Dessert shops are common across the Klang Valley, but dessert shops that stay open past midnight are an entirely different blessing. At that hour, choices are usually limited to mamaks, fast food or vending machines, so finding a place that serves hot and cold Chinese desserts is a small victory on its own.
That search is what led me to Hey Yi Dessert, a growing chain with several outlets across the Klang Valley. Most branches stay open until midnight or 1am, but the Cheras and Kepong outlets stretch their hours to 2am, making them reliable stops for late-night dessert hunters.
Over 80 desserts to choose from
Curious, I stepped inside to see whether this place was worth the detour. A warm, sweet aroma greeted me as soon as I walked in. Something was clearly simmering in the kitchen, though with over 80 items on Hey Yi’s menu, narrowing it down would have taken some guessing.
Yes, you read that right. Having 80 menu items is already an impressive feat for most restaurants, but Hey Yi goes above and beyond when it comes to catering to anyone with a sweet tooth.
The shop’s co-founder, Charis Ching, later explained that the extensive menu is her way of preserving her family’s recipes while introducing them to a wider community.
Pointing out the metal stools and the patterned, ceramic tiles on the walls and floors, she said that Hey Yi takes its inspiration from Hong Kong cha chaan tengs (tea restaurants). It has an 80’s charm that feels nostalgic without being gimmicky. Judging by the brand’s growth to seven outlets across the Klang Valley, it is an aesthetic that resonates with locals.
A beautiful bubur
I started with the staff-recommended Bubur Cha Cha (RM6.90), which turned out to be Hey Yi’s bestseller. Sweet, creamy and warm, the coconut milk dessert carried a strong pandan fragrance. The taro and sweet potatoes were soft, chewy and addictive, making the bowl incredibly easy to finish.
“Waiter, there’s a turtle in my soup”
The Gui Ling Gao Milk (RM15.90) is one of Hey Yi’s more recognisable desserts. Why is that? Well, you get to eat a “turtle”. Not a real one, thankfully. Instead, it’s made from gui ling gao, a Chinese medicinal jelly that was historically prepared using turtle shells.
Hey Yi’s jelly is very much free of reptiles, to be clear. The jelly turtle is served in a bowl of milk, with chewy taro balls on the side. If you enjoy bittersweet, earthy flavours, this dessert will be right up your alley; and the milk softens the herbal notes nicely. Your biggest dilemma might be choosing which part of the adorable turtle to start with.
A refreshing, fruity fiesta
For something more contemporary, the chilly Mango & Grapefruits Coconut Milk Sago (RM13.90) may be your go-to. A fruity dessert through and through, the sweet mango and the tart grapefruit complement each other well, tied together by the creamy coconut milk. The bouncy sago is a treat, easily a 10/10 in terms of slurpability.
The mochi-filled standout
My personal favourite was the Sesame Soup + Milky Mochi (RM7.90). I already have a fondness for the custard-like dessert, but Hey Yi’s is delightfully rich, nutty and earthy.
Texture-wise, the soup can only be described as luscious and smooth. There was also a certain smokiness that could only be derived from the lightly roasted sesame seeds. The tender mochi was a lovely bonus, not that the soup needed it for me to finish the bowl completely.
A palate cleanser
To finish, I tried the Almond Soup (RM8.90). It greatly resembled a palate cleanser, with a cooling, herbal flavour. The texture was silky, though thinner than the sesame version. I would have preferred a touch more sweetness, but perhaps that would have detracted from the soup’s natural fragrant flavour.
Is Hey Yi your next late-night dessert spot?
Given that I only tasted a fraction of Hey Yi’s offerings, I already know I will be back to explore more of what they offer. And honestly, when the rest of the city is asleep, is there anything better than a warm or cold spoonful of dessert made the way our grandparents would have enjoyed?
Hey Yi Dessert
Address: F-2-G, Desa Kepong’Gi, Jalan Rimbunan Teratai 4, Kepong, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, WP Kuala Lumpur
Opening Hours: 5pm – 2am weekdays | 2pm – 2am weekends
Contact: 019-7110651
Halal Status: Pork-free
You should also check out: This Pudu tong sui shop has been using the same family recipe since 1888 and it’s still popular
