Sampaguita Ice Cream, nestled in Orlando’s Mills 50 district, is a vibrant spot celebrating Filipino-inspired desserts. Since opening in 2022, it has drawn crowds with its unique flavors and cozy vibe. This family-owned shop brings a taste of the Philippines to Florida.
The menu features creative ice creams like ube latte and buko pandan, alongside soft serve and halo-halo. Founders Marie and Mo Mercado craft each scoop with cultural pride, making it a local gem. This article explores customer reviews, top flavors, and what sets Sampaguita apart in 2025.
From its eye-catching neon sign to its inclusive values, Sampaguita offers a memorable experience. We’ll dive into taste, atmosphere, and value based on real feedback. Read on to see if this Orlando ice cream parlor lives up to its hype.
What Is Sampaguita Ice Cream?
Sampaguita Ice Cream, located at 1233 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, opened in 2022. It’s the city’s first Filipino-American ice cream shop, run by Marie and Mo Mercado. The couple also owns The Greenery Creamery, known for vegan options.
The shop specializes in Filipino-inspired flavors like ube latte and soysauce butterscotch. It offers hard ice cream, soft serve, and halo-halo, a layered Filipino dessert. Sampaguita’s bright, Instagram-worthy interior adds to its appeal.
Named after the Philippines’ national flower, the shop celebrates cultural heritage. It supports inclusivity, welcoming the LGBTQIA+ community and vegans. Sampaguita is a must-visit for unique desserts in Orlando.
Why Choose Sampaguita?
Sampaguita stands out for its bold, Filipino-inspired flavors. Ube, a purple yam, stars in creamy scoops and soft serve, delighting dessert lovers. The shop’s cozy, colorful decor makes it a fun hangout spot.
Customers love the free samples, letting you try flavors like buko pandan before buying. Vegan and gluten-free options ensure everyone can indulge. The shop’s inclusive vibe resonates with diverse visitors.
Located in the trendy Mills 50 district, Sampaguita draws both locals and tourists. Its creative menu and warm atmosphere make it a top pick. It’s perfect for a sweet escape or Instagram moment.
Sampaguita Ice Cream Reviews: What Are People Saying?
Sampaguita earns high praise, with a 4.7-star rating from 283 reviews on Restaurantji. Customers rave about the creamy textures and unique flavors like ube latte. Many call it a “hidden gem” in Orlando.
On X, fans highlight the halo-halo and soysauce butterscotch for their bold taste. Tripadvisor reviews, averaging 4.3 from 3 votes, praise the friendly staff and vibrant ambiance. The shop ranks #1,703 of 2,779 Orlando restaurants.
Some note long lines during peak hours, especially weekends. A few find the halo-halo complex to eat due to its layers. Overall, the quality and creativity outweigh minor complaints.
Top Flavors Based on Feedback
Sampaguita’s menu shines with Filipino-inspired flavors. Reviews highlight a few standouts that keep customers coming back. Here’s a list of top picks:
- Ube Latte: Creamy purple yam ice cream with a coffee kick.
- Buko Pandan: Coconut and pandan leaf with a refreshing, green hue.
- Sampaguita: Almond-vanilla base with lychee jelly and jasmine hints.
- Soysauce Butterscotch: Sweet-salty mix with a Filipino twist.
The ube soft serve is a fan favorite for its light, vibrant taste. Some find simpler flavors less exciting. Vegan options like mango sorbet also get strong praise.
Nutritional Information and Options
Sampaguita’s ice cream is indulgent, with calories varying by flavor. A ½-cup scoop ranges from 200–300 calories, reflecting its rich, creamy base. Vegan sorbets are lighter, around 150–200 calories.
| Flavor | Calories (per ½ cup) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|
| Ube Latte | 260 | 14 |
| Buko Pandan | 240 | 12 |
| Mango Sorbet (Vegan) | 150 | 0 |
Vegan and gluten-free options, like mango sorbet, are clearly labeled. Allergen info is available, but cross-contamination is possible. Ask staff for dietary specifics.
Taste and Texture: Does It Deliver?
Sampaguita’s ice cream is creamy and smooth, per customer reviews. The ube latte offers a rich, slightly nutty flavor that’s not too sweet. Buko pandan delivers a tropical, coconut-forward taste.
Soft serve, especially ube, is light and refreshing, ideal for Orlando’s heat. The halo-halo combines creamy ice with chewy textures like nata de coco. Customers say it feels authentic and indulgent.
Some note that complex flavors like soysauce butterscotch can be intense. The ice cream melts fast in warm weather. Overall, the texture and taste impress most visitors.
Pricing and Value
Sampaguita’s prices are reasonable for a boutique shop. Single scoops cost $4–$6, with sundaes and halo-halo at $7–$9. Waffle cones add $1–$2.
Compared to chains like Baskin-Robbins ($3–$5 per scoop), Sampaguita is slightly pricier. The unique flavors and generous portions justify the cost. Free samples add value, letting you try before buying.
