Sometimes I’m excused of being a little bit negative, so after visiting Chin Chin Laboratories liquid nitrogen ice cream parlor I thought it would be a good idea to give two sides of the story. One from myself and the other from my girlfriend who I surprised with the random visit to Chin Chin Labs.
So here you go first off my girlfriend’s review of Chin Chin Labs:
It was a sunny Sunday afternoon and a lovely surprise invitation from the boyfriend. A mysterious journey to a hot spot, a place called Chin Chin Laboratories.
At first I was wondering what it was? The weird name adds even more to my curiosity. Finally it all made sense, a liquid nitrogen ice cream parlour!
I was excited by the prospect due to my love of ice cream, but it took us a while to find out why it is so special as there was a 20-25 minute queue.
After all the buzz around Chin Chin’s the queue put a bit of a downer on it. So if queuing was a marketing technique by Mr. Chin Chin, a big thumbs down for you.
Whilst getting sun burnt in the queue outside one of the ‘laboratorists’ (or scientists) came outside to explain the process involving liquid nitrogen in the making of their ice cream. The speed at which it freezes doesn’t allow coarse crystals to form, resulting a creamier, denser and smoother ice cream. When our turn finally arrived, I have to admit, I felt like a child watching a magic show. Or I should say, watching a science experiment.
The parlour, as its name suggests, is a mad’s scientists laboratory and the laboratorists wear the appropriate gear for safety and fun. A thick mixture of the chosen flavour is poured into a stainless-steel mixer followed by the liquid nitrogen which creates a pretty cool visual effect.
All the waiting was down to making the ice cream individually one by one in front of the customer as part of the experience. Although, I’d suggest more mixers and more people being served at the same time. The flavours offered were: Valrhona Chocolate, Madagascan Vanilla and a daily special. On that day it was Deep Fried Carrot Cake and I did not think twice before choosing it.
Whilst the price isn’t the cheapest, it includes a choice of topping, a sauce and a decent amount of ice cream. It was a fun experience but the queue could have been smaller, avoid visiting at the weekend.
And finally here’s my review:
Liquid nitrogen ice cream, how intriguing does that sound? Well I went to find out in Camden, London. Down by Camden locks in one of London alternative hotspots, hidden in the stables market in Chin Chin Laboratories ice cream parlor.
I’d decided to surprise the girlfriend with a swift visit to Chin Chin after a few travel bloggers had recommended it, Justin of http://www.48houradventure.com.
Here’s his thoughts in a brief twitter length response:
m_deluxe says:
@TravMonkey quirky ice cream flavours created with liquid nitrogen before your eyes. Does good Monmouth coffee, swing set out the front
Unfortunately after wandering through the market and finally locating the shop we were greeted with a big queue. We weren’t the only ones to have heard of chin chins novelty.
We decided to search for some lunch amongst Camden many stalls planning to return when the queue had died down. Upon returning an hour later the queue was even bigger and worryingly showed no signs of movement.
So much for the exciting surprise! I’d been told it would be a good place for a date. After waiting at least twenty minutes we finally made it to the counter. The ice cream was blended in front of us by pouring the ice cream liquid from large test tubes into a blender the adding liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen gas poured everywhere making the whole process look impressive to the on looking queue. I went for the chocolate flavour and the girlfriend opted for deep fried carrot cake flavour.
The ice cream was superb made with liquid nitrogen to ensure that the ice cream forms without any forming of ice. Despite the needless queuing the ice cream was beautiful and chin chin was great for a one off experience. I don’t think ill be visiting again with the ice cream being close to the price of a tube of Ben and Jerry’s but it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area.
