Hui Lau Shan
4/F Atrium, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City
Open daily from 10 a.m to 10 p.m
(SPOT.ph) Pakistani-Australian comedian Sami Shah (look him up) once said, “Mangoes are like lobsters: [they’re really good, but] you can’t look cool and eat a mango.” And any person from any country that loves this golden bulb of sticky-soft sweetness will know exactly what he means. But thankfully, Hui Lau Shan, known in Hong Kong for their handmade mango desserts, has solved this problem.
These desserts, in a way, have come home—the Philippines, specifically Guimaras, has been supplying the mangoes for their sweet treats in their Asian outposts, so you know they’re going to be amazing. Allow us to guide you throughout the menu a little bit so no one gets too lost in all those vibrant colors.
There’s no going wrong with A1 (P110), which is “mango on mango on mango,” according to Josh Versoza, who brought the franchise to our tropical shores. He isn’t kidding—this drink is so refreshing and such a welcome distraction from this sweltering heat.
This place doesn’t play games when it comes to texture, either. The B3 (P130) has mango juice and silky, chewy aloe jelly, topped with a sort of coconut whip that says, “Everything’s gonna be okay.” Need something a little heavier? Swap the aloe for some naturally sweet red bean in the H2 (P120). This whole menu is so fresh and light that, if you’re not careful, Hui Lau Shan might just replace your milk-tea addiction.
For a touch of richness, the C5 (P140) has a great balance of flavors—sweet mango, of course, and the bite of bittersweet fresh pomelo bits come together beautifully. Plus, there’s this mix of textures with the floating sago and sneaky sorbet-like scoop, made of coconut milk and, yes, more mango, on top. If you’re looking for a true-blue smoothie, though, we actually recommend the F2 (P120), which may be straight-up strawberries with milk, but it’s also the lightest smoothie you’ll ever have.
Their oolong-tea items might literally make you go, “Ooooohh!”—that’s how pretty they are. The K1 (P160) and K2 (P140) are like those friendly neighborhood fraternal twins who have a little too much energy but are generally very likeable people—that oolong is strong, okay? Expect a little buzz if you’re not a caffeine drinker.
Don’t forget the bowl desserts! The Mango Chewy Ball (P150) is like everybody’s favorite Asian dessert, with fresh mango cubes, chewy mochi-like balls, and that sorbet we were talking about, all swimming in a sea of thick mango puree. The Sea Coconut Icy Combo (P190) is a medley of beautiful, natural flavors that will teach you to fall in love with fruit all over again. Made with a rich and smooth “icy,” or flavored ice, it’s texture will remind you of bingsu, but instead of cow’s milk, they use pure coconut milk—you could say this frozen fruit bowl is great for vegans, too. But that Mango Mochi (P90/three pieces) is what its name is, and it really takes the (rice) cake. You must try this. That’s all we have to say.
Seems like Hui Lau Shan is out to test your loyalty to carabao mangoes—but we all know Filipinos are going to pass this test with flying colors.
Hui Lau Shan will be on soft opening on March 17.
Photos by Hans Fausto
