Restaurant Review: Frio

What: Healthy frozen yogurt

Where: 722 Weihai Lu, near Shaanxi Bei Lu

Why: Fro-yo junkies can get their fix

Nipping on the heels of the very popular Pinkberry, Frio is trying to emulate the success of the North American franchise by bringing low-calorie treats to Shanghai. The newly opened locale lands the frozen yogurt flavour and could be considered a weighty contender in the guilt-free indulgence ring.

For a bowl of fro-yo (RMB 19 for a small, RMB 24 for a large), diners first have to make some tough decisions. There are two base flavours to choose from, original or taro, and a selection of toppings that includes diced fruit, smashed Oreos, nuts, granola and chocolate (RMB 6 for three). While not exactly breaking the mould with its yogurt and topping varieties, Frio does offer complimentary blueberry or cranberry syrup, a sweet way to top off the dessert. 

With it bright purple hue, the taro yogurt looks like it has an edge, but the colourful hype doesn’t match the root vegetable’s natural taste. The original, however, makes up for the tired taro with its tart, sweet and very satisfying tang that makes it the perfect base for a fruity, nutty concoction, which is exactly what we did by adding almond slivers, mango and kiwi.

Overall, the fro-yo at Frio is airy and quenching. During the sticky, hot summer months, it will be hard to stay away from this low-fat dessert. Hopefully by then, Frio will have expanded their toppings selection; as of right now the bar is no match to Pinkberry’s spread of edible goodies.