Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream — Restaurant in London

So surprisingly, it was pretty packed when I came in. It's a pretty cold day out in London, and pretty much everyone ordered ice cream. I ended ordering two things: bilog with matcha ice cream and ube hot chocolate.

First the bilog - a pandesal (traditional Filipino milk bun) stuffed with whatever choice of ice cream you want. I chose matcha, and I wasn't the biggest fan of it... I would say that it was the ice cream I didn't enjoy so much. As a person with a very big sweet tooth, the matcha had a hint of bitterness to it? If you appreciate the non-sugary matcha flavor, it's definitely up your alley. Just a suggestion! Maybe have a thicker bun? Every time I picked it up, the ice cream would fall from underneath, and it made me sad, haha.

And then the ube hot chocolate. Okay, I don't LOVE ube. I'm such a sham to the Filipino community. I think it's good, but it's definitely not the first flavor I would go for. But mixing it with hot chocolate? Was definitely interested along with the fact that it's a purple drink. LET ME TELL YOU. If you come here, TRY THE UBE HOT CHOCOLATE. Honestly. Best thing I've had in a while. I don't like hot chocolate that much, but this was phenomenal. You don't really taste chocolate, just ube which was such a pleasant surprise. Also the presentation of it is awesome. They definitely dress it up for Instagram.

My only issue is how looong it takes to get your order. I only ordered those two things, and I stayed there for about an hour. I've never waited so long for something that is seemingly easy to make (please note that I said seemingly, I don't know the actual process of making the food and drinks). I would say that the matcha bilog (which came first) was about twenty minutes to make? Maybe? Ten to fifteen if I'm being nice? And then I waited for my ube hot chocolate. It wasn't until one of the workers asked me if I was waiting for anything (he was the one who rung me up at the cashier), and I had to remind him about it. I don't really mind waiting, but it didn't seem very efficient. I will cut them some slack though; they've only been open for like three months? It's chill.

But the staff was great. They were really interactive with customers and even though they were slow in preparation, I didn't feel like I was rushed or I didn't feel impatient just because their attitudes were laid back and chill. They handed out stickers, told me what to tag the picture of the ube hot chocolate as if I posted it on Instagram (haha), and they were really apologetic about the delays.

So overall, I would definitely come back here again - with some Filipino friends this time. I'm going to try to come at a time when it's not busy or when there are a least spots to sit down. I'm definitely going to get the ube hot chocolate during this fall/winter season. If you ever come here, don't expect quick service. But if you're in no rush and not an impatient person, then this...

As I was around town, I thought I’d check this notoriously known place out.

Now, there are a few other things on the menu I want to return here for and try out, but just a side note: ordered a vegan hot chocolate and it unequivocally wasn’t; the dairy was tasted from a mile away and the Milo was a giveaway. It’s best to avoid false advertisement and ensure that you adhere to what it is you are selling.

Anyway, back to the dessert.

I opted for the favourite and popular ube flavoured bilog; this is basically yam flavoured purple ice cream. I heard plenty of good things because it essentially looks like an ice cream sandwich-doughnut. The ube itself was very tasty! It’s indescribable as I’d never tasted any flavour like it before, but it was very smooth, soft and creamy! It was enveloped in a sweet and fluffy naan/bread-like dough, with some icing powder to intensify sweetness. The combination worked nicely and I could’ve easily eaten 3.

It was eat-out only, so no seating indoors. The shop is quite quirky and there was outdoor seating, although social distancing was a myth.

If you like to venture and taste desserts from different cultures, I would definitely recommend visiting Mamasons - although, if you are vegan, you may want to refrain - as I would like to experience other treats on the menu. I’m sure the locals in Camden love it. 8/10.

Update: If you’re in Camden, a hotspot for dessert or drinks is Mamason’s. The last time I was here, I tasted the notorious ube bilog, so this time I thought I’d experiment with another item on the menu.

The staff were super friendly and approachable, suggesting the halo halo - this was essentially crushed ice with evaporated milk, some coconut shillings, some sweet bean paste, something that appears like cornflakes with a scoop of ube ice cream.

It looked quite interesting, so I was excited to dig in. Unfortunately, it was a bit of a disaster. The only pleasure I obtained was through eating the ube ice cream. There’s just so much happening and it doesn’t blend or complement nicely. Maybe my tastebuds aren’t acquired to it.

I’ll certainly recommend checking Mamason’s out for their bilog, but the halo halo? Not a chance. Not even if you...

0 stars for customer service. I have frequented this place over the years whenever I'm in town. I'm a Malay Filipino born and raised in London, raised with traditional Filipino and Asian values such as respect for elders and people. We came on Eid (6th June 2025 ) to cap our day with some delicious ube ice cream, and lychee and mango sorbet. All of which are excellent. However, the service was rude, sarcastic and inhospitable. I will not return with my custom. I jokingly asked if this was really the world's first Filipino ice cream parlour as stated on the side of the ice cream fridge. My Mum who is a retired NHS worker and now in the Philippines asked about the owner of the café and where abouts from the Philippines they're from. We were being conversational and genuinely curious. The two members of staff (a young Filipino man, and a young Asian woman) were sarcastic, rude and abrupt. I was with my Mum, kuya, sister in law, niece and nephew both who are children. It was shocking and I left with a bad taste in my mouth. I kept silent as it was evident they would not have understood being told off, and I didn't want to ruin the time for my family although it was already affected. This is not the impression anyone should have of London customer service and definitely not of Filipino traditions. I wrote this review to give constructive feedback, as I support the team behind all these fantastic ventures, but the front line staff must be trained and advised. I hope the leadership read this. Us being told by these staff that they're not historians, and don't know the owners well enough to know where abouts in the Philippines they're from is not a big deal, but when told this with cut eye and sarcastic tones and then blatantly looking at each other pleased with themselves for being rude in our face, is an insult and provocation to say the least after paying in support of local businesses of the diaspora. I have told everyone I know. That's how things roll. Word of mouth. You may continue to do business, but you lost some business too. Wishing the owners all the best with these...