Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops, with thousands of retail stores in nearly 50 countries. They serve up a range of meltingly good flavors, using a unique flavor ribbon technique. Traditional dessert ingredients are also incorporated into some of their ice cream flavors, such as tangy apple pie and creamy cheesecake. They’re not all about ice cream though, as they have a cool range of beverages, including frozen-blended drinks and smoothies. The chain has just opened up a new store in Europlaza, so I took the family along to enjoy a Sunday sundae.
Tempted by just about every flavor on offer, I eventually opted for the mandarin mascarpone cheesecake. A rich and creamy mascarpone flavored ice cream, swirled with mandarin curd ripple, and loaded with digestive biscuit pieces. It was a tasty citrus delight. My other half went for the mint choc chip, which combined mint ice cream with lots (and lots) of chocolate chips.
My kids normally opt for strawberry, and Baskin-Robbins does a wonderful very berry strawberry ice cream, packed with real strawberries. However, on this occasion the sheer neon hue of the cotton candy ice cream put all thoughts of strawberry to one side. The cotton candy is a swirly concoction of bright pink and purple ice cream, in their trademark company colors. A little too sweet for me, but the kids absolutely loved it. If you have a party coming up, or just want an extra special dessert for sharing, they have a range of ice cream cakes, including chocolate truffle, praline choco delight, and a strawberry delight.
We were given a free fruit blast, a refreshing and intense flavored iced drink. Made from real fruit base, blended with ice, flavors include Berry Burst, a sweet mix of berries and pomegranate, Wild Mango, and Strawberry Citrus. Smoothies come in the same flavor combinations, blending fruit blast with creamy low-fat frozen yogurt. Milkshakes include vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and mint choc chip. Bringing back memories of my childhood, they also have ice cream soda floats.
At RMB 18 per scoop, which you can have in a cup or cone, it’s great value for good quality ice cream. There is sure to be a flavor to suit everyone’s tastes. The store is bright and airy, with plenty of seating, the latest magazines to read, and free Wi-Fi. They don’t have their own bathrooms, but clean toilets are located in Europlaza shopping mall.
Baskin-Robbins
Europlaza, Level 1, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District
beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.
Photos: hamdiii (flickr), Sally Wilson
