Ice cream has gone way beyond cone and cup
Print Edition
As the plum rain season draws to an end and the thermometer begins its annual climb into super hot, it’s time to think of shady trees, swimming pools and, yes, that summer favorite, ice cream.
This frozen favorite is taking on all sorts of new twists as creative food artists try to delight the eyes as well as the palate.
So we offer a few suggestions about where to find some of the most interesting ice cream in Shanghai.
Best durian ice:
Tangpin
Tangpin is an expanding dessert franchise that offers traditional Chinese and Southeast Asian desserts and beverages.
It specializes in durian creations. Of course, durian isn’t everyone’s favorite fruit, but those who love it will certainly find their taste amply satisfied here.
The Shuang Liu Mang, or cool durian and mango is one of the most popular offerings. Mango-flavored ice slush is topped with a scoop of durian ice cream and served in vintage tin cups. The flavor of the durian is light in this creation, mostly bowing to the taste of the mango.
The durian duo is two scoops of durian ice cream — one made using durian from Malaysia and the other from Thailand. Only a true durian aficionado will be able to tell the difference!
Address: 19 Sinan Rd; B1-143 Zendai Himalayas Center, 1188 Fangdian Rd; 1-149 In-Point, 169 Wujiang Rd; 1/F Huizhi Life Center, 3057 Jinke Rd
Best presentation:
Just Like It
This small eatery next to the Godiva shop at the Jing’an Kerry Center is serving what it calls “molecular ice cream.”
The ice cream here is more for the visual enjoyment than actual taste. The signature lab ice cream (88 yuan/US$14), with three assorted flavors, is presented with the serving glasses in a flask filled with some dry ice. The effect is fairy-like.
The matcha green tea flavor ice cream is heavily accented and still light in flavor, while the tropical mango and berry ice cream is more of a frozen yogurt with the texture and taste of a smoothie.
The most unusual flavor on the menu is wasabi and nori — worth a try if you are up for some adventure.
The taste of this “molecular ice cream” isn’t quite as outstanding as its presentation. It’s like other similar products and not very creamy.
Address: South B1-07B, Jing’an Kerry Center, 1515 Nanjing Rd W.
Most Chic:
Bella Mia
Bella Mia has three gelato outlets in the city, selling Italy’s most famous ice cream. What separates this chain from the vast array of gelato places is its creative touch.
Thin layers of gelato are sculpted into roses and other floral shapes in a cup. You can choose two flavors — one forming the petals and one as the flower center. These ice sculptures at 30 yuan apiece are certainly inviting.
The most popular is dark chocolate. Other choices include raspberry and yogurt.
Address: B2, K11 Art Mall, 300 Huaihai Rd M.; B2, SML Center, 618 Xujiahui Rd; 3/F, Metro City, 1111 Zhaojiabang Rd
Most Lovely:
Snowman’s Tale
Shaved ice is very popular in hot weather, and when flavored, it really goes down a treat.
A big plus for shaved ice is that it doesn’t have that excess creaminess that can make your mouth feel dry after eating.
The Snowman’s Tale is a South Korean parlor that serves a milk and red bean ice creation shaped like a snowman sitting on white shaved ice.
The body is made from slow cooked red beans, the head is a scoop of ice cream, and the snowman’s hat is made with an Oreo cookie and a strawberry.
The confection is served with spoons that have ends in the shape of small tree branches. The perfect touch.
There’s also a fusion style ice bowl that tops the ice with some sweet rice cake. This place also offers classic matcha tea, strawberry and mango flavors.
Address: 194 Jiaozhou Rd
Most Leisure:
Bite 4 Fun
This two-story eatery serves classic Taiwanese ices, desserts and beverages.
It’s cozy, casual and fun in terms of interior decor. The second floor is quite spacious with plenty of seating.
After ordering, you are given a vintage license plate to put on the table of your choosing to signal where the dish should be brought.
In summer, Bite 4 Fun serves a shaved ice bowl with multiple layers of ingredients. First, a large piece of almond jelly covers the shaved ice. That is topped with mango juice and mango pieces, along with a scoop of airy ice milk.
This concoction is a joy to eat because of its mixed textures of crunchy ice, soft jelly, and the light, fluffy milk ice cream.
Address: 278 Yuyuan Rd
Most Creative:
One City, One Glass
This ice cream parlor, opened earlier this year, is known for “luminous” ice cream.
A small bulb at the bottom of the serving glass lights up what is essentially an ice cream soda.
The glass filled with icy lemon soda and topped with fresh, milky ice cream. For 25 yuan, you can even take the “glowing jar” home with you.
Address: No. 15, 248 Taikang Rd
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