Out & About #515 | Wonton Chai + Snowies (Round 3)

​When a Scarborough native reached out to inform me of her sojourn in Sauga, I jumped at the opportunity to suggest bingsoo.

​< Pictured above and below: Wonton Soup, Beef Brisket and Wonton Noodles in Soup, Fried Fish Skin, Blanched Veggies >

​Given that her schedule had cleared up significantly earlier than expected, we ended up grabbing lunch first. It was none other than my all-time round-the-corner fave, Wonton Chai.

​The parking lot was utter chaos, but we were seated quickly once inside the restaurant. Meals were also delivered at an alarmingly swift rate.

​​​We headed over to the K-Town of the west end shortly after.

For my third visit to Snowies, I was keen on trying the Matcha and Grape bingsoo flavours. We shared a Small bowls of each, along with a nutty sencha by the name of Movie Night.

​​The Matcha Bingsu was absolutely adorable with two almond slivers secured to the top of the ice cream scoop, mimicking ears. Underneath was a firmly pressed portion of red bean paste - the same formula I had adored on the Injeolmi last time. More almond slivers and handmade mochi bits were scattered along the surface, and between each layer of flaky ice was discernible matcha powder. Chewy mochi isn't the standard topping for matcha bingsoo, though its nuttiness and engaging consistency complemented the specimen well.

​A flavour I hadn't expected to enjoy a great deal was the Grape Bingsu; pairing green grapes and mango syrup sounded peculiar. But the reality was quite different than I imagined. While The Cups' fall exclusive fell short of expectations, Snowies' proved far superior in terms of execution.
Despite being a tad too sugary for my liking, the overall combination was intriguing and tasting. Halving the grapes also eased the consumption procedure.

Since the dessert cafe permits customizing bingsoo bowls, it may not be a bad idea to consider swapping vanilla ice cream for green tea next time around.

​Movie Night was a rich, potent blend of rice grains and sencha - almost as robust as the traditional gemaicha. It effortlessly eased its way into the rankings next to Spring Oolong. Sips of the boldly-flavoured tea were particularly refreshing between bites of condensed milk and shaved snow ice.

​We parted ways just before the sun began to set. At this point, I decided to brave the crowds at Square One for some last-minute Christmas shopping.

​Ultimately, there were few items that fit the bill, both economically and categorically, so I departed with nothing more than a piece of mail in my hands.

​Oh, and some oh-so-necessary hand masks from Miniso.