Summer in Tianjin is synonymous with happiness, especially once you've tasted the exquisite delights of shaved ice. From sweating profusely under the summer sun to enjoying the refreshing coolness, a bowl of shaved ice is just what you need to bridge that gap.
Tianjin's Shaved Ice Scene: Bai Shui Shaved Ice and Soulful Toppings
In Tianjin, many ice shops switch from selling candied chestnuts in winter to shaved ice in summer, demonstrating the adaptability of local flavors. Some even alternate between selling lamb in winter and shaved ice in summer, with certain shops operating only half the year. Each district in Tianjin boasts its own popular ice shop, usually tucked away in residential areas, offering budget-friendly bowls priced around 10-20 yuan each, enough to satisfy two people.
The allure of Tianjin's shaved ice lies firstly in its "ice." There's a local saying, "sugar water frozen into ice," describing the fluffy texture of Bai Shui shaved ice made from old-fashioned ice machines, with dense, delicate ice crystals.
What truly sets it apart are the toppings, meticulously crafted from fresh fruit pulps and freshly cut fruits: hawthorn, apricot, red bean, blueberry, mango, pineapple, cantaloupe, strawberry, mulberry, orange, lychee, durian... A bowl of ice with half a bowl of toppings; elsewhere, you might finish the ice first, but in Tianjin, you'll worry that there won't be enough ice.
The crowning touch to Tianjin's shaved ice is its soulful "toppings": sour mung bean cake, sour plum soup, condensed milk. Ice shards, fruit, and soup blend together, layering flavors that grow addictively with each bite.
Classic Flavors of Tianjin Shaved Ice: Old-Style, Fruity, Chocolatey Delights
Tianjin shaved ice comes in countless combinations, with each variation enticing locals back for more. Here are a few classic flavors cherished by Tianjin natives:
1. Lao Wei Shaved Ice (老味刨冰)
The main ingredients of this shaved ice are red fruits (hawthorn), apricots, sour mung bean cake, and red beans. Despite its somewhat dark appearance and taste, it's sure to win you over.Lao Wei shaved ice is like an ancient Greek god of acidity, with the sourness of dried apricots, sour mung bean cake, and red fruits. The combination of these acidic flavors with sweet and aromatic red beans will instantly whet your appetite on scorching summer days.
2. Fruit Shaved Ice
For those averse to sour flavors, this option is a must-try. If you suffer from decision paralysis, just go for the assorted fruit shaved ice, where you can mix and match according to your preferences. A gathering of fruits, perfectly suited for summer.
3. Chocolate Shaved Ice
Many ice shops use Tianjin's local Haihe cocoa milk to make chocolate shaved ice. Generously topped with homemade chocolate sauce, it's rich and creamy, devoid of any cheap aftertaste.
4. Snowflake Lao (雪花酪)
Tianjin's answer to Starbucks, priced at 6 yuan a cup. Not only is it a seasonal delicacy, but it's also a childhood memory for Tianjin kids. Snowflake Lao has a finer texture than shaved ice, made with raisins, red fruit slices, dried apricots, sour plums, honey, and osmanthus water frozen into ice, giving it a peachy-orange appearance.
9 Famous Tianjin Shaved Ice Shops
As for which Tianjin shaved ice is the best, it's a matter of personal preference. Today, let's discuss 9 local favorites recommended by locals.
1.Guxiangzhai (古香斋)
To experience the flavors of childhood in Tianjin, you must visit the old-established Guxiangzhai in the northwest corner. Guxiangzhai is the pinnacle of Tianjin shaved ice in the hearts of many Tianjin natives. Their shaved ice is sandwiched between layers of ingredients, reminiscent of a shaved ice sandwich. The ice covers the ingredients, and you dig in while enjoying the flavors.
Among their 20-plus shaved ice options, the most popular is "Four Black Shaved Ice." The "four blacks" refer to red beans, blueberries, chocolate sauce, and mulberries, all drizzled with condensed milk—a taste sensation. Although the main branch of Guxiangzhai is always queued up, they serve meals quickly, so you can rest assured.
2.Tiezhen (铁真)
Tiezhen, which sells lamb in winter and shaved ice in summer (with no branches), is a 20-year-old shop and a benchmark for Lao Wei shaved ice in Tianjin. Their ice shards are relatively large, offering a crisp crunch. You must try Tiezhen's super-drunk black chocolate ice, which is rich in chocolate ice cream and plenty of chocolate flakes.
3. Wangzhongwang Shaved Ice
Wangzhongwang, which has been in business for over 30 years, uses fresh fruits, with a generous amount of fruit and evenly distributed ice crystals. Their signature "Three Black Shaved Ice" with red beans, chocolate, and sour mung bean cake is exceptionally creamy.
4. Erdou Chestnut (二斗栗子)
Originally, there was only shaved ice, but later, chestnuts and crayfish also became popular. Their honey apricot dried shaved ice and fresh red fruit shaved ice are all extraordinary.
5. Mei Yao Ice Products
Tianjin's largest shaved ice chain, no matter which flavor you choose, won't disappoint.
6. Tutu Ice Products
The ice is made from Bai Sui, and the extra thick chocolate is made from Tianjin's local Haihe cocoa milk.
7. Yueji Shaved Ice
Their nutty chocolate shaved ice features Ferrero, amber walnut, and crushed peanuts, making it a unique presence in the Tianjin shaved ice world.
8. Xiaopang Old Flavor Shaved Ice
The fruit is freshly cut, and the ice can be selected in thickness.
9. Momo Ice Products
With delicious milk ice, Momo Ice has carved a niche in the Tianjin shaved ice world.
Tianjin has so many types of shaved ice that you can't count them all. Each shop has its own specialty, and you can always find your own "white moonlight shaved ice" in Tianjin.
A few honest recommendations
1. Adding milk to shaved ice makes it richer and creamier!
2. Think twice before buying shaved ice in scenic spots, and don't buy the kind that looks expensive and seems to be dyed with pigments.
3. If you suffer from decision paralysis, you can visit "Yueyahe Shaved Ice CBD (月牙河刨冰CBD) " to see for yourself. Guxiangzhai, Meiyao, Shaved Adult... Shaved ice shops large and small are gathered here.
4. Adhere to the "nearby principle." On hot days, it's not necessary to run far away for a certain shop; the best food is always the one at "home."
Sitting by the roadside in the late evening, enjoying shaved ice, is a source of relaxation for Tianjin people. This sweet and cool bowl of ice is also Tianjin people's contentment. What are you waiting for? Come to Tianjin and add some flavor to your summer!
