Move over, Lady M, your tenure as Shanghai's wanghong dessert of choice is apparently up – because new Hokkaido-born dessert shop Zaku Zaku (ザクザク) has arrived. Situated in the swanky IFC Mall just meters away from the Lady M store, which once drew a crowd so large it had to be shut down by the police, this cult Japanese dessert shop specializes in crunchy, croquant-topped choux buns and soft-serve ice cream made with Hokkaido milk, known for its ridiculous creaminess and well-looked-after cows.
Bowing to peer pressure, we joined the back of the line during a quiet period after the lunch rush and hunkered down for a 40-minute wait – a surprisingly long time considering that soft serve and pre-filled choux buns are so quickly administered...
Nevertheless, the smell of the hot choux buns emerging from the ovens keep the crowd motivated and jostling to get to the front. Some of them may step on your toes or shout loudly into your ear, making the experience extra, extra fun.
What makes these choux more special than any regular old bun is a crispy, crunchy croquant coating made from roasted almonds, egg white and sugar. When you bite into it, it makes a sound like 'zakuzaku,' hence the onomatopoeic name of the shop.
These buns are filled with either piped crème pâtissière or Hokkaido milk soft serve ice cream, pure and pristine as the driven Niseko snow. We opted for the latter. Not going to lie, we found it delicious.
It absolutely does not look like an ice cream turd.
The outside has a malty, cereal-like flavor, and is obviously freshly baked. The ice cream inside is a brilliant contrast; thick, creamy, super smooth and light on sugar.
If you're more into ice cream, you can opt for a soft-serve cone embellished with croquant crumbles. Seems like a waste though since the choux bun is what Zaku Zaku is known for (and named after.)
So is the line worth it? If you're in the area with nothing to do for an hour, then sure, why not?
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