Calling all gelato addicts, have you tried Damansara Uptown’s new tea-infused gelato shop?

Hey gelato lovers, if you haven’t heard, Damansara Uptown has welcomed a new tea-infused gelato shop. While they might seem fresh on the scene, Forest Floor actually started in Cheras a couple of years ago, so they’re no strangers to the gelato scene.

If you haven’t stopped by already, get ready to indulge in unique flavours that combine the creamy delight that is gelato with the aromatic world of tea. Tea lovers, you’re in for a treat!

A little backstory

The founders of Forest Floor, Shawn Low, and Lai Jen Yeh have known each other since high school and their experiences led to them launching their own gelato business together.

Shawn had always dreamed of entrepreneurship, deciding at the age of 15 that he didn’t want to work for others. The dream was back-burnered as he pursued a corporate investment career, hoping to gain some professional experience first.

However, the loss of three family members during the pandemic prompted a deep reevaluation of his life choices, pushing him to pursue his dreams.

Meanwhile, Jen Yeh grew weary of the long hours and low pay in engineering, craving a more vibrant work life. Leaving the rat race behind and facing disappointment in another venture, he eagerly joined forces with Shawn.

It wasn’t gelato from the get-go. With an idea to fuse unique components into one creation, Shawn found his medium in gelato, thanks in part to a nudge from his girlfriend, who simply loves it.

Now, as co-founders, Shawn and Jen Yeh have created something special and more importantly, entirely theirs.

Pivoting to evolve with their customers

Their idea was simple but fun: tea-based gelato with customisable toppings!

It was only after the store launched that the pair discovered an unexpected flaw in their plan: customers preferred enjoying the gelato without the toppings.

Though surprised, they adapted quickly, shifting their focus to spotlight the gelato alone. Investments were made and committing to quality, small batches of gelato were being churned out in-house.

Image Credit: Wei Hoong Ho on Google Review (left), Ong C (right)

About a month ago, Forest Floor relocated from Cheras to Damansara Uptown, possibly to cater to a wider audience within a more vibrant culinary community.

Embracing a new locale means a fresh new space to call home. The new gelateria features a clean cement appearance, enhanced by vibrant pops of greenery from planter boxes.

It pays homage to their brand name while incorporating modern aesthetics to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Just weeks into operations, the shop boasts an impressive 4.8-star rating from nearly 60 reviews. Customers compliment the unique tea flavours, appreciating the option to sample before committing to a scoop. The affordability has also been noted.

However, a few reviews do note a lack in the gelato’s texture, expressing that it could benefit from a bit more creaminess and smoothness.

As parking in this area can be quite a hassle, we recommend parking in Starling Mall and taking a short walk to the gelateria.

Premium tea-infused gelato

Image Credit: Christina Francisco on Google Review (left), Ivan Han Chong (right)

Forest Floor does offer premium gelato in both Asian and Western teas with unique flavours like Pistachio Genmaicha and Oolong Hazelnut Chocolate.

For those looking for a more indulgent experience, you can pair your choice of gelato with their crispy and buttery waffles.

What sets Forest Floor apart is its innovative approach to gelato, infusing traditional teas into their distinct flavours. It’s not every day that you come across gelato inspired by classic beverages like Da Hong Pao and Wakocha. As they focus on tea-infused gelatos, you tend to be met with simpler but refined flavour profiles, highlighting the natural characteristics of the teas. This results in more roasted and nutty gelatos that offer subtle flavours with a delicate finish.

This fusion not only highlights the delicate flavours of these teas but also introduces a refreshing and, in a way, calming twist to the gelato experience. By marrying familiar tastes with a much-loved cooling treat, Forest Floor invites its customers on a sensorial journey that bridges comforting flavours with global inspirations, making every gelato palatable yet uniquely exciting for us locals.

You’ll often find a modest crowd at this gelateria, including many elderly patrons savouring their gelato, enjoying the nostalgic and traditional blend of flavours available.

The coffee here is equally delightful, freshly ground and boasting a smooth and creamy finish that complements the gelato perfectly.

A tea lover’s dream

Simply put, Forest Floor’s premium tea-infused gelato manages a thoughtfully crafted balance that creates a truly unique tasting experience for all.

As they elevate the nuances of each tea through their variety, they stand as a delightful choice for those seeking a light dessert. Whether you’re a gelato enthusiast or a tea lover, Forest Floor in Damansara Utama promises to satisfy your cravings with each scoop of their gelato.