Beijing's bustling streets are known for their rich history and cultural landmarks, but they also offer a culinary adventure unlike any other. Amidst the historical splendor and modern vibrancy, the city's ice cream scene has taken on a distinct character of its own. From renowned establishments to quirky local flavors, here's a look at the unique frozen treats that define Beijing's cool culinary landscape.
The Ice Cream Sensation of Wu Yu Tai (吴裕泰)
Wu Yu Tai, a legendary tea house with over a century of history, has become synonymous with a surprisingly modern twist: ice cream. Originally celebrated for its exquisite tea, Wu Yu Tai now garners long lines for its renowned ice cream, making it a must-visit for both locals and tourists.
Founded over a hundred years ago, Wu Yu Tai's foray into ice cream began in 2009, with a modest offering of tea-flavored cones priced at just five yuan. Over the years, the ice cream evolved from a simple treat to a more refined product, now available in flavors like jasmine tea and matcha, and served in upgraded cones. As prices climbed to ten yuan per cone, Wu Yu Tai adapted by introducing boxed versions of their ice cream, including flavors such as jasmine tea, matcha, and sesame peanut butter.
Despite its popularity, Wu Yu Tai's ice cream offers just two primary flavors: jasmine tea and matcha. The jasmine tea flavor is praised for its fragrant and refreshing profile, while the matcha option leans towards a sweeter taste. The shop's expansion into other products, like milk tea, has not quite matched the success of its ice cream, which remains a standout attraction for those seeking a sweet, tea-infused treat in Beijing.
Beijing's Unique Ice Cream Flavors
While Wu Yu Tai's ice cream may be a star attraction, it is far from the only player in Beijing's diverse ice cream scene. Several local establishments have ventured into unique and distinctly Beijing flavors, adding to the city's rich frozen dessert landscape.
Yin San Douzhi's (尹山) Ice Cream Extravaganza
At Yin San Douzhi, traditional Beijing flavors meet modern innovation. This establishment is known for its unconventional ice cream offerings, including douzhi (fermented mung bean juice) and pea cake ice cream. Douzhi, a beloved but polarizing local delicacy, translates into an ice cream flavor that combines its signature sour notes with the sweet and creamy texture of frozen dessert. The result is a complex taste that some find adventurous, while others may struggle with its strong, acquired flavor.
In contrast, Yin San Douzhi's sesame paste ice cream offers a more accessible taste experience. It resembles peanut butter ice cream with its rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture, though it can become overwhelming if consumed in large quantities.
Hu Guo Si (护国寺) Snack's Offerings
Hu Guo Si Snack brings its own twist to Beijing's ice cream scene with flavors like douzhi and pea cake ice cream, similar to those at Yin San Douzhi but with some variations. This establishment stands out for its customer-friendly approach, offering small sample sizes of their douzhi ice cream to let customers test the waters before committing to a full serving.
Liu Bi Ju's (六必居) Boxed Ice Cream
Liu Bi Ju, a renowned old-time condiment shop, has ventured into the ice cream market with unique boxed varieties. Their black sesame ice cream is particularly notable, providing a nutty flavor reminiscent of black sesame soup, a traditional Beijing treat. Liu Bi Ju also offers black garlic ice cream, which, while intriguing, presents a milder flavor more akin to sweet garlic.
Exploring Beijing's Frozen Delights
For those seeking an authentic taste of Beijing beyond the traditional offerings, the city's landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Beihai Park also feature their own branded ice creams. These often focus more on presentation than unique flavors, providing a fun way to enjoy a cool treat while exploring Beijing's historical sites.
However, if you're in the mood for something more straightforward yet nostalgic, Beijing's convenience stores offer classic options like the North Ice Cream's "Yuan Yang" ice cream, combining chocolate and vanilla flavors, or the orange-flavored ice pops that evoke childhood memories of simpler times.
Beijing's ice cream scene is as diverse as its rich cultural heritage, from the innovative offerings of traditional tea houses to the quirky, local flavors that may challenge your palate. Whether you're enjoying a jasmine tea cone from Wu Yu Tai or braving the unique flavors of douzhi ice cream, Beijing's frozen treats provide a delicious way to experience the city's unique culinary landscape.
