Written on: 1/8/2025
Name: 21時にアイス 心斎橋店 (Ice Cream Shop at 9pm Shinsaibashi)
Ratings and Comments
Exterior – 3/5
Nothing special, but nothing to complain about either.
Interior – 3/5
Similar to the exterior—nothing particularly noteworthy. There are only a couple of standing tables, but it seems the general expectation is for customers to take their ice cream to go.
Menu/Price – 3.5/5
I’m a bit torn on this rating. On one hand, there’s only one ice cream flavor, so there’s not much variety in that regard. On the other hand, they offer a wide range of toppings, sauces, and extras, many of which are quite unique and not something you’d typically find at an ice cream shop. I really appreciate their creativity and commitment to innovation. Given the small portion sizes, the pricing feels a bit high, ranging from 450 to 680 yen. Most of the more interesting options are 550 yen and up, which is a bit steep for the tiny cup you receive.
Drinks – N/A
No drinks are served here.
Food – 3/5
The soft-serve base is the same for every item, with variations coming solely from the toppings and sauces. The ice cream itself is labeled as “plain” on the menu, which is an accurate description—if anything, it’s a very mild vanilla, but overall, quite neutral in flavor. All variations come with corn flakes at the bottom of the cup, which I really enjoyed.
I tried the Matcha Mont Blanc, while my father had the Chocolate Banana:
- The Matcha Mont Blanc features a beautifully swirled matcha paste over the ice cream. The texture is very similar to anko (the sweet red bean filling commonly found in mochi), and the flavor was excellent.
- The Chocolate Banana had banana slices and chocolate syrup layered inside the ice cream. I tried a bite, and while it was objectively flavorful, I don’t personally enjoy bananas or banana-flavored desserts, so it wasn’t for me.
Staff – 3.5/5
The staff were friendly and hardworking during my visit.
Restroom – N/A
There is no restroom available.
Conclusion – 3/5
The small portion sizes and lack of flavor in the ice cream itself left me wanting more. However, the toppings, sauces, and overall presentation were enjoyable. I understand that the toppings are meant to be the focal point, but for me, the overall dessert didn’t quite land.
I appreciate their creativity and effort to reimagine the traditional ice cream cup, but I likely wouldn’t return. The price is a little too high, and the dessert itself didn’t fully win me over. That said, if you’re in the area and looking for a unique dessert experience, it’s worth trying at least once.
