Have you heard of “Mixue Ice Cream & Tea,” a dessert chain that has gained explosive popularity in Asia in recent years? After first discovering it during a trip to Indonesia last year, I’ve visited their stores in Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.
In this article, based on those experiences, I will provide a detailed explanation of Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, including its history, features, and popular menu items.
“Mixue Ice Cream & Tea”: The Hugely Popular Dessert Chain in Asia
Features of Mixue Ice Cream & Tea
Mixue Ice Cream & Tea has three main features:
- Low Prices: Mixue drinks and ice creams are offered at very affordable prices, typically around 80 to 200 yen per cup.
- High Quality: Despite the low prices, they offer high-quality desserts made with fresh fruits and milk.
- Extensive Menu: They boast a rich menu including mixed juices, ice cream, bubble tea, and shaved ice.
When you’re walking around in Asia’s hot climate, you often want something cold to eat and a place to rest. If there’s a store within walking distance of your accommodation, it’s a great spot to drop by. Many stores also have air conditioning, and some even have a few chairs and tables.
Popular Menu Items at Mixue Ice Cream & Tea
The top three popular menu items at Mixue Ice Cream & Tea are:
- Mixed Juices: Rich and flavorful mixed juices combining various fruits. Lemonade seems to be particularly popular.
- Ice Cream (Soft Serve): I’ve only ever seen vanilla soft serve.
- Bubble Tea: They offer various types of bubble tea, including milk tea, coffee, and fruit tea. Brown sugar milk tea with tapioca is very popular.
- Others: Sundaes also appear to be popular.
My Recommendation
My recommendation is definitely the ice cream (soft serve). In any Asian country, it costs about 80 Japanese Yen, and despite the low price, the portion size is satisfying.
Additional Information: The History of Mixue Ice Cream & Tea
Mixue Ice Cream & Tea was founded in 1997 in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China. It started as a small ice cream shop but gradually expanded its number of stores, beginning its franchise expansion in 2006. In recent years, by offering high-quality desserts at low prices, it has gained explosive popularity, especially among the younger generation. It has grown to operate over 20,000 stores across China, becoming the largest dessert chain in the country.
- Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Official Website: https://mixue.asia/
What “Mixue” Means
Despite becoming a well-known ice cream brand, many people still don’t know the true meaning of the word “Mixue.” Interestingly, the name Mixue carries a deep and unique meaning inspired by the Chinese language.
“Mixue” itself comes from the Chinese words “Mi” and “Xue.” “Mi” means “honey” and is taken from the words feng mi and tiang mi, both of which mean sweet. On the other hand, “Xue” means “snow.” When combined, Mixue means “sweet snow like honey.”
However, the correct pronunciation of Mixue is “Mishue.” While it may sound a bit difficult, this is the correct pronunciation recommended by Mixue itself. By saying “Mishue,” you can get a more authentic feel that aligns with the Chinese origin of the Mixue name.
Conclusion
This article provided a detailed explanation of “Mixue Ice Cream & Tea,” the hugely popular dessert chain in China, covering its history, features, popular menu items, and information about its expansion into Japan. Mixue Ice Cream & Tea is sure to attract increasing attention in Japan in the future. Be sure to check it out!
