Ice Ice Baby: a Roundup of our Favorite Ice Cream Parlors in Beijing

Ice cream is where our heart is this summer, I have asked around for the favorite ice creams in Beijing. I can’t, and will not, try all these on the list because I am shedding some pounds this summer. But before I started this weight loss journey I have tried loads of these, so I know what to crave in this heat. That might be why I am battling with the pounds now… Is your favorite ice cream missing from this list? Don’t hesitate to let us know!

Cows Creamery

A popular Canadian ice cream chain, they have fun flavors and merchandise kids can play with while eating the ice cream, though I’m not sure if that’s what they are for. The door that moos when it opens was a big hit with my daughter. One scoop is around RMB 35. Find one of the locations here.

Baskin Robbins

One of the biggest ice cream chains in the world, with several locations including one in Shunyi. They have many flavors, and bring a slice (or scoop) of home to many expats in Beijing. This is a favorite with the Shunyi crowd. Find the closest location to your home here.

Dairy Queen

One of my American favorites right by our doorstep in Solana Mall. I like that they still hold the cup upside down, like they do in Texas where I had my first Dairy Queen Blizzard while on a road trip. Get ready for a sugar hit and a bit of a brain freeze.

Remicone By No-Name

This is a cool looking pollution ice cream in Sanlitun (see the picture below). I always see people taking selfies with this ice cream construction. I have yet to try it, but I bet it would be a hit with the toddlers. Ice cream starts at RMB 22 and the always romantic Nali Patio is the place to be. Find this cone here.

Godiva Ice Cream

Anything Godiva is to die for; the chocolates bring me back to my childhood when I could afford one BonBon in this store. When we first arrived in Beijing I bought an ice cream here for about RMB 70, because I had no idea about the currency yet. Splurge on the chocolate goddess in a cone here.

Venchi

Is a crowd pleaser, as even my colleagues love their ice creams. Take some pocket money though as these ice creams do not come cheap. Go to the China World Mall for your fix.

Savage Mill

I have heard rave reviews of this place. Apparently even the avocado smoothie is to die for. Head over to the Topwin Center, which should be called ice cream center, as many parlors reside here.

Bellagio

They serve portions of shaven ice cream here and it’s pretty memorable: share one portion with a few friends or the family. Don’t forget to try their peanut shaven ice cream, it’s delish. Find the restaurants here.