Summer in Beijing calls for a chain of shaved ice establishments like Ice Monster to provide solace from the sweltering heat. Although Ice Monster has a reputation in East Asia for its frigid treats, we feel the true gauge of success for a dessert-focused eatery is often the number of lonesome ladies and gentlemen present, filling the holes in their hearts with sugar, of which Ice Monster seemingly has plenty.

Hailed by CNN as one of the best desserts in the world, we had high expectations. The mascot for this Taiwan franchise origins is a cute, mustached, butter-like cube cooling off with a block of ice on its head. On the day of our visit, we could identify with this method of combating the oppressive forces of summer.

There are about 10 flavors to choose from, including mango, lime, peanut, and coffee. We picked the Coffee Sensation in the hope that it would provide a little pick me up from the weekday grind. It included a shot glass of syrup to douse the small mountain of shaved ice with even more delectable sugar, delivering a refreshing mound of coffee-flavored goodness.

Although it looks gigantic, every bite melts immediately upon reaching your tongue. Located texturally somewhere in between icy cotton candy and housing insulation, it was easily and quickly consumed. The prices are perhaps a little steep, around RMB 70, so it maybe best to split with a friend or use your skills as a pickup artist to mooch on a stranger’s.

While it must be said that these offerings aren’t as healthy as some of the fro-yo options around town, it is ultimately just sugar and water along with a couple other items that are cooling and desirable and fill all the requirements of a tasty summer treat.

Ice Monster
Daily 10am-10pm. SLG38-1, Taikoo Li Sanlitun South, Chaoyang District (6410 9971)
朝阳区三里屯太古里南区SLG38-1
700m west of Tuanjiehu (Line 10)

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photo: www.ice-monster.com