Nanashake is Toronto’s first dedicated vegan ice cream parlour, and no matter what they choose to label themselves as, their banana and nut-based frozen dessert offerings are delicious. It’s worth the trip to Yonge and Sheppard around the backside of a large building to find their delicious treats being served from their small, but brightly lit space!
Nanashake can be accessed from the outside of the building or from the inside from what seems to be a food court of sorts. I was so impressed with the person who greeted us working there – he was so knowledgeable and was super enthusiastic about what he was selling and serving.
Taking a break from peeling a box of fresh organic bananas, he told my brother about his favourite combination – their flavour of the month (double chocolate cookie dough) with gluten-free blondie bits and peanut butter on top. My brother got VERY excited after hearing this and, seeing a photo of it, ordered it right away. I have to say, my brother was kind enough to give me a spoonful and it was amazing! It tastes just like a chocolate peanut butter cookie with a note of banana! I got a double-scooper – a scoop of the mint chocolate on top and the banana bread affogato as the base which was a shot of super strong espresso over the banana based ice cream (the coffee taste was a bit too strong for me on its own, but once mixed into the ice cream it was PHENOMENAL!!).
As we were enjoying our ice cream, the owner, Yaz, came in. Yaz is an amazingly nice guy who I first met at Shoresh’s Taking Root event last November as they were generous sponsors serving their “shakes” (I didn’t try what they were serving at the event because I was with my sister who has a life-threatening allergy to nuts), and he blew me away with his passion for serving quality vegan desserts to all! After talking to us, he went behind the counter to assist in prepping the bananas – he is very involved in his business, a great sign for any owner!
I hope to be back soon (in warmer weather) to try even more of their amazing flavours in different ways – they make milkshakes, bars, frozen cakes, and more!
