Let's Shake On It: Let's Burger Makes a Mean Milkshake

Let’s Burger’s chocolate milkshake, to quote Kelis, brings all the boys to the yard. Just like that. No contest.

First, let me make this clear: I grew up in the American Midwest, walking distance from the famed Route 66 and diners like Crown Candy Kitchen and Big Boy that have been serving up milkshakes for more than a century. Malted chocolate milkshake runs in my veins, alongside the powdered donuts clogging up my arteries.

I came to Beijing craving a glass of what you can only get by cranking the lever on a stainless steel soft-serve machine. But China suffers from lactose-inexperience, so most takes on the drink were too powdery or too watery. Grandma’s Kitchen makes a mean peanut butter “shake” but neglects to properly mix in the peanut butter. (Ever heard of a blender, Grandma?) Glutton Cat, formerly on Andingmen, served a halfway decent version of the chocolate shake, but didn’t use real ice cream. A frothy blueberry concoction at a Wudaoying cafe had me vomiting for days, thanks to its use of spoiled milk. That was the last straw.

Then I discovered the chocolate shake at Let’s Burger Plus. I was hooting and hollering after my first sip. This beauty is rich in flavor and not too thick for a straw, but just thick enough for a spoon. It’s cold, it’s creamy (but not too creamy) and it’s icy (but not too icy). It tastes like – would you believe it – blended ice cream. Here’s a little secret: Their milkshake is blended ice cream. Chocolate Nestle ice cream, in fact. It’s blended with whole milk for 10 to 15 seconds. Finely crushed Oreos are added beforehand for an extra cocoa kick, a tip gleaned from a Denny’s restaurant in New Zealand.

Let’s Burger has had this shake on their menu since 2008. The original version involved chocolate powder, but they’ve clearly evolved. Kudos to you, Let’s Burger, for keeping it real.

Think you can win me over with a better milkshake? Tell me in the comments section below.

And here's a bonus trap track of Milkshake:

Photo: Lova