Experience YYC’s Bubble Tea and Asian Dessert Extravaganza

Bubble tea and dessert lovers, rejoice! The YYC Bubble Tea and Asian Dessert Festival is happening now, running from August 17 to September 1. This exciting event invites food enthusiasts across Calgary to indulge in the city’s finest bubble teas and Asian desserts. It all leads to a celebrity judging finale on September 7, with the public’s top five choices competing for the crown.

Here is a look at some must-try treats:

1. Coconut Coffee by Mot To

Mot To’s Coconut Coffee combines refreshing coconut slush with the rich intensity of Vietnamese dripped coffee, topped with crunchy coco chips for a delightful texture contrast. At $8.00, this drink presents a modern take on traditional Vietnamese flavours.

Experience YYC's Bubble Tea and Asian Dessert Extravaganza
Coconut Coffee. Image courtesy of Mot To.

2. Strawberry Mochi Mochi by Koi Fresh Fruits & Tea

Koi’s Strawberry Mochi Mochi features a creamy strawberry milk tea with chewy mochi pieces and tapioca pearls, offering a playful mix of textures and flavours for $8.28. It is a vibrant bubble tea that delights and refreshes with every sip.

Experience YYC's Bubble Tea and Asian Dessert Extravaganza
Strawberry Mochi Mochi. Image courtesy of Koi Fresh Fruits & Tea.

3. Yuzu Black Sesame Mousse Cake by Willow Cake & Bake

Savour the elegant blend of tart yuzu and nutty black sesame in Willow Cake & Bake’s mousse cake. Priced at $9.50, it offers an exotic fusion of zesty lemon curd and earthy flavours.

Experience YYC's Bubble Tea and Asian Dessert Extravaganza
Yuzu Black Sesame Mousse Cake. Image courtesy of Willow Cake & Bake.

4. Mango Melody by Mama Dessert

Escape to a tropical paradise with Mango Melody, a combination of mango, sago pearls, ice cream, mochi, and panna cotta topped with edible flowers. For $10.50, it is a visual and flavorful celebration of traditional Asian desserts.

Mango Melody. Image courtesy of Mama Dessert.

5. Ube Cloud by Cuties Cafe & Shop

Cuties Cafe’s Ube Cloud, priced at $8.65, mixes sweetened coconut juice and meat with layers of luscious ube cream. It is a dreamy, visually captivating drink that is both adventurous and indulgent.

Ube Cloud. Image courtesy of Cuties Cafe.

6. Brown Sugar Milk Tea with Rainbow Pearls by Mr. Sun Tea

For $6.99, enjoy Mr. Sun Tea’s classic brown sugar Earl Grey tea with a whimsical twist of rainbow pearls—a delightful and innovative take on Taiwanese tea traditions.

Brown Sugar Milk Tea with Rainbow Pearls. Image courtesy of Mr. Sun Tea.

7. Avocado Coffee by Saigon Chef Restaurant

Saigon Chef’s Avocado Coffee, priced at $6.75, combines creamy avocado with bold iced coffee for a unique, silky drink experience. It showcases innovative Vietnamese flavours.

Avocado Coffee. Image courtesy of Saigon Chef Restaurant.

8. Sago’t Gulaman by Pacific Hut Restaurant

Experience the essence of Filipino street food with Pacific Hut’s Sago’t Gulaman, a refreshing blend of tapioca pearls, gelatin, and sugar syrup topped with ice for $5.99.

Sago’t Gulaman. Image courtesy of Pacific Hut Restaurant.

9. Che Thai by Pho Bau Do

Pho Bau Do’s Che Thai combines jackfruit, longan, and more in coconut milk, creating an indulgent experience of Southeast Asian flavours. This $7.00 dessert offers both complexity and richness.

Experience YYC's Bubble Tea and Asian Dessert Extravaganza
Che Thai. Image courtesy of Pho Bau Do.

10. Willow Matcha White Chocolate Creme Croissant by Willow Cake & Bake

Indulge in the flaky decadence of Willow Cake & Bake’s croissant, filled with matcha and white chocolate creme. This satisfying pastry treat is available for $4.50.

Willow Matcha White Chocolate Creme Croissant. Image courtesy of Willow Cake & Bake.

11. Mango Supreme by JusFruit Southview

Indulge in JusFruit Southview’s Mango Supreme, a refreshing smoothie blended with sweet mango, sago, coconut milk, and white pearls. At $9.50, this drink offers a delightful fusion of flavours and textures, perfect for mango lovers.

Experience YYC's Bubble Tea and Asian Dessert Extravaganza
Mango Supreme. Image courtesy of JusFruit Southview.

***

Experience these delightful creations, and vote for your favourite by September 1.

Hosted by Crescent Heights Village BIA, International Avenue BRZ, and Chinatown BIA, this festival offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy unique flavours and support local businesses.

 

About Josie Simon 14 Articles
Josie Simon (she/her) is a writer, passionate LGBTQ+ advocate, and lover of the arts. As a former dancer with a keen eye for detail, Josie brings a unique perspective to her writing. She is a current fourth-year political science major at the University of Calgary and has previously contributed to the Gauntlet.