KEM by Mmm Gelato

Vietnamese-inspired gelatos and drinks were the highlights at this Garden Grove dessert shop

Originally named “Mmm… Gelato & More,” KEM by Mmm Gelato was primarily a gelateria with a handful or two of other options – Vietnamese coffee, tea, and dessert drinks. Located on the most street-facing edge of Mall of Fortune, the Garden Grove plaza that somehow simultaneously hosts Oc & Lau 2, Pho Lovers, Garlic & Chives, and at least nine other restaurants, the dessert shop initially piqued our curiosity on name and location alone.

The small but nice selection of gelatos included noteworthy Vietnamese flavors ranging from durian and black sesame to rich crème brûlée and corn milk, plus cocoa-dusted tiramisu gelato, a surprisingly Brazilian coffee, and matcha. KEM also offered Coco Craving, a photo-worthy coconut ice cream, served in a half coconut bowl with toasted coconut and chocolate syrup, plus a glass of coconut water. While it’s basically just the sum total of those ingredients, they were pretty tasty together.

Across multiple visits, we also enjoyed their drinks, reasonable pricing, and service, which was consistently friendly. Though the gelatos weren’t life-changing, they were always quite good, and beautifully presented in the display case, showing off their signature ingredients in each scoop. We were glad to return again whenever we were in the neighborhood.

KEM also added “character” gelatos that compete with Eiswelt Gelato’s, each for less than $5.50, and a chocolate fondue set with fruits, waffle pieces, boba, nuts, and eight scoops of gelato for $23. Unfortunately, KEM closed in late 2024, and was replaced by the Vietnamese che shop Che Vi.

Stats

Price: $
Service: Counter
Open Since: 2020
Closed: 2024

Addresses

9856 Westminster Blvd. #121
Garden Grove, CA 92844

Instagram: @kem_heartmade_gelato