Why thousands of Australians are queuing to try this new ‘viral’ hotspot: ‘Worth every second’
Australians are queuing for hours outside a cult frozen yoghurt chain to sample the famous filled desserts.
Since opening in Melbourne in 2012, Yo Chi has become a nationwide hit, with locations in five states. Today, a new Queensland location opens in Burleigh Heads.
The hugely popular snack shop has gone viral on Instagram and TikTok for its premium frozen yogurt and acai with customizable toppings that define the season.
Fans of the chain happily wait two hours for the sweet treats and the ‘high vibes’. It is therefore no surprise that there are many people outside the door even in the cold winter months.
“It’s worth every minute of the wait,” one fan said.
“Yeah, going out is fun, but have you ever been to Yo-Chi’s on a Thursday night at 8:30,” another woman joked.
This vibrant ice cream destination currently offers five flavors made fresh daily: signature cake, salted butterscotch, classic vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry cream.
There is also a seasonal range with flavours such as cookies and cream, green tea and mango and a dairy-free coconut yoghurt.
Queues outside the Yo-Chi store in Melbourne can be up to two hours wait, even in winter
Yo-Chi’s frozen yogurt is made daily with classic and seasonal flavors and is also available in gluten-free and dairy-free options
“Incredibly delicious frozen yogurt,” said one fan.
“This is my first time trying Yo-Chi and it definitely lives up to expectations,” agreed another.
The buffet-style toppings bar is where the self-service fro-yo experience reaches new heights, with an impressive array of healthy, decadent and colorful toppings and sauces.
Peanut butter, chocolate fudge brownie, Biscoff, chocolate ground, Oreo cookies, Malteasers, peanut butter and dark chocolate sauce are some of the most intense ways to spice up your frozen yogurt or acai.
Those looking for something a little fresher can opt for watermelon and mint, strawberries, kiwis, mango fruit pearls and exotic lychee.
Location of Yo-Chi’s Semaphore in South Australia
The ultimate Pistachio Papi topping was a cult favorite among fans
Yo-Chi also offers self-serve acai, which fans call divine.
“It’s the best acai in Melbourne,” said one man.
Brooke Rodger of Yo-Chi told FEMAIL that the chain’s popularity is due to its high-quality ingredients and wide selection.
“Personalization is everything… creating what makes you happy means you can eat as much or as little yogurt as you want, with toppings that are as healthy or as delicious as you want,” she added.
The hotspot processes no less than 80 tons of strawberries annually.
An Australian woman waited 45 minutes in the disco-like club atmosphere of Yo-Chi for her fro-yo
Yo-Chi’s acai is a great option for those who don’t like frozen yogurt, topped with fresh fruit and peanut butter sauce, it’s a firm fan favorite
‘There’s nothing better than fresh, seasonal fruit. Strawberries are one of our most popular toppings, 12 months of the year, and depending on the season we also have dragonfruit, figs and finger limes,’ says Brooke.
Yo-Chi’s dedication to “good vibes” is even reflected in the spelling.
“We deliberately spell the word yoghurt without the H. We feel it is wrong to have such a positive brand with the word ‘hurt’ in it,” Brooke added.
Fans of the chain are raving about how great it is.
“Totally underrated, prices are reasonable…great atmosphere and ambiance inside, and an excellent variety of different toppings and flavors,” said one man.
While people found Yo-Chi’s yogurt to be a bit pricey, most agreed that the freshness and choice of toppings were so great that the price was more than justified.
However, not all Yo-Chi fans are happy with the chain’s popularity.
“Nothing breaks my heart more than the huge line for Yo-Chi,” said one man.