gelato & Snacks truly delivers on its promise of an authentic and fresh Japanese culinary journey. It’s a testament to passion and quality, inviting Brisbane to savour a little slice of Japan.
