Though cendol and ais kacang remain beloved desserts among Malaysians, bingsus too have earned some affection over here. Originating from Korea, the shaved ice dessert is a tempting treat these sweltering days. But where are the best bingsu spots out there?
Fret not as MFT has gathered some of the best bingsu spots in a little list just for you. Some of these have rather interesting offerings, such as the Creme Brulee Bingsu at Fairy Milk. What other things await? Read on!
- Binq Dessert
Image Credit: Fiet Malek on Google Review (Left), Dil Sama on Google Review (Right)
With four outlets at the time of writing, Binq Dessert is the product of love by a pair of professionals originally outside the dessert business. Couple Lovy and Rainey traded their pharmacy and banking jobs for dessert creation during the pandemic.
Binq itself is known for interesting bingsu flavours like the bestselling Roasted Soybean Oolong and Kumquat Jasmine. Each serving comes with over 14 customisable toppings, like Milo-coated mochi to peach popping boba.
- Second Round by Mori Kohi
Image Credit: Chee Ping Fong on Google Review (Left), Ye Pei Loh on Google Review (Right)
Who said bingsu shops had to be inside brick-and-mortar stores? This bingsu shop is set up inside a truck, located right outside the Mori Kohi Cafe. Diners can choose to sit on a nearby patio to enjoy their bingsus together with the evening breeze.
In terms of offerings, Second Round is most famous for its Pistachio Kunafa Kakigori. Second Round blends Tokyo-style kakigori with Tunisian kataifi pastry, toasted pistachios, and rich pistachio sauce to create a unique dessert. Needless to say, the ongoing pistachio craze will do this place wonders.
- Sakanoue Cafe
Image Credit: Wleq Tan on Google Review (Left), Sisa W on Google Review (Right)
Sakanoue KL is the Malaysian branch of Tokyo’s famous kakigori café, Sakanoue Cafe. Machi, a Japanese dessert artist, founded this outlet at LaLaport and is famous for their ultra-fluffy shaved ice made using blocks frozen over four days.
As such, the menu at Sakanoue is always changing, with some known bestsellers including Strawberry Shortcake, Mango Passion Custard and Uji Matcha. There are also seasonal specials like Durian King which draw Malaysians like moths to a flame.
- Dessert Lab
Image Credit: Dessert Lab on Google Review (Left), Stephanie on Google Review (Right)
Located in Pandan Indah, Cheras, this dessert shop is run by husband-and-wife duo David Chan and Christmas Leong. Their desserts here are unique due to the use of traditional Chinese flavours given a certain modern spin.
Dessert Lab uses authentic tangerine peel imported from China to craft its red bean paste. Returning customers often choose the Matcha Kakigori as a favourite. The team prepares all desserts from scratch to ensure freshness and quality.
- MMM Cafe by Lesim
Image Credit: Simone Food.Channel on Google Review (Left), Cheah Viko on Google Review (Right)
Though this dessert spot in Bukit Bintang is better known for its frozen yoghurt cubes, the place also offers several bingsu options. These include Peach Oolong, Soybean Oolong, Pistachios and Coffee Caramel.
A popular addition to the menu is none other than the Houjicha Bingsu, with its deep yet subtle flavours. Fans of Malaysian-inspired flavours can enjoy the newly introduced Pandan Coconut Bingsu, available through the end of August.
- Aftermeal Desserts
Image Credit: KY Low on Google Review (Left), Matthew Lau on Google Review (Right)
By now, most young adults in the Klang Valley have likely visited at least one outlet of this dessert chain. Founded in 2019 by a former engineer, Aftermeal is most famous for its tea-based kakigori, as well as an endorsement by Jackson Wang himself.
The café has several outlets across the Klang Valley, including Damansara Utama, SS2, Kepong, and Hartamas. Popular menu items include Royal Matcha Latte Kakigori, Dark Milo Kakigori, and the tropical Coconut & Durian Kakigori.
- Fairymilk
Image Credit: “Mao” Crazy on Google Review (Left), Chiew Shan Lim on Google Review (Right)
Previously located in Puchong, Fairymilk has since relocated to SS15 and is thriving in its new home. Fairymilk crafts bingsu using ultra-light “fairy snow” and has flavours like Gula Melaka Cendol, Mango Sticky Rice, Tiramisu, and Roasted Oolong.
Of course, one of their most loved creations is the Crème Brûlée Bingsu, which features vanilla custard cream topped with a torched caramelised sugar crust that cracks just like the classic French dessert.
- Cheevit Cheeva
Image Credit: YX on Google Review (Left), Rain Wong on Google Review (Right)
A surprising import from Thailand, this dessert cafe traces its origins back to Chiang Mai. Interestingly, Cheevit Cheeva serves ultra-light milk-based shaved ice, its signature speciality. The café’s flavours thus draw inspiration from Thai cuisine.
Signature items include the Salty Egg Yolk Bua-Loi Bingsu. Thus, if you love coconut, this bingsu is for you. It comes topped with coconut milk, salted egg yolk sauce and chewy Thai rice balls. As it’s so savoury and sweet, you may just want to go for a second helping afterwards.
You should also check out: The heat’s killing us, but we can save ourselves with these 5 soft-serves that are RM5 & below!
Feature Image Credit: Tong Sieng Kweh on Google Review (Left), Ying Shi on Google Review (Right)