The rise of weekly visuals is a sure sign that I've been indulging in snacks too often as of late. And, mind you, these treats don't come cheap in the Downtown Core.
Yang Tea Shop opened up extremely close to my daily operation quarters, so it only seemed right to pay a visit after recuperating from moderate food poisoning. It has since replaced Ken Oh's cramped interior with a spacious waiting area and a total of six seats along the west perimeter of the establishment.
Yang Tea Shop opened up extremely close to my daily operation quarters, so it only seemed right to pay a visit after recuperating from moderate food poisoning. It has since replaced Ken Oh's cramped interior with a spacious waiting area and a total of six seats along the west perimeter of the establishment.
|
|
With emphasis on different brews of tea and their unique, complex properties, a row of tea domes were situated along the bar-style seats - with a hot pink sticky note invitation to boot.
Having skimmed their online menu in advance, it was apparent to me that my preferences would lie with either the comforting Signature Tea Latte or avant-garde Tea Boss Nitro Latte.
The latter was unavailable at the "early" hour of 12:15 PM; the preparation process involved a chilling procedure that yet to be completed. "After 1 PM" was the better bet, or so we were told.
For a somewhat chilly day, my partner-in-crime took to a hot Okinawa Milk Tea, refuting her usual mango tendencies. A sip of the beverage informed me of its sweet and utterly soothing characteristics. The inclusion of brown sugar was apparent, but not overwhelmingly so. Chunks of unblended milk powder remained, however.
My own Tea Latte - made with the standard organic 3% milk - had been requested at 30% sugar, which fell short of my desired sweetness level. The concoction was a tad bland, though otherwise enjoyable with its prominent tea aromas.
The latter was unavailable at the "early" hour of 12:15 PM; the preparation process involved a chilling procedure that yet to be completed. "After 1 PM" was the better bet, or so we were told.
For a somewhat chilly day, my partner-in-crime took to a hot Okinawa Milk Tea, refuting her usual mango tendencies. A sip of the beverage informed me of its sweet and utterly soothing characteristics. The inclusion of brown sugar was apparent, but not overwhelmingly so. Chunks of unblended milk powder remained, however.
My own Tea Latte - made with the standard organic 3% milk - had been requested at 30% sugar, which fell short of my desired sweetness level. The concoction was a tad bland, though otherwise enjoyable with its prominent tea aromas.
|
|
On a second attempt to try the Nitro Tea Latte, I was told that the beverage had sold out for the day. It was merely nearing 3 PM at this point.
Disappointed - yet not disheartened - I opted for an iced Marble Boba Latte at 30% sugar. Having familiarized myself with the slickness of One Zo's Brown Sugar series, choosing the smallest size seemed the conservative choice.
Iced beverages were available in three sizes: Small (360 ml), Medium/Regular (500 ml), and Large (700 ml). Drinks that were served hot were limited to Medium and Large sizes only.
For the Marble Boba Latte, the small cup was more than enough in my opinion. Primarily comprised of milk, the drink did not bear any essence of tea; the included brown sugar tapioca had been a syrupy choice of topping, so a Small was sufficient without resulting in signs of satiation.
This was, by no means, an economic cup of bubble tea. At $5.80 before tax, I could have easily scored myself a Junior McChicken meal at good ol' McD's.
Disappointed - yet not disheartened - I opted for an iced Marble Boba Latte at 30% sugar. Having familiarized myself with the slickness of One Zo's Brown Sugar series, choosing the smallest size seemed the conservative choice.
Iced beverages were available in three sizes: Small (360 ml), Medium/Regular (500 ml), and Large (700 ml). Drinks that were served hot were limited to Medium and Large sizes only.
For the Marble Boba Latte, the small cup was more than enough in my opinion. Primarily comprised of milk, the drink did not bear any essence of tea; the included brown sugar tapioca had been a syrupy choice of topping, so a Small was sufficient without resulting in signs of satiation.
This was, by no means, an economic cup of bubble tea. At $5.80 before tax, I could have easily scored myself a Junior McChicken meal at good ol' McD's.
Finally, on the third consecutive day, the Tea Boss Nitro Latte was obtained at 1: PM.
Following the recommended temperature and sweetness levels - those being Iced and 50% sugar -
a Medium Nitro Tea Latte was secured with glee. This transaction took place on the day immediately succeeding Halloween, when not only spooky decals had been removed from the premises, but the tea domes as well.
Steering clear of toppings, I was able to experience the depth and profile of the beverage without interruption. Each sip was delicious - smooth yet stimulating; subtly sweet yet refreshing. I wouldn't hesitate to repurchase this item, though did contemplate the reason behind odd twitches of stomach pain after its consumption.
Following the recommended temperature and sweetness levels - those being Iced and 50% sugar -
a Medium Nitro Tea Latte was secured with glee. This transaction took place on the day immediately succeeding Halloween, when not only spooky decals had been removed from the premises, but the tea domes as well.
Steering clear of toppings, I was able to experience the depth and profile of the beverage without interruption. Each sip was delicious - smooth yet stimulating; subtly sweet yet refreshing. I wouldn't hesitate to repurchase this item, though did contemplate the reason behind odd twitches of stomach pain after its consumption.
|
|
The stability of the shop's Wi-Fi network is decent (read: able to load V Live with minor stuttering), as one should hope for a tea house of its caliber. Washrooms are located at the foot of a steep, narrow staircase, though I cannot provide comments in that regard as yet.
Be aware that the entrance is slowed outward and paired with a ledge. Black tiling was chosen for this aspect - a design detail to be aware of (especially on rainy, slippery days).
Be aware that the entrance is slowed outward and paired with a ledge. Black tiling was chosen for this aspect - a design detail to be aware of (especially on rainy, slippery days).
|
|
A trip to Chinatown fell upon a different day. Cravings for egg waffles were high on the list.
After visiting Dragon City Centre, I chanced by a name that was somewhat beknownst to me: Yi Fang.
After visiting Dragon City Centre, I chanced by a name that was somewhat beknownst to me: Yi Fang.
|
|
The tiny sliver of a shop housed a narrow staircase and drink crafting bar/cashier area. Two small tables, as well as a wooden near the top of the stairs, were the main dine-in accommodations.
Featured on the menu were warm-toned fruit teas, ranging from pineapple-based specimens to those featuring a medley of fresh fruit pieces. A Passion Fruit Green Tea and Wintermelon Lemon Juice were selected and taken to go.
The seeds of the Passion Fruit Green Tea were abundant and undoubtedly crisp. Not nearly as sweet as One Zo's and a bit more annoying to consume than CoCo, I deemed the drink delicious but unworthy of a dedicated commute. Also tasty was the Wintermelon Lemon Juice; on the other hand, 50% sugar was probably too great of a dosage.
|
|
Concluding the weak was a feast of fresh lobster and plump, pan-fried scallops. Oh and samgyeopsal!
UNIQLO's Square One opening was overheard to be a hit. In reality, the space was excessively compact - much too stifling in comparison to the two floors contained within Yorkdale and Eaton.
|
|
And of course, I returned for more Coffee Buns (and an extra-flaky Butter Egg Pastry) in between mall errands.
RSS Feed