Roadtest: Where to go for a bit of culture

Froyo (that’s frozen yoghurt for any of you who are not up with the lingo) has taken off in Australia in a big way recently, with four new stores opening up in the Inner West alone within the last year. Sure, we’re a bit behind the USA, where frozen yoghurt has been a popular snack since the early-2000s, but better late than never, right? Here’s where to get your froyo fix and some tips for where you’ll find the best value and taste…

Wow Cow

Opening in 2006, Wow Cow Newtown led the froyo trend before it became mainstream. Their quality product makes for a nice treat after a movie at Dendy and they are one of the few chains around that are Australian. While this store generally has less options than other froyo joints in Newtown, what they do have on offer is always thick, creamy and delicious, the toppings are fresh and the flavours are changed regularly (except for the permanent classics: original and chocolate). A small cup will set you back $4.50 plus $1 for each topping you add. Worth every penny.
Verdict: 4.5/5

Yogurtland

Continuing the yoghurt revolution is American company Yogurtland. They opened in Newtown in May and are a favourite among froyo fans for their big range of innovative and tasty flavour options. This place is different to other frozen yoghurt bars because it is self-serve, which makes it easy to get carried away at the yoghurt dispenser but beware – you’ll be charged by the weight of your cup. On the other hand, it’s good for those moments (however rare they may be), when you just feel like a spoonful of froyo.
Verdict: 4/5

Wild Orange

This little place opened in Balmain in March and already has a dedicated following. It does smaller sizes than most froyo chains, has a huge variety of toppings (I counted over 40) and around six froyo flavours on rotation. They occasionally do specials for regular froyos plus three toppings for $5, which is decent value, otherwise they are a little more expensive than some other chains but froyo taste and consistency is certainly up to scratch.
Verdict: 4/5

Yogurberry

Originally launched in South Korea, the first Australian store opened in 2012. Yogurberry makes three froyo stores on King Street and this one gets extra points for the extra seating as well as the free wi-fi. While the toppings are nice and fresh, the yoghurt itself (of which there are 10 flavours to choose from) has a slightly watery consistency, which is a little disappointing. The fruity flavours are better than the chocolate though and the night staff are the friendliest around, making for an overall nice experience. Like Yogurtland, this place is self-serve and charges 25c per 10g.
Verdict: 3/5

Moochi

Burwood got its first frozen yoghurt store only a month ago in the Westfield and, as you would expect, there’s almost always a line-up. Moochi is Australian-owned and prides itself on having a more natural, tart yoghurt taste and being less artificially sweet than other chains. Siblings David and Jenn opened their first store in Strathfield in 2011 and people reportedly lined up for 60 metres out the door. The standards remain high and their yoghurt is always creamy and never watery.
Verdict: 4.5/5