Gelato with a Chinese Twist at This Shenzhen Ice Creamery

The Place

Initially run as a side business by a Shanghai-based crab restaurant during the offseason, Bonus has quickly developed into a wanghong (internet famous) brand over the past two years. With two outlets already firmly established in Shanghai, this gelato-focused venture has now launched a third shop at MixC World.

Image by Jonathan Zhong/That’s

The Ice Cream

Essentially an Italian-style ice cream shop, Bonus’ creamy products often come with exotic – and sometimes wacky – flavors such as osmanthus rice wine, Chinese walnut and their sought-after salted duck egg, with new flavors being introduced every month. 

Image by Jonathan Zhong/That’s

However, it appears the establishment has yet to gain a firm foothold in our city. One thing we struggled with was the unavailability (sometimes month-long) of certain flavors, even though they are still advertised on their Meituan page.

Image by Jonathan Zhong/That’s

When we visited the shop, Bonus happened to have their unique salted duck egg gelato (RMB25) in stock. This ice cream not only tastes like it sounds, but also maintains the rough texture of a hard-boiled egg yolk, all of which make it unpleasantly thick and rather chaotic.

Moving on, we sampled the mango and passion fruit flavor, as well as the jasmine tea flavor (RMB25 each). Though the overall taste of the fruit-based sorbet leans slightly towards the passion fruit, we found it enjoyable and refreshing. The same can also be said for the very fragrant jasmine tea flavor, which comes at the right intensity and maintains its flavor from the first bite to the last – a must-try if you’re a tea lover.

Image by Jonathan Zhong/That’s

The Vibe

With the shop’s changing menu and their willingness to experiment with all kinds of Chinese flavors, you’re bound to taste something new. But will they be good? Well, you’ll have to try for yourself.

Price: RMB25-35
Who’s going: gelato gluttons, wanghong-shop chasers
Good for: quality ice cream, unique flavors, taste testing
Nearest metro: Houhai (Exit F), 10 minutes’ walk

Open daily, 10am-10pm. See listing for Bonus. 

[Cover image by Jonathan Zhong/That’s]