Some customers find halo-halo pricey for its complexity. Deals like “Flavor of the Week” help save. The quality and cultural experience make it worth the price for most.
Pros and Cons of Sampaguita
Sampaguita has clear strengths and minor drawbacks. Here’s a breakdown based on reviews:
- Pros:
- Unique Filipino-inspired flavors like ube and buko pandan.
- Vegan and gluten-free options for diverse diets.
- Cozy, Instagram-worthy atmosphere with friendly staff.
- Free samples to try bold flavors.
- Cons:
- Long lines during peak hours.
- Some flavors may feel too intense for newbies.
- Limited seating and parking.
These points help you decide if Sampaguita fits your dessert plans. Most love the cultural flair and quality.
How Does Sampaguita Compare?
Sampaguita competes with Orlando shops like Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream and The Greenery Creamery. Its Filipino focus sets it apart from traditional parlors. Prices ($4–$9) align with Kelly’s but beat Jeni’s ($6–$8 per scoop).
Kelly’s offers classic flavors, while Sampaguita’s ube and halo-halo are unique. The Greenery Creamery, also owned by the Mercados, has more vegan options but less cultural flair. Sampaguita’s cozy vibe gives it an edge.
The shop’s inclusivity and bold flavors make it a standout. It’s ideal for those seeking a cultural dessert experience. Sampaguita holds its own in Orlando’s competitive ice cream scene.
Tips for Visiting Sampaguita
Visit during weekday afternoons to avoid weekend crowds. The shop’s hours (12–10 PM, later on weekends) suit most schedules. Bring cash for quicker service, though cards are accepted.
Try the ube soft serve for a light, iconic flavor. Pair halo-halo with a waffle cone for texture. Follow @sampaguitausa on Instagram for flavor updates and deals.
Parking is limited behind the shop, so use nearby lots. Arrive early for popular flavors like buko pandan, as they sell out. Bring friends to share the halo-halo’s generous portions.
Where to Find Sampaguita
Sampaguita is at 1233 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, in the Mills 50 district. It’s open Monday–Thursday 12–10 PM, Friday 12–11 PM, and weekends 11 AM–11 PM (Sunday until 10 PM). The shop is near downtown Orlando, a short drive from tourist spots.
Delivery is available via DoorDash or Uber Eats for select items. Catering for events can be booked at sampaguitausa.com. Check social media for pop-up events or new flavors.
The Mills 50 location is walkable from local bars and restaurants. Parking is behind the building, but spaces are limited. Public transit or rideshare is a smart option.
Is Sampaguita Ice Cream Worth Visiting?
Sampaguita Ice Cream lives up to its 4.7-star reputation. Customers love the creamy ube latte and refreshing buko pandan, per Restaurantji and Tripadvisor reviews. The Filipino-inspired menu and cozy vibe draw crowds.
Long lines and intense flavors are minor drawbacks. At $4–$9, prices are fair for the quality and uniqueness. Vegan options and free samples add to the appeal.
For a cultural dessert experience, Sampaguita is a must-try. It’s great for locals, tourists, or anyone craving bold flavors. Visit to taste Orlando’s Filipino ice cream gem.
Summary
Sampaguita Ice Cream shines as Orlando’s first Filipino-American ice cream shop. Its 2025 menu, featuring ube latte and halo-halo, earns high praise for creativity and taste. The cozy Mills 50 location and inclusive values make it a local favorite.
Reviews highlight the creamy textures and friendly staff, though peak-hour lines can form. Prices are reasonable, and vegan options broaden appeal. Sampaguita stands out in Orlando’s dessert scene for its cultural flair.
Whether you’re after a unique scoop or a fun outing, Sampaguita delivers. Stop by or order online to try its bold flavors. It’s a sweet, cultural treat worth savoring in 2025.
FAQ
What makes Sampaguita Ice Cream unique?
Sampaguita offers Filipino-inspired flavors like ube latte and buko pandan. Its inclusive vibe supports vegans and the LGBTQIA+ community. The cozy, colorful shop adds charm.
Are there vegan options at Sampaguita?
Yes, vegan sorbets like mango and soft serve are clearly labeled. They’re light and flavorful, around 150–200 calories. Ask staff about cross-contamination risks.
How much does Sampaguita Ice Cream cost?
Scoops cost $4–$6, sundaes and halo-halo $7–$9. Prices are fair for boutique quality. Free samples and occasional deals add value.
Where is Sampaguita Ice Cream located?
It’s at 1233 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, open 12–10 PM (later on weekends). Delivery is via DoorDash or Uber Eats. Check @sampaguitausa for updates.
What are the best flavors in 2025?
Ube Latte and Buko Pandan are top-rated for creamy, unique tastes. The Sampaguita flavor with lychee jelly is a hit. Halo-halo is a must for dessert fans.