I went to Magicream yesterday to see what the hype is all about. Liquid nitrogen ice cream? Does it actually taste any different from regular ice cream?

Well folks, I'm glad to tell you that it indeed does!
First, as soon as you enter, what you see is a very, er, sterile medicinal kinda set up. It adds to the whole "science lab" kind of appeal, with big white shiny blenders and mixers on a shiny counter separated by a glass half-wall.
Magicream's concept is very unique: you pick your size, the base flavor and the sauces and toppings you like. Then they pour in milk, sugar and flavoring into a big mixing bowl, turn on the machine which then churns the stuff while a cloud of evaporating liquid nitrogen engulfs it. After about 5 mins, your ice cream is ready, they scoop it out into a bowl, add the sauces and toppings and voila your ice cream is ready.

They claim that their ice cream has the smallest particles for an extra smooth texture because of the speed with which the nitrogen cools the mixture. The ice cream actually tastes as smooth as butter that has been kept in the fridge. Really. My only complaint is that it didn't taste like the cheesecake flavor that we'd asked for, instead tasting like regular vanilla.

A family sized cup with a single topping (each costs a dollar extra) comes to $10.49, a very decent price I must say, for the novel experience and portions big enough for 2-3 people. I'm definitely visiting again to try more of their flavors!

Pro Tip #1: Mondays are closed during the winter. As per the sign outside their store.

Pro Tip #2: Unlike regular ice cream places, you can't taste the flavors to help make up your mind, since they make the ice cream for you right there, after you place your order. This may lead to delays if you go at a busy time.

Located in the Kerrisdale area, Vancouver’s latest liquid nitrogen ice cream parlour. How does this one differ from the other places? I think it’s how personalized you can get with the product. . From the base of the ice cream, 40+ flavours, toppings you get to decide them all! I really like this huge diagram they have on the wall that explains how the process works and a little bit about what nitrogen is. I’ve never seen this type of description at any of the other parlours yet.

One-liner: Great value for nitrogen ice cream, and probably the best outside of downtown Vancouver
Highlight: Coffee MagiCream
Estimated cost per person: $10
Would I go back? Yes.

Check out my blog post for the full review!