Local Scoop: Rating Beijing's Local Ice Cream Flavors

Angeli Zhao | Sep 27, 2021 11:01 am | Add a comment | 355 reads

Beijing is just barely holding onto its decently warm weather, so it's your last chance to grab a seasonally delicious ice cream!

That being the case, we're taking a stroll down memory lane with Beijing’s traditional ice creams that are as rich with flavor as they are history. Then, we’ll take a look at some of the capital’s most popular flavors, taste ’em all, and rank the whole lot!

Old Central Street Popsicle

Despite the fact that today, some regard this as a bland flavored ice-pop, its history and authenticity cannot be overstated. It is said to have originated during the summer of 1965 when an ice cream maker accidentally added 30 percent less milk to the original recipe. Nevertheless, the happy accident was met with rave reviews, and it quickly became the company’s new signature, selling out on the first day. Brittle and icy in texture, it’s a slightly sour but refreshing yogurt pop, making it the perfect summer treat and a vehicle for many a locals’ trips down memory lane. 10/10

Mongolian Yogurt Ice Cream

Many know Yili to be the infamous, multinational dairy-producing giant that sponsors Olympic games. However, setting aside the company for a moment, this otherwise unassuming yogurt treat is replete with flavor, to say the least, and the subtle tang that accompanies the taste is incredibly refreshing as a summer treat. 7/10

Durian

For the durian, I had to enlist the help of a pro-durian friend (Full disclosure: I was immediately struck dead by the pungent aroma). Simply put, our perspectives were diametrically opposed. Whilst she happily munched away at the ice cream bar, savoring every last morsel, I was trying desperately to wash the aftertaste out of my mouth. If you like durian, this diversely textured, scrumptious, durian-to-the-max ice cream is the way to go. As for those who don’t, run! 0/10, 10/10

Handmade Green Bean

Another classic, its company, Dehua Limited, has been a staple of China’s frozen food industry since 1987. The authenticity is unparalleled and merely looking at the packaging is enough to trigger a wave of memories and emotion. The addition of green beans into actual ice cream and a hint of milk that doesn’t overpower the taste of bean proves timeless. 8/10

Little Tinker

This was an interesting one, bound to entice those who are younger. As my friend mentions, this five-in-one, individually-flavored, popsicle pack – although likely not the healthiest or most organic – is definitely unique in its approach, and I recall that it was extremely popular around five years ago among my primary school classmates (I wasn’t cool enough to get one then, or now, really). 4/10

Corn-Flavored Ice Cream

Although many people from the 80s and 90s generatons see this as a representation of their youth, this corn-flavored ice cream is definitely not for the faint of heart. The insipid wafer gives away to the astringent taste of corn. Although the question remains – should corn be an ice cream flavor in the first place? – the internet’s enduring love for this ice cream and disputes over the correct way to eat it certainly don’t waiver (ha! wafer) with time. 1/10

Dongbei Popsicle

An iconic ice cream for many of the 90s generation, this nostalgia-inducing series of ice creams – concocted by the Red Diamond company in 1992 – was and still is worthy of its overnight success.

But wait, there are even more flavors! This blog originally appeared on our sister site, Jingkids International.