While most of us were away enjoying the break during the Hari Raya Haji holidays, a few of us were stuck back here in Kuala Lumpur due to some circumstances. I for one had to stay back to due some work overload and fast approaching datelines. After burning the midnight oil for a few days straight, I decided to take a much needed break.

During times like this, I was in dire need for desserts, simply to cheer myself up. Ugh! I managed to drag my friend along and off we went to Aftermeals. Aftermeal is a new dessert shop located in Damansara Uptown that offers both hot and cold desserts. Some of their offerings includes kakigori (shaved ice), pearl milk tea, glutinous rice balls and hot desserts which includes taro, red bean with grass jelly

The first thing I noticed as soon as I entered this eatery was that it was lively and bustling with people. They were doing really well and it is apparent that people enjoy what is offered here. I did not know what to have and so, was suggested their popular option, the crowd favorites.

Iron Lady Tea Kakigori, 20 ringgit

This dessert was lovely. First of all, do you guys notice how refined the kakigori is ? It may seem solid but as soon as it hits your mouth, it melts. I also loved the fact that whether it was solid or liquid – it tasted the same. In some cases, when the kakigori melts, it starts to taste diluted? Yea well, no such thing here. It tasted the same either way.

Okay so – the “tea” in Iron Lady Tea Kakigori is basically Oolong tea. I was told that Aftermeal is one of the first eateries to provide this combination of tea and kakigori locally. They created this particular kakigori based on the observation that while lots of people enjoy flavorful shaved ice, many also love pearls/boba – and so, why not provide customers with a combination of both which will allow everyone to enjoy all sides of this Taiwanese influenced dish. Awesome, right?

While I’ve heard of Oolong, I did not know that there were different types in regards to grades/quality – the okay, good and the best. I was schooled on that fact by Mr Pei, who took the time to explain that the specific Oolong used here at Aftermeal is called Tieguanyin. It is considered to be of really good, premium quality tea. I guess as a consumer, it is easy to simply overlook and assume that all the oolong tea are the same but hey, I learn something new everyday.

Taste wise – it was awesome. The Oolong tea had a nice, natural sweetness to it, derived from the brown sugar used. The kakigori came with some red beans, almond flakes on the top and some grass jelly on the bottom. That by itself was good, it allowed for different textured which kept the dish exciting. I was already excited to begin with but what got me bursting with even more excitement was the sides. The kakigori came with a side of boba/pearl and taro – all made in house. The taro particularly were softer than the regular taros I’ve come across. They intended the taro to reflect the texture of a mochi and so while it was chewy, it is less solid and stiff and made for a perfect addition to the kakigori. Imagine having a spoon full of flavorful melted oolong tea with chewy boba and taro?? Oooooo my 🙂

Calamansi Wintermelon, 10 ringgit

Upon tasting this drink, I understand why this is a best seller. The first word that comes to mind when I think about the Calamansi Wintermelon is surprising and refreshing. Surprising because there is ZERO amount of sugar added and yet it has sweetness. As you’d notice, there are two major flavors that you’d be able to taste here which is the calamansi and wintermelon. The calamansi usually taste slightly sour-ish whereas the winter melon is more pleasant, sweet-ish. I would have thought that with this drink, the flavors would have somewhat combined and created one specific taste but nope, that is not the case here. The two different flavors are somehow still separated despite being combined into one. The first thing I tasted was slightly sour-ish, distinct taste of the calamansi and then immediately hit with the sweetness from the winter melon. It doesn’t end there. Another surprise would be at the bottom of the cup – a generous portion of jelly bits.

Just looking at the drink as a whole, it looked rather unassuming. It would be totally easy to miss the fact that there were jelly bits in it due to the fact that it is colorless. It is only after dipping in and tasting it that you’d realize it and I must say, it was a nice surprise. It offered differing textures that made the drink even more unique.

It had nice flavors with nice textures – what more do I need. Loved it.

Would I head back here?

Yes, I would. I look forward to dropping by and giving the other dishes a go. I got my eyes on those glutinous rice balls as well as the Matcha Kakigori.

***** Thanks for having us, Mr Pei. It’s been a pleasure.