Austin’s OMG Squee owner talks Lunar New Year, birthday celebration
OMG Squee owner Sarah Lim talks Lunar New Year’s cultural significance and the restaurant’s birthday celebration.
As the Texas sun blazes, Austinites know the best way to cool down is with a delicious frozen treat. The city boasts an array of Asian-inspired desserts that offer a refreshing and exciting twist. From delicate Taiwanese shaved ice to creamy vegan Thai-style ice cream and Filipino halo-halo, prepare your taste buds for an icy adventure. Here’s a roundup of some of the must-try spots for Asian frozen desserts in Austin.
Slushies at Coco’s Cafe
This Taiwanese comfort food haven extends its embrace to the dessert menu. You can quench your thirst with their slushies – large, icy drinks in flavors like lychee; mango and passion fruit; green mango; and strawberry and mango. For a customizable experience, you can add your artistic touch with toppings like chewy pearls, sweet mango pudding, almond pudding, and a variety of jellies and popping bobas. For a traditional touch, you can also add a creamy cheese foam or a smooth flan for an additional price.
1910 Guadalupe St. 512-236-9398.
8557 Research Blvd Suite #118. 512-833-6588.
Frozen Rolls Creamery
Taste the mesmerizing art of Thai-style rolled ice cream at Frozen Rolls Creamery. Here, liquid bases transform into scroll-like creations. Whether you prefer classic dairy, dairy-free, or a keto-friendly option, they have you covered. Indulge in their creative combos or build your own masterpiece with an array of toppings, from fresh banana and strawberries to chocolate chips and Fruity Pebbles. Dairy-free enthusiasts can savor options like the Chocoholic, the Cookies and Cream, or the Strawberry Smash.
704 N Lamar Blvd. linktr.ee/FrozenRollsCreamery. 512-394-6762.
Gati gluten-free, vegan frozen treats
For a guilt-free indulgence, head to Gati, a vegan and gluten-free ice cream shop with a selection of over 40 rotating flavors. Their ice cream is also sweetened with organic fair-trade sugar or palm sugar. You can explore Thai-inspired flavors like the Thai Coffee, Thai Tea, and Thai Basil, alongside the Pandan. Beyond scoops, Gati also offers ice cream cakes, cookies, and sandwiches.
1512 Holly St. gatiicecream.com. 512-220-1077.
Halo-halo at Little Mama’s
Venture up to Round Rock and discover the flavors of the Philippines at Little Mama’s. Their star dessert is the Halo-halo. Layers of sweet ube ice cream mingle with flan, sweet potato, Jell-o and condensed milk. You can customize your halo-halo with extra toppings for an even more personalized treat.
2021 N Mays St #1000, Round Rock. 512-244-6262.
Taiyaki cones at OMG Squee
Prepare for cuteness overload at OMG Squee, where gluten-free treats take on adorable forms. Their signature Taiyaki cones, warmed and shaped like fish, cradle soft serve sundaes with fillings like organic sweet bean, Nutella and custard. Soft serve flavors include ube, vanilla chai, cereal milk and swirl combinations. You can elevate your sundae with toppings like Oreo dust, Fruity Pebbles and rainbow sprinkles. Don’t miss their milk tea float or the matcha affogato.
4607 Bolm Road, Suite A, squeeclub.com. 512-435-9113.
Bingsu at Snowball Riceball
Experience Korean shaved ice, or bingsu, at Snow Ball Rice Ball. Their shaved ice mountains come in a variety of flavors, including sweet mango, strawberry, injeolmi, green tea and more. You can also add assorted fresh fruit or a drizzle of sweet condensed milk to your bingsu.
6929 Airport Blvd. snowballriceballatx.com. 512-433-6872.
