In life, many paths lead to the same outcome. Take ice cream, for example, which almost always starts with the same base recipe or technique. The flavours may change, but the first few steps are largely the same. Except at Chin Chin, which certainly takes the road less travelled on the way to incredible ice cream.
Chin Chin takes an approach to ice cream that is more akin to a mad scientist than ice cream makers, using liquid nitrogen to freeze their delicious concoctions. The process is simple, and yet somehow metal AF. Liquid nitrogen is poured over their inventive mixes before being hand-churned into glossy ice cream. And to go along with their inventive technique, they’ve got equally wacky and wonderful flavours. The results are truly outstanding.
Chin Chin’s delightfully sweet journey started in 2010 when they took over “a small, crumbling shop in Camden”. Now they have locations in Soho and Camden, and even an international site in Bahrain. And they show no signs of slowing down any time soon!
Wacky ice cream flavours
Ordering requires navigating a monster of a menu, but we’re here to help. It all starts with their classic flavours, which elevate nostalgic favourites to new heights. Their Tonka Bean, for example, is essentially the most vanilla-y vanilla you’ve ever tasted. Meanwhile, the Valrhona Chocolate takes your expectations of chocolate to a richer, deeper place. And their Burnt Butter Caramel adds depth to the typically saccharine-sweet flavour.
Other flavours of ice cream can include everything from Pantyhose Thai Tea to Guinness & Marmite, Coffee & Olive Oil, Banana Miso, and more. Be sure to visit both locations to explore the weekly-changing specials and the chef’s special flavours. And keep an eye out for their frequent themed specials for special occasions.
But it doesn’t stop with the scoops (or the soft-serve if that’s your choice). There’s also a frankly ridiculous range of toppings. These include everything from Bee Pollen Honeycomb to Truffle Crumble, Pandan Whipped Cream, Hazelnut Sand, Marshmallow Fluff, Chocolate Crack, and more. You can even have your sweet treat served in a tub, in a brownie cookie sandwich, in a marshmallow-stuffed waffle cone, or atop a bowl of griddled cookie dough.
The sheer number of times you’d need to visit to try every combination is a delicious, albeit wallet-emptying, prospect.
15 Years of Chin Chin
If you’re a fan of Chin Chin’s wildest flavours, then you’re in luck. To celebrate 15 years since they first started serving up their icy treats, Chin Chin has brought back some of their most unique and beloved flavours.
Chin Chin has brought 15 flavours back from the past. These are:
- Apple Butter Pie
- Avocado & Toast
- Basil Choc Chip
- Beetroot Goat’s Cheese Crumble
- Blueberry Buttermilk Pancake
- Cigar Smoked Caramel
- Coffee & Tobacco
- Green Grass
- Grilled Sweetcorn
- Hazelnut & Kikos (Fried Corn)
- Mozzarella Cherry Swirl
- Pumpkin Seed Milk
- Scones Cream Tea
- Sea Buckthorn
- Strawberry & Hay
The returning flavours are available all summer long at the Chin Chin Dessert Club, Soho. As if that wasn’t enough, they’re also launching a new series of brunch-inspired menu items to celebrate their birthday. First on the list? How about a slice of Banana Bread Toast & Honey Butter Ice Cream? YUM!
But wait, there’s more…
All that and we haven’t even mentioned Chin Chin’s glorious hot chocolates, about which we could probably write a whole separate article. Molten hot chocolate is topped with gooey marshmallow fluff and blowtorched until it evokes the taste of toasting marshmallows over a campfire. It’s the stuff of legend at this point.
As if all that wasn’t enough, there are all manner of other desserts to complement their frozen delights. (So it really is never too cold for a trip to this ice creamery.) You can get everything from ice cream cookie sandwiches to sticky toffee pudding sundaes, tiramisu, brûléed banoffee pie, and more.
Kitchen wizardry and delectable sweet treats are truly de rigeur for Chin Chin. Deliciousness awaits whatever you choose to order… But we understand if you need a minute or ten to decide!
📍 Chin Chin Soho: 54 Greek Street, W1D 3DS. Chin Chin Camden: 49-50 Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF.
Find out more on their website.