Il Laboratorio del gelato Shenzhen Bay MixC 深圳灣萬象城店 (Shenzhen, CHINA) ★★☆☆☆

We had a lot of food today (again), and with our bellies totally stuffed, we took a slow walk towards Houhai Station (后海站). Little nugget had been browsing left and right the whole time, and it didn’t take long for him to spot something that caught his eye — a gelato shop from New York City.

It was a pretty warm day, so I could totally understand his need for something thirst-quenching. When we stumbled upon Il Laboratorio del Gelato & Caparesh, he made his own choice though I’ll admit his choice of gelato left me scratching my head.

As soon as he found out his favorite vanilla flavor wasn’t available, he went with a scoop of Fuji apple sorbet and toasted coconut gelato (over the NY cheesecake!). I don’t get this!!! 🤔🤔🤔

I thought this was slightly disappointing. The apple sorbet had a bit too much acidity for my liking and the toasted coconut was topped with far too many coconut flakes. Not good.

Food Rating: 5.2/10

Price: ¥¥¥

Address: Zone B, G/F Shenzhen Bay MixC, 3213 Keyuan South Road, Nanshan district, Guangzhou, China

深圳市南山区粤海街道海珠社区科苑南路3213号深圳湾万象城B区

Closest Metro Station: Houhai (后海)

Tel: +86 19075333387

Opening Hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm daily

Map: https://j.map.baidu.com/e3/G9kM

TamKoKo Shenzhen Bay MixC 泰柯茶園 深圳灣萬象城店 (Shenzhen, CHINA) ★★★☆☆

Shenzhen Bay Mixc (深圳灣萬象城) in Nanshan has quietly become the favorite landing spot for some of the city’s hottest newcomers in the food scene. Not long ago, Chun Tian Tea Company (椿田熟成茶行) utilized its prime location as a launchpad for its successful debut in Shenzhen. Now, the latest buzz on social media belongs to TamKoKo (泰柯茶園) — another new member of Pink Street (粉紅大街), a fresh extension at Shenzhen Bay Mixc bringing together some of the city’s trendiest cafés, restaurants, and boutiques under one roof.

TamKoKo is a popular Thai tea brand in China, celebrated for its deep, flavorful Thai tea base and standout toppings like salted cheese and durian. Since I’m not a fan of durian, I went with the drink named “Thai Milk Snow Top” (泰奶雪頂) — an English name I made up on the spot. 😆😆

"Thai Milk Snow Top" (泰奶雪頂) (¥24) — A rich Thai milk tea topped with salted cheese, plus a generous swirl of Thai tea milk-cream soft serve. It’s been one of the most popular — and most Instagrammable — drinks in Shenzhen these days.

With Pink Street gaining momentum, it could be the next destination for some of Shenzhen’s most exciting new openings in the months ahead. Stay tuned.

Food Rating: 5.8/10

Price: ¥¥¥

Address: Shop B1-30, Pink Street, Shenzhen Bay MixC, 3213 Keyuan South Road, Nanshan district, Guangzhou, China

深圳市南山区深圳湾万象城B区粉红大街B1层B1-30号

Closest Metro Station: Houhai (后海)

Tel: +86 18138225060

Opening Hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm daily

Map: https://j.map.baidu.com/e9/yDkM

 

Files Dessert Lab (Shanghai, CHINA) ★★★★☆

Our last night in Shanghai is quietly drawing to a close. We were in Jing’an District (靜安區) shopping for a new suitcase after one of the wheels fell off (甩轆) from our old suitcase a couple of days ago. I was hoping we could admire the night scene around Jing’an Temple (靜安寺), but it turned out the lights were off.

So, I decided to turn my attention elsewhere. While my team went to the department store to get a new suitcase, I went dessert hunting.

Before this trip, Bebaked and Files Dessert Lab (FDL) were two of my must-do stops (for desserts) on my itinerary. With Files Dessert Lab just less than ten minutes away, the decision to go was a no-brainer.

Files Dessert Lab is a high-end, premium dessert shop in Shanghai located in 1788 Plaza, known for its luxury and Instagrammable cakes. Founded by Le Cordon Bleu graduate Ivy Wang, it’s best known for its creative savory-sweet combinations often with hefty price tag.

Chef Wang previously worked at several top Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK, including The Square and Greenhouse, so she knows all about combining innovative French techniques with local ingredients.

When I arrived, the shop was preparing to close, but my server was very patient and courteous. Initially, I was hoping to get my hands on some Basque cheesecakes, but they weren’t on display. Then, after a glance at the beautifully crafted desserts, I was immediately drawn to some of these amazing creations.

Strawberry Rose (草莓玫瑰) (¥68) — This certainly falls under the “too pretty to eat” category.

It features a lovely blend of fresh strawberries, strawberry crémeux, and strawberry sponge, layered with rose-infused mascarpone cream. A hint of basil adds grassy notes, finishing the dessert with a refreshing touch.

A pretty remarkable and visually pleasing dessert. I’m glad I got to cross it off my list on my last night in town.

Food Rating: 6.7/10

Price: ¥¥¥¥

Address: Shop 103, 1/F 1788 Plaza, 1818 West Nanjing Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai, China

上海市靜安区江南京西路1818号1788广场1楼103室

Closest Metro Station: Jing'an Temple (靜安寺)

Tel: +86 17274573457

Opening Hours: 10:00am - 10:00pm daily

Map: https://j.map.baidu.com/6d/zqkM