5 Must-Try Bingsu (Korean Shaved Ice) Places in Klang Valley
It’s a sweltering day. You feel the sweat rolling down your back, forming a pool at the base of your cotton T-shirt. In vain, you fan yourself vigorously and look around for quick relief.
A signboard in the distance catches your eye. Bing…su? What's that?
Bingsu is the Korean equivalent of what is better known as ‘ABC’ or ‘Ais Batu Campur’ in Malaysia – consisting of finely shaved, melt-in-your-mouth ice, commonly topped with a variety of sweet toppings such as traditional Azuki red bean, chopped fruit, green tea, condensed milk and even chocolate syrup. The perfect heatwave combat.
Feeling hungry? We’ve taken the liberty to make a list of the latest must-try Bingsu places in town, taste and texture guaranteed by Bingsu enthusiasts (this writer included)!
1. Beans & Beans, Uptown Damansara
The newest joint in town, Beans & Beans, prides itself in authentic Korean style bingsu with deliciously milky soft shaved ice. Taking a twist on traditional flavours, Beans and Beans offers a green tea version with mochi bites and a generous layer green tea powder for that slightly crisp green tea aftertaste. For chocolate lovers, try the Choco Bingsu – a sinful combination of brownies, banana slices and nuts.
Other varieties such as the Konggi Bingsu (Soya Bean), Cheese and Caramel Bingsu will not disappoint. The café also serves a variety of toasts, sandwiches and 100% Arabica coffee. Bingsu prices ranges from RM15-17.80.
Beans & Beans
Location: 107, Jalan SS 21/1A, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Contact: 03-7732 8288
Opening Hours: 9am – 12am on weekdays, 9am – 1am on Fri-Sun
2. Hanbing Korean Dessert Café, Bangsar
Proudly known as the softest and fluffiest snow ice in town, Hanbing’s refreshing bingsu comes in irresistible Oreo, Mango and even Blueberry Cheese varieties. Our personal fav? The Injeolmi Bingsu, or ‘rice cake’ perched on top of a mountain of freshly shaved snow ice, topped with tasty, crunchy almond flakes and peanuts.
Hanbing also serves all-day Korean cuisine, from bibimbaps to table-cooked topokki and fried chicken. If you’re up for a spicy challenge, give their Fire Noodle Challenge a try! Survivors will get rewarded with a limited edition Strawberry Volcano Snow Ice. We dare you! Bingsu prices range from RM22-26.
Hanbing Korean Dessert Café
Location: 33 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact: 03-2202 0238
Opening hours: 12pm - 12am on weekdays, 12pm – 1am on Fri-Sun
3. Villa Ju, Solaris Mont Kiara
If you’re a fan of the Gwai-l Bingsu or Fruits Bingsu, this is the place to go.
The Fruits Bingsu comes with a generous heaping of kiwi, strawberry, mango and pineapple. What we like about Villa Ju is the 3 sizes: friends (for 1-2 pax), family (3-4 pax) or party (which feeds up to 8 pax). Talk about a bingsu parta-y! Other bingsu options include the traditional Pat Bingsu (red bean), Oreo, Blueberry and Mango.
The bakery also sells fresh pastries, cakes, breads and even pasta if you’re craving something more substantial. Bingsu prices range from RM15.90 to RM79.90.
Villa Ju Bakery Café (formerly known as Nabe Bakery)
Location: 13A, 13A-1, Jalan Solaris 4, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact: +60 16-602 8075
Opening hours: 7.30am – 12am on weekdays, 8am – 12am on weekends
4. Bing’s, One Utama
Serving up no-nonsense bingsu with a twist, Bing’s shaved ice is definitely worth the calories. Soft and unbelievably smooth, Bing’s cool treat comes in refreshing Mint Chocolate, local-favourite Teh Tarik, and even Affogato flavours! To switch it up, try the Coconut Bingsu, topped with coconut shavings and ice cream.
For more insta-worthy options, Bing’s waffle plates and coffee are worth a try. Bingsu prices start from RM20-25.
Bing’s
Location: SK2E, 2nd floor, 1Utama Shopping Centre (near F.O.S and Shins)
Contact: 012-903 2341
Opening hours: 10am – 10pm, daily
5. BingSu Café, Uptown Damansara
Durian Bingsu – say what?
If you don’t like durian, you’re not a real Malaysian. We kid. Whether or not you’re a durian fan, give this a try and you might just fall in love with durian (all over again). For those who like to play it safe, go for a rich Belgian Chocolate option or Mango Cheese.
Still hungry? BingSu Café also dishes up refreshing coconut sorbet (must-try!), Korean fried chicken and banana caramel waffles. Bingsu prices start from RM12.90-RM17.90.
BingSu Café
Location: 28 Jalan SS21/35 Damansara Utama Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Contact: 03-7733 3086
Opening hours: 12pm – 12am daily
Well, that concludes the bingsu binge. All this dessert talk has made our tummies rumble. Onward, dessert soldiers, it's time to get chomping!
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