Luke L.
Yelp
*** No cash accepted ***
One of my foodie friends has been hooked on visiting ice cream shops with Asian-inspired flavors and this is one of ice cream shops that fit the category. The local small business ice cream shop was opened by the Dang family in May 2024 (https://wvnexus.org/features/dang-family-to-open-dang-good-ice-cream-scoop-shop-on-may-18-2024/). The shop is a part of newer extension of Yes Plaza and located between Jiou Chu Dumplings and Banana Bay.
[Parking]: Extremely difficult to find parking spots within the main Yes Plaza, but later I realized there's an additional parking section right in front of the ice cream shop.
[Service]: The staff was efficient and I was able to try 6 samples (Matcha Green Tea, Honey Lavender, Honey Avocado, Black Sesame, Vietnamese Coffee, etc.). No restroom for customers.
[Flavors]: I asked the staff on the most popular flavors and the response I got was see the banner. The banners showed 8 flavors (with a heavy focus on Asian-inspired flavors) such as Dang Good Durian, Honey Avocado, Intensely Dark Chocolate, Kookie Cookie Monster, Sumptuous Strawberry, Vietnamese Coffee, Uber Ube (Purple Yam), and Luscious Lychee. Other interesting flavors I spotted include Brown Sugar Boba, Refreshing Coconut, Hibiscus Dragon Fruit, Guava Glissade, Black Sesame, Tai Chi Thai Tea, etc.
[Prices]: Single scoop for $4.75 (one flavor only - unable to split and get two flavors), double scoops for $6.75, and pint for $10.00. Cup = free, sugar cone & cake cone = $0.50, waffle cone = $1.00, and toppings = $0.50 each. Sorry no kid scoop here.
[Loyalty Rewards]: One star = single scoop and two stars = two scoops. 15 stars = free single scoop + one topping and 25 stars = free double scoop + one topping. Earn double stars on scoops on Monday to Wednesday from 1 PM to 6 PM. Scan QR code on the sign to sign up & get 20% off.
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Honey Lavender (single scoop - $4.75): After trying out 6 samples I ended up the good old honey lavender. Most of Asian inspired flavors tasted alright and I did notice my ice cream melt pretty easily. Honey lavender tasted decent, but it certainly lacked the 'wow' factor.
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If Salt & Straw is the gold standard, then Dang Good Ice Cream isn't quite there yet. However I do think some of their Asian-inspired flavors are fairly unique and will draw certain niche customers who are willing to try them out.