Photos by Claire Zheng
Don’t be misled by the name – this review isn’t dedicated to the eccentric British character portrayed by Rowan Atkinson. Rather, it refers to the fact that Mr. Bean sells bean products; everything from soy milk to legume snacks.
Founded in 1995, the Singaporean chain boldly expanded soy milk’s ‘territory’ to occupy a crucial space in people’s everyday diets. Instead of being a mere substitute for cow’s milk at breakfast, soy milk, under the direction of the brand, took on new roles as an afternoon pick-me-up and light midnight snack. In order to cater to all age groups, the company refashioned the high-fiber drink into blended beverages, ice creams and pastries.
After establishing kiosks in Korea and Japan, the brand has finally made its arrival in the City of the Ram. Currently, there are two Mr. Beans in town: one in the popular Grandview Mall and another in the less-traveled Starlight Walk in Haizhu District. Both are decked out in lime green, evoking freshness and health.
It’s no surprise that a business specializing in soya milk is most proud of its… soya milk, particularly the classic (RMB7) and chendol (RMB12) varieties. The former is milky white, emitting the scent of freshly ground soybeans, while the latter is sweeter due to the addition of red beans. Both are smooth as silk without any residue.
The signature pudding (RMB16-27) is a creation especially for the Guangzhou market. Instead of being served in a plate or a bowl, the soya milk dessert is presented in a towering glass bottle. Incorporating different flavors, like vanilla, chocolate and mocha, it is eaten not with a spoon but by sucking through a straw, which makes it a takeaway delight.
Seasonal fruits are also available, paving the way for strawberry pudding (RMB25), which contains tangy chunks of fruit that add a fibrous texture to the creamy beverage. Since it has no preservatives or additives, we suggest you don’t leave it in the fridge any longer than a day or two if you want the best taste.
Containing only a quarter of the fat in traditional ice creams, there is no doubt that soy will dominate the frozen dessert market in years to come. Priced at RMB11 per cup, Mr. Bean’s soybean ice cream is low in sugar but high in protein, leaving you lean waisted and guilt free for bikini season.
For those who would prefer a more substantial bite to eat, Mr. Bean also sells soft buttermilk pancakes, available upon request. The tuna-flavored version (RMB12) comes fluffy and packed with steaming filling.
It’s rare to find health-conscious food on the go, but Mr. Bean is revolutionizing the realm of refreshing beverages with a range of tempting low-fat delicacies.
Price: Approx. RMB50
Who’s going: Soybean enthusiasts, health fanatics
Good for: Afternoon tea, weekend hangout
// Listing.
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