DH and I were in the Orange County area this weekend taking care of some errands and we stumbled upon Snow Station, which claims to make the very best snow shaved ice. Bold claims. So in we went to check it out for ourselves.
Snow Station follows in the trend of new snow ice places that have popped up, using the popular frozen yogurt concept with snow ice by offering more variety of flavors and using frozen yogurt toppings like prepackaged mini mochi and jellies.
We decided to each get a small, which comes with two toppings.
Taro Snow Ice with popping lychee and green tea mochi
One thing I do like about these new snow ice shops is that you can get more nontraditional flavors like taro.
Let’s start with the good. The snow doesn’t ribbon like traditional Taiwanese snow ice does, which is interesting because in their photo they show ribbon layered snow ice. Instead, the ice is in tiny pieces. However, even though it’s in tiny pieces (which usually is a sign it’s too icy), the snow here was actually super, super soft. It resembles a fresh snowfall in its presentation and is some of the softest snow ice I’ve ever tasted. So even though it doesn’t ribbon, I’d say this is the best snow ice I’ve had in terms of texture.
The bad: I had a hard time choosing toppings. Traditionally, snow ice is served with a choice of toppings like fresh fruit (mangoes are very popular), fresh made mochi, pudding, taro, red beans, green beans. I know some of the latter toppings aren’t as popular for those who did not grow up eating this stuff, but it would be nice if they offered some of the most popular traditional toppings (fresh fruit, fresh made mochi, pudding). I didn’t particularly care for the toppings offered. The only fresh fruit was strawberries and the pre-packaged mochi were extremely hard/stale.
The ice flavors were also a big problem. The taro one was pretty good. However, some of the other ones we tried were not. Some were so bad we couldn’t even finish the ice, which I don’t think has ever happened before until now.
Almond Snow Ice with rainbow jelly and mango mochi
The almond snow ice is an example of bad flavors. I believe they used almond extract to create the almond flavor. But they used way too much and the ice ended tasting nothing like almonds. The strong alcohol taste was quite off-putting and we only ate about half before giving up.
DH also didn’t care for the toppings offered and was thinking of just getting the ice without any toppings.
Despite this miss, DH decided he wanted yet another shaved ice! (Proof I’m not the only crazy eater in this relationship.)
This time we got a large because you can get two flavors.
Milk and Green Tea Snow Ice with canned lychee and strawberries
Milk snow is the original snow ice and usually our favorite. However, the milk snow here was not the same. It was made with unsweetened milk powder and as a result, this was the worst milk snow ice we’ve ever eaten. We managed about three bites before stopping. Yes, it was covered with condensed milk, but you could still taste the unsweetened milk powder ice. Blegh.
The green tea was much better, and was my favorite next to the taro.
As you might have guessed, we did not agree with the claims that Snow Station makes the best snow ice in town. I do believe they have the softest snow ice texture I’ve come across in the US, but the flavors are hit and miss and the misses are quite extreme misses. If it weren’t for the awful almond and milk snow ices, Snow Station might come in second or third on my list of favorite snow ice places, but it’s hard to forget the bad flavors. I’d also like to see toppings like fresh fruit rather than the prepackaged frozen yogurt toppings. That being said, it’s still better than anything we currently have in SD and if I am in the area again, I wouldn’t mind getting the taro or green tea.
Snow Ice Power Rankings:
Class 302 (RH or Irvine) > Papa Walk > Fluff Ice > Snow Station > The Balcony Grill> Red Hot Wok > I-Tea cafe> Up 2 You > Liang’s Kitchen.
Snow Station
9938 Bolsa Ave
Ste 117
Westminster, CA 92683
You should have tried Snow Monster down the street. Their snow is authentic and has ribbons. They also use real fruits that you can taste in the snow so it’s delicious! More variety and they have other dessert options. My personal shaved snow list would be Snow Monster > Class 302 > Papa Walk > Fluff Ice > Balcony > Snow Station > I-Tea Cafe
Oh, thanks for letting me know. I will try Snow Monster next time I’m there then!
Too bad that this a bit hit and miss for you guys. the almond one sounded horrible.
the popping lychee topping looked very attractive. my daughter likes to get those popping things on her frozen yogurt.
They had quite a few popping flavors. DH and I don’t really care for them. DH calls them fish eggs since they have the same texture as the large orange fish eggs. I would still say it’s worth a visit, just stay away from the almond and milk.
I love snow station! I’d recommend the lychee flavor. That and Taro are my fav with green tea mochi topping and strawberries. I’d pass on passion and watermelon flavors.
I was considering the lychee flavor. I’ll try it next time.
I may be in that area this weekend, but I don’t think I’ll put this place on my list. Funny – the green tea mochi look like peas and the mango mochi look like corn!
It might be worth it to try the taro or the green tea. It’s still about a thousand times better than what we have in SD.