Legend has it that the Chinese emperor used to feed ice cream to his concubines to get them in the mood. Reporter Katherine Chan hits the streets to find out what cool treats are getting Beijingers hot today.

1. Gelato

The Italians know romance, so when they do ice cream, they don’t churn in any extra air, making every mouthful of gelato a burst of flavor in your mouth. The best stuff in the city is made fresh daily at Gustomenta. Other faves include to-die-for chocolate ganduia at Romana Italian Ice Cream Factory (B/F Oriental Plaza).

Zhao Xue: “I don’t often eat it, but when I get the urge, there’s nothing better.”

2. Banana Split

Easily the sexiest of all ice cream treats, the banana split is enjoying a revival. This summer Monsoon (at the Inter Continental Hotel) is whipping up modern versions of this classic, while Haagen-Dazs and TGIF are dependable choices for fudge-drenched goodness.

Adrianne: “Besides being blatantly phallic, a banana split is perfect to share with a date, unless I’m PMSing, in which case the guy better order his own.”

3. Ice Cream Fondue

Besides offering a cornucopia of gourmet flavors, Haagen-Dazs’ version of Chinese hot pot offers a wealth of indulgent temptations. Dip fruits into a swirl of creamy delight. Don’t hesitate to eat it by the spoon. Nobody will judge you.

Katherine Cheng: “Who doesn’t like ice cream? I think it’s one of our basic, primitive instincts.”

Keitha: “I’d rather die than not eat ice cream, but I don’t consider it an aphrodisiac unless you add some hot fudge in the mix.”

4. Bingsha

Literally meaning “ice sand,” this Taiwanese specialty is a mound of shaved ice drowned in a torrent of condensed milk, red bean and creamy tapioca. Taiwanese eatery Bellagio is de rigeur for bingsha aficionados, offering six flavors including favorites coconut and mango.

Felix Wu: “I personally don’t love ice cream, but if I’m eating it with a girl I love (like my fiancé), then the ice cream tastes sweeter than ever.”

5. Ice Cream Bar

With so many options in the freezer of your local xiaomaibu it’s hard to choose. But we recommend you skip all the green bean oddities and go right for the appropriately-named Magnum. It’s luscious vanilla and a thick shell of chocolate that barely fits in your mouth.

Tatiana: “It might be too childish to be an aphrodisiac, but I can see how the licking might be.”

Cold Stone Coming to Town

Cold Stone Creamery, known for blending decadent toppings into your ice cream of choice, is already in Shanghai and will be coming to Beijing this September, with plans to open at least two stores before the end of the year. PR manager Terry Sun says, “We offer true, American ice cream that’s richer, creamier and more delicious.” But it’s not just about the ice cream, Terry explains, “I think what makes us stand out is our friendly service, it simply makes customers happy.” If you don’t believe him, just drop a coin in the tip jar and you’ll be serenaded by all the employees (they even take requests).