Chinese yogurt—once a nostalgic treat carried home in terracotta jars from Beijing corner shops—has been gaining popularity outside of China. Chinese-style yogurt is carving out its own niche with its distinctive texture, handcrafted preparation, and deep cultural roots.
In China, yogurt drinks and yogurt snacks are extremely popular, much more so than frozen yogurt. China’s largest fresh-made yogurt beverage chain, More Yogurt, sells over 21 million cups a year and has over 1,200 outlets.
What Makes Chinese Yogurt Unique
Mild Sweetness and Simple Ingredients
Chinese yogurt tends to be lightly sweetened or unsweetened, made with whole milk, and free of heavy flavorings or mix-ins. This simplicity aligns with the broader U.S. shift toward “clean label” dairy and plain/natural yogurt, which is growing steadily.
Emphasis on Freshness
In China, yogurt is often made and consumed the same day. That “fresh jar” ethos is now being replicated by Chinese restaurants and dessert shops in the U.S., especially in cities with strong Chinese and Chinese American communities.
How Chinese Restaurants in the U.S. Are Bringing Handmade Yogurt to the Table
A growing number of Chinese restaurants—especially in Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley, New York, and Houston—are adding handmade yogurt to their menus. This trend mirrors what’s happening in the broader yogurt category: multicultural brands and culturally specific formats are gaining influence and market share.
Handmade yogurt is fresh and allows more control over texture. It also pairs well with toppings, allowing restaurants to offer signature desserts. It also reflects a growing demand for plain, natural yogurt with lower sugar and live and active cultures.
Types of Handmade Yogurt
1. Milk Skin Yogurt (Naipizi)
This traditional Chinese yogurt is prized for its custard-like richness. It’s become extremely popular in China. We spotted it at Yu Fish in San Gabriel, CA, Lingyun Milk Fun in Alhambra, CA, and for sale on Weeee!
The Technique: It is made by boiling high-fat milk and allowing it to cool until a thick “skin” forms on top. The yogurt is then fermented underneath this layer.
The Experience: When served, you get a distinct, slightly chewy, and intensely creamy top layer that contrasts with the silky yogurt below. It is typically lightly sweetened and served chilled in glass or ceramic jars.
2. Sticky or “Stretchy” Yogurt
This type of yogurt has become a viral sensation due to its unique, almost dough-like physical properties. Mamie’s Yogurt in Flushing, NY, specializes in stretchy yogurt. You can also find it at Lingyun Milk Fun in Alhambra, CA.
The Technique: This texture is achieved by using traditional thickeners or rice-based fermentations.
The Experience: Unlike standard yogurt that breaks apart with a spoon, stretchy has a “long” texture—it can be pulled and stretched, similar to melted mozzarella or thick Turkish dondurma ice cream. It is often served with “purple rice” (maizhibu) or oats to add a chewy, textural counterpoint.
3. Plain & Handmade (Traditional Set)
This is the minimalist approach often found at Northwest Chinese or Lanzhou-style eateries like Ai Papa Kitchen in Rowland Heights, CA, M JOY in Anaheim and San Gabriel, CA, Dolan’s Uyghur Cuisine in Irvine and Alhambra, CA, and Turan Uyghur Kitchen in Plano, TX.
The Technique: Made daily using only fresh cow’s milk and live cultures, with no artificial thickeners or stabilizers.
The Experience: It features a clean, tangy flavor profile and a thick, creamy consistency. Restaurants often customize this plain base with traditional toppings like goji berries, walnuts, and honey.
4. Dry, Strained Yogurt, aka Cold Brew Yogurt
Similar to Korean thick yogurt, this type of yogurt is strained until it has a dry, thick consistency. We found it at Lingyun Milk Fun in Alhambra, CA and LA Fruit Kingdom with three locations in greater Los Angeles.
The Technique: The yogurt for days is strained to remove the whey.
The Experience: It is very thick and dry. It can be served on its own or stuffed into fruit to create a fruit sandwich.
5. “Frozen” or Icy Handmade Yogurt
A newer hybrid found in specialty dessert shops, this frozen yogurt is often handmade yogurt that has been placed in a freezer rather than a churner. This results in a more “icy” and crystallized texture. We spotted this type of yogurt at Ai Papa Kitchen in Rowland Heights, CA.
Handmade yogurt is the newest trend in China, following the introduction of purple rice yogurt drinks and frozen yogurt cubes and slices (aka fried yogurt).
