The World’s Biggest Fast-Food Chain Just Hit the U.S. (And We Tried It)

Many assume the world’s largest fast-food chain is McDonald’s or Starbucks, but if you measure by number of locations, the biggest global brand actually comes from China. Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, known for its soft-serve ice cream and tea-based beverages, operates 47,500-plus locations worldwide, with approximately 90% of them in China. (In comparison, McDonald’s has roughly 41,800 locations globally, while Starbucks has over 40,000.) Though it’s the world’s biggest fast food chain, until recently, you couldn’t find a Mixue location in the U.S. But as of late 2025, Mixue stores have begun rolling out in America, including one just a few blocks from my home in New York City. So, naturally, I had to try it. Here’s what the experience was like — and where you can find this rapidly growing fast-food chain in the U.S.

What Is Mixue?

Don’t come to Mixue expecting burgers and fries, but do expect delicious soft-serve ice cream and iced beverages. The lemonade is so popular that the company says it sells over a billion cups annually, but you can also choose from a menu of items including vanilla or matcha soft serve, milk tea with boba or taro balls, ice cream-topped lattes, kiwi jasmine tea, and other refreshing treats.

Mixue has a reputation for affordability, too — it began as a small stall selling goods to students. Even as the chain continues to grow, the company strives to maintain low prices and consistent quality, which is made possible by in-house production of its fruit syrups, dairy products, and other ingredients. 

Perhaps another reason for Mixue’s popularity is the company’s delightful marketing — especially its lovable mascot, Snow King. The smiling snowman, who wears a crown and wields an ice cream scepter, appears on nearly all of Mixue’s signage and packaging.

Where Can You Find Mixue?

As of the time of publishing in March 2026, there are four U.S. Mixue locations. One is located on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. The other three are in Manhattan in New York City: on Canal Street near the Chinatown neighborhood, in Herald Square on the edge of Koreatown, and on 8th Avenue near Times Square. But more could be on the way soon: Mixue plans to expand its footprint in the U.S., though there’s no word yet on which locations are in the works.

Outside the U.S., Mixue operates in 12 countries — primarily China, where there are over 45,000 Mixue establishments. As of early 2025, there are upwards of 2,600 Mixue stores in Indonesia, 1,300 in Vietnam, several hundred in Malaysia and Thailand, and a handful in the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Singapore, Australia, South Korea, and Japan.

My Experience at Mixue

I’ve walked by Mixue’s Herald Square location several times and have always seen it filled with a decent crowd. But since I chose to visit on the day of a snowstorm, I walked right up and placed my order with ease. I was impressed by how I could customize each item to my liking,  choosing between different ice and sugar levels and adding various toppings and flavors. I ended up ordering a vanilla ice cream cone, an iced lemonade, and a milk tea with taro. All told, it cost $7.81, showcasing Mixue’s affordability — even in an expensive place like New York City.

The soft serve cost only $1.19 (before tax), but it was decadently creamy — I thought it tasted just as good as the ice cream you’d find at a pricier boutique shop. As for the drinks, I can see why Mixue’s iced lemonade is so popular. It had a nice balance of sour flavor without being too sweet. Lastly, the milk tea was the perfect way to cap off the experience, as it had loads of flavor at half the price of what I’m used to paying for similar drinks.

Fast food doesn’t always have the best reputation for high-quality ingredients, but I felt like Mixue really lived up to the hype. The only drawback is a menu lacking any savory options, but if you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, Mixue — and the price — is hard to beat. Keep an eye out for a location opening near you, or stop in on your next trip to L.A. or the Big Apple.