When life doesn’t give you snow, you eat it! Living in a tropical climate, we don’t get to experience snowfall, BUT we do have many shaved ice spots in the Klang Valley to help us get in the mood for the brrrr months.
Of course, you can always rely on the ol’ neighbourhood ABC (air batu campur or mixed ice) or cendol stall to get your shaved-ice fix, but sometimes, we feelin’ a bit fancy. Besides, some of these shaved-ice cafes have cute and cosy environments. Time to put on your pretend winter coats and eat some snow!
1. Kakiyuki, Petaling Jaya & Kuala Lumpur
You’ll find different kinds of Japanese desserts here at Kakiyuki, one of them being kakigōri (Japanese shaved ice). The kakigoris here are crafted with real fruits and premium ingredients, as they make sure never to add artificial colours or flavours. Some of the options on the menu that have won our stomachs over are the Matcha Colada and the Black Samurai.
Another icy dessert to try is the Anmitsu Ice, a Japanese dessert bowl with a variety of toppings served on flavoured shaved ice.
Address: 25, Jalan 20/13, Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. ; P4.17.00, Level 4, 168, Bukit Bintang Street, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (In front of Cotton On)
Contact: +6017 880 5320 (PJ Branch)
2. Bean Jr, multiple locations
Yes, Bean Jr doesn’t only serve tau fu fah (soybean pudding), they also have soy bingsu and soy shaved ice! For mango lovers, you’ll have to try Mango Tango or Man-go Crazy. Topped with fresh mango and other little extras, these soy bingsu will not only be delectable, but also very refreshing. For the soy shaved ice series, you can select from their readily curated toppings, or customise your own bowl. Soy exciting!
3. Snowflake, multiple locations
The founder of Snowflake, Jimmy Tsai, hails from Taichung, Taiwan. After moving to Malaysia, Jimmy longed for the traditional Taiwanese desserts that he used to make together with his mum and grandma. These desserts were made using homegrown organic vegetables and natural ingredients, all grown in the land around their Taichung home.
This philosophy of S.N.O.W. (Simple, Natural, Original, Wholesome) is now represented in every bowl of goodness that comes out of Snowflake’s kitchens. Only natural and fresh ingredients are used in the desserts here, all handmade and cooked for hours to bring out their best flavours.
4. Soylab, Petaling Jaya
Look, a snowy mountain made of soy shaved ice! While actual snow-capped mountains are a near-impossible sight in Malaysia, shaved ice mountains are not. This particular best-selling snow mountain is enjoyed with grass jelly cubes, adzuki red beans, crushed peanuts, and homemade sugar syrup.
Head on over to Soylab to enjoy non-GMO soybean-based desserts!
Address: D.E, 104, Jalan SS 21/39, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
5. Aftermeal Desserts, Petaling Jaya
Going by the adage ‘Happiness, you deserve it’, Aftermeal Desserts wants you to know that treating yourself to an after-meal craving will be worth it and well-deserved. On top of that, their minimal yet beautiful interior serves as a comforting space to chill with your favourite kakigori.
Speaking of, there are a few unique flavours we think you should try: Coconut and Durian Kakigori, Dark Milo Kakigori (milo infused with dark chocolate), and Biscoff Caramel Kakigori.
Address: 52, Jalan SS 21/58, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor ; 33, Jalan SS 2/64, SS 2, 47300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
6. MyKori Dessert Cafe, multiple locations
With over 117 locations across Malaysia, Mykori is a spot that you won’t be able to miss. Those with a sweet tooth will be satiated with flavours like Popcorn Kakigori or Chocoreo Kakigori. If you’d like a refreshing option, go with the Honeydew, Melon, or Red Melon variants. These fruit kakigoris feature freshly scooped melon balls, with the empty melon halves used as serving bowls!
7. Miru Dessert Cafe, Petaling Jaya
Desserts at Miru Dessert Cafe are made with one simple goal in mind: to make life a little sweeter. Miru is the name of their little honey gnome, who gives the dessert parlour its name, as well as inspiration for Japanese desserts. The kakigoris here are bound to satisfy that itch for shaved ice and decadence. Psst, if the kakigoris don’t put a smile on your face, their signature honey toast sure will!
Address: 62, Jalan SS 21/58, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor ; Lot 6.35 Level 6 Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +603-7733 0318 ; +603-2110 3891
