Gongti | Gustomenta

Since 2005, Gustomenta's made a name for itself as the city's most well-known ice cream shop, but the family who runs the establishment has been in the gelato business in Italy for three decades already. The ice cream's so popular it's sold around town (Cafe Zarah, for example), and Gustomenta's just opened their new shop near Gongti. The new store's got the same great gelato (15 yuan a scoop, 25 yuan for two, 35 yuan for three), served in cups or cones, with popular flavors like tiramisu, lemon and hazelnut. Our vote goes to the flavor packed pistachio.

Contact: Xindong Lu 38-12

Tel: 010-6417-8890

Wangfujing | Yogen Fruz

We know it's not technically ice cream, and we did doubt the ability of a low or non-fat dessert to truly satisfy, but we've become regulars at this Canadian chain. First, pick from a decent selection of fruit, like strawberry, mango, melon or banana. The first two come free, with extras 3 yuan each. Then the block of frozen yogurt and fruits are thrown into the magic Yogen Fruz machine, and voila, a fully blended dessert comes out, soft serve style. We only wish everything healthy tasted this good. 23 yuan for a small, 29 yuan for a medium and 35 yuan for a large.

Contact: The Malls at Oriental Plaza, FF02, 1 Chang'an Jie

Tel: 010-8515-2125

Guomao | Cold Stone Creamery

If you've never been to Cold Stone, prepare to spend at least 10 minutes agonizing over what kind of insane ice cream concoction you have the power to create. Start with a choice of 12 ice creams, then pick your add-ins, the fruit, nuts, sauces and Willy Wonka-esque selection of candies that Cold Stone's servers chop into your ice cream. For those tired of pondering whether gummy bears, Kit Kat, Snickers and strawberry ice cream would actually taste good, the shop has great signature creation cups. We devoured the Cheesecake Fantasy. Prices depend on sizes and add-ins, with a small signature creation starting at 27 yuan.

Contact: B1, China World Tower 1, 1 Jianguomen Wai

Tel: 010-6505-8588

(Cityweekend.com.cn July 11, 2008)