Given the rise of alternative dessert offerings in Shenzhen, this month we embarked on a dessert faceoff between two of the most unique options: vegan ice cream and food truck soft serve. In one corner, we have the spunky Canadian proprietor of Nomasté, Stephanie Morris, dolling out her “nice cream” with an almond milk and coconut cream base. In the other corner, weighing in with pure New Zealand honey comb and organic cotton candy toppings, is Korean-Taiwanese brand Honey Crème. Ding!
Nomasté
Morris is based out of Shekou, where she makes her goodies in a standard-size apartment kitchen, then freezes them in her modest industrial-size freezer. She sells all of her nice creams for RMB20 a package or RMB50 for three.
We sample a trio of top choices. Coconut maca goes down rich and smooth with a hint of maca’s distinctive sweetness. Kiwi lychee is similar to a fruit sorbet, but with a creamier texture and a refreshing burst of lychee flavor. The pina colada is our choice for the summer though, with no alcohol and a full pineapple taste. A perfect poolside summer treat.
Nomasté has no added sugar, uses local fruits and sources all coconut cream and milk from Thailand. Also, Morris makes her own almond milk and packages everything herself, ensuring the highest quality standards.
// For delivery call 136 4140 6225
Honey Crème
Honey Crème’s friendly staff promptly throws down with two recommended flavors, rock salt and dark chocolate (RMB27) and honey comb (RMB30). The ice cream comes in colored sugar cones with about triple the amount of standard-issue ice cream.
The consistency mirrors that of McDonald’s soft serve, though both Honey Crème flavors taste better and more distinctive than the fast food chain’s options. However, given the massive amount of ice cream and small cones, one of ours eventually melts and falls to the floor, about a third of the way into consumption. We highly recommend sharing or getting the ice cream in a cup to avoid this issue.
Though the brand is from Singapore, Honey Crème sources all of their honey from New Zealand. While the quality of the honey rings sweet and pure, it tastes awkward with the processed sugar of the ice cream itself.
// J40, L1/F (by Simply Life), Coco Park, Fuhua San Lu, Futian District 福田区福华三路Coco Park L1层J40 (近星美乐)
Verdict: In terms of overall taste, ease of eating and overall quality of ingredients, we say the winner is: Nomasté!
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