The familiar taste of HK

All these years, I have been in search for a ‘perfect’ hei-bai, the half-and-half dessert of almond and sesame paste. The best I have eaten was miles at Hong Kong’s Honeymoon Dessert.

Those I have tried locally either have the wrong proportion, or just dump the two together, even to the extent of mixing it already. I finally found THE right one hidden at a little corner of Novena United Square. Looking like the yin yang symbol, somebody finally got it correct.

Newly opened just months back, the owners wanted to develop the Hong Kong desserts niche in Singapore. I hear that the chefs are employed from Hui Lau Shan and HoneyMoon in Hong Kong.

The menu includes the signature dessert specialties such as Mango Sago Pomelo with Coconut Cream  & Mango Ice Cream ($4.80) Durian & Black Glutinous Rice on Snow Sago ($5.50), Steam Egg Pudding with Ginger Juice ($3.00) and Almond Cream Harsma ($6.80).

The must-order is the Mango Sago with Pomelo ($4.80), with generous portions of grapefruit, pomelo and sweet mangos which you can slowly savor. It’s how it tasted like when I had it in Hong Kong, and suddenly there was a great sense of satisfaction.

For light bites, you can try the Mango ($2.80) or Durian ($3.00) Pancake. With soft thin skin, white fluffy cream and delightful mangoes, the snack will melt in your mouth.  But two small pieces for the price of $3.00 may be considered steep to some.

The Glutinous Mango Balls ($3.00 for 3 pieces) felt like ‘odeh odeh’ with light coconut shavings  on the outside and cold mangos on the inside. Rather average for the price.

For a drink, the Mango Coconut Juice with Aloe Jelly ($3.80) comes in 3-layers of white, yellow and green. When mixed, slurping the smooth coconut and chewy jelly drink is an enjoyable experience.

The shop is not without its flaws. But with the right kind of pricing and marketing, it has potential to achieve great things. I have been there twice, and certainly will not be the last.