This 2017, desserts took a fun turn into playful. Though we still enjoy artful presentations at our favorite fine dining spots, Asian-inspired sweet treats gained lots of traction with the city’s populace. Here’s a quick look at what we’re into these days.
Boba Tea
Though boba or bubble tea is far from new (The New York Time’s hailed it as too mainstream just last year), San Antonians were begging for more of the chewy tapioca ball-filled drinks. Kung Fu Tea, a New York City-based franchise opened a stylish new outpost near La Cantera (7211 Green Glen Drive, 210-239-5333, kungfutea.com). Catering to students and families alike, the shop carries a wide collection of classic teas, milk teas, slushes and punch teas and a handful of seasonal specials. Down the road on De Zavala, Snowflake Paradice (12730 I-10 W., Suite 303, 210-465-7041) brought in rainbow tea with colorful jellies and the addition of a second shaved ice shop (Snopioca opened early in 2016 off Babcock). The last opening this year goes to Brew’s Lee Tea (4009 Broadway, brewsleetea.com) opened by Frances Lee. The shop, an über cute locale perfect for hanging with friends or zoning out with their teensy Zen gardens is bright and modern. The tea menu features your choice of dairy or non-dairy milks, coffee jellies or tapioca pearls and they even allow you to tinker with the sugar content with varying degrees of sweetness. Try a split cup for more flavors or be amazed by the glowing Kalamasi tea that changes colors once combined.
Hong Kong Waffles
Opened by the staff at Nama Ramen last December, Kuma (6565 Babcock Road, Suite 17, 210-641-2888) was the first official shop in San Antonio dedicated to gai daan jai, or Hong Kong waffles. Though also served at Paciugo Gelato and Ming’s Thing (market only), the bubble waffle took on a life of its own with Kuma where the staff dresses up each waffle with delicate drizzles, loads of ice cream and fun toppings such as mocha, Pocky and more. Over on Eckhert Road, Bubble Waffle Bar (7755 Eckhert Road, 210-425-9813) landed in SA with a slew of savory and sweet waffles available any time and during brunch, topped with house-made ice cream and cotton candy. Not one to be outdone, the shop also carries Dragon’s Breath, which combines ice cream balls with liquid nitrogen for a billowy, smoky effect.
Thai-Style Rolled Ice Cream
Perhaps one of the most exciting moments in San Antonio foodie desserts was the addition of the ever-popular Thai-style rolled ice cream. Made on extremely cold metal plates, and rolled using a spatula, the ice cream hadn’t reached SA until this summer. FruitMix (7007 Bandera Road, Suite 14, 210-451-1410) was the first to introduce it with San Anto-inspired flavors and mixings including conchas, pecan pie, Christmas cookies and more. El Paso-based Fahrenheit 32 (226 W. Bitters Road, Suite 119, 210-627-6232) opened its third location in Texas. Flavors include everything “Purple Haze” with taro ice cream or “Black Magic” with black sesame ice cream with unlimited toppings. Finally, Tasty Nation (6330 De Zavala Road, Suite 103) opened with flavors that harkened to Mexican childhood flavors of owners Jose Perez and Adrian Cadena. Expect Maria cookies, La Lechera, Gansitos and more.
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This article appears in Dec 13-19, 2017 and Flavor Issue (2017).