Cool Intentions: Refreshing Chinese Desserts

Osmanthus Jelly

The aromatic osmanthus flower has a longstanding history in Taiwanese and Chinese cultures for its unique floral scent. Delicate and fragrant jellies made from dried osmanthus flowers usually come with red dates or goji berries—making it a relatively healthy dessert option. Osmanthus jelly also doubles as a palate cleanser, so try it after a dim sum extravaganza at Tim Ho Wan.
Various locations including Shop 12A, 1/F, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2332-3078.
 

Red Bean Ice

Red beans, ice, sugar syrup and evaporated milk—cue sugar high. This authentic Hong Kong mix has been the summer drink of choice since the 70s: Head to Sun Heung Yuen (新香園) to quench your thirst for this iconic beverage. Ask for an extra scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent.
G/F, 38 Kweilin St., Sham Shui Po, 2386-2748.
 

Durian Sorbet

You either love it or hate it, but anyone who has encountered the “king of fruits” is forever marked by its pungent smell—some say it’s a cross between rotting sewage and overly ripe fruit. It might be an acquired taste, but a more approachable option is a durian sorbet, topped with jelly, shredded almond and loads of cream at Musang King—a Singaporean-Malaysian joint that specializes in all things durian.
28-30 Haven St., Causeway Bay, 2618-9032.
 

Put Chai Ko

Keep it sweet and simple with bowl pudding or put chai ko, a popular Hong Kong snack made with steamed sugar and rice flour. It’s sweet, stodgy and filling, and has been a local fave since the 80s when they were popularized by cha chaan tengs. Traditionally steamed in porcelain bowls or aluminum cups and then turned out, put chai ko can be made with plain white sugar or brown sugar, with or without red beans. Try an authentic version at Kwan Kee Store in Sham Shui Po.
Shop 10, 115-117 Fuk Wah St., Sham Shui Po, 2360-0328.
 

Let’s go bowling
 

Tofu Fa

This smooth and silky tofu pudding is meant to dissolve in the mouth. Best with a sweet ginger syrup, this soybean sweet treat is available either hot or cold, occasionally with a touch of sweet black bean paste. Visit Auntie Sweet for a taste of tradition—the tofu’s served in a wooden bucket—or try one of their flavored tofu puddings, ranging from strawberry to mango to black sesame.
G/F, 13 Tsing Fung St., Tin Hau, 2508-6962.
 

Grass Jelly

They’re not the prettiest looking bites, but black, wobbly fragrant grass jelly is believed to have many “cooling” properties. Try Kei Kee Dessert’s signature version, which is served with a ridiculously generous heap of fresh fruit.  
Shop 7, Chi Fu Centre, 56 Yau Sun St., Yuen Long, 2479-4743.
 

Grass jelly lurks beneath

Mango Pudding

Who doesn’t love cold, creamy pudding with fresh mango? You can actually thank the Brits for this delightful, refreshing dessert. Originating in India, this custard dish came to Hong Kong in the 19th century thanks to the British. Who knew? Try the pudding at Yuen Long's Farm Milk—it’s made from the farm’s own fresh milk and topped with plenty of mango chunks.
78 Lui Kung Tin, Kap Lung Village,Yuen Long, 2832-9218.