Kow Kow — Restaurant in Providence

A Nostalgic, Flavor-Packed Gem in Providence – Kow Kow is a Must-Try!

Kow Kow in Providence isn’t just an ice cream shop—it’s a full-on flavor journey that blends memory, comfort, and culinary creativity into every scoop. Their flavors are rooted in Asian nostalgia and presented with modern flair, and the result is absolutely magical.

Let’s start with the Miso Butter ice cream. It’s impossibly creamy, with a perfect balance of savory and sweet. The miso brings a subtle umami depth, while the butter adds a rich, toffee-like warmth that lingers beautifully on the palate. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming—like the grown-up version of childhood caramel dreams.

Then there’s the Yakult flavor, which immediately transports you to carefree afternoons sipping the tangy-sweet probiotic drink from a tiny bottle. Kow Kow nails the citrusy brightness and yogurt-like smoothness of Yakult, turning it into a frozen treat that’s equal parts refreshing and nostalgic. It’s like a time machine in a cone.

And don’t even get me started on the Ube & Mango Sticky Rice—this flavor is pure genius. The earthy, nutty notes of ube dance harmoniously with the tropical brightness of mango, all layered over a sticky rice sweetness that’s comforting and familiar. It’s a love letter to Southeast Asian desserts, and one of the most unique and delicious ice cream flavors I’ve ever had.

Every bite at Kow Kow feels personal, evocative, and joyfully delicious. If you’re looking for ice cream that does more than just taste good—if you want a flavor experience that stirs up memories and tells a story—this is...

I came here with a coworker who has a severe gluten allergy and their menu says they offer gluten free alternatives to their waffles. When she informed them of her allergy, the cashier said that they don’t clean their waffle iron in between so there could be cross contamination. She asked if it was possible to be cleaned and they said it would take a few minutes (but implying that they wouldn’t). She ended up getting just the ice cream in a cup when it was clear they wouldn’t accommodate for her allergy. Why would they offer these “allergy-friendly” alternatives if they aren’t willing to take an extra few minutes to do a simple cleaning? They asked if we had any allergies which is ironic since they probably wouldn’t do anything differently. My coworker was excited to try this place and was left completely disappointed. Delicious ice cream, but horrible if you have dietary restrictions. I sincerely hope others with allergies haven’t been treated like this and I hope people haven’t gotten sick...

I love Kow Kow! I have been going since they were a food truck on Waterman Street and even chipped in to help them on Kickstarter so that they could open their own brick and mortar shop on Ives Street. The owner is Laos and I love seeing how she has brought some of her own culture to Providence in one of my favorite desserts, ice cream.

I really only get the same one thing every time I go there, but I enjoy seeing their variety and limited edition specials. I believe they also offer gluten free and vegan options from time to time. Their ice cream is also from Warwick Ice Cream, so I’m glad to see they are keeping it local.

I have noticed they help in coordinating food drives and other events for local nonprofits, which I find great that they are finding ways to give back to the community. Their work culture also seems great from how they take part in team bonding experiences.

Overall, Kow Kow has great food, great values, and I recommend them to anyone who’s looking for a sweet treat...