Bingsu Sunday @ Gurney Paragon Mall

Hello! So how's the weekend? 

My friends were having their one week break from school so I was asked that whether if I'm free to hangout with them on last Sunday, and of course, I responded by joining them. I mean, how could I turn down the invitation? Unlike the past, we hardly met each other often right now. Furthermore, after the short break they will be busy preparing for their major exam (STPM) while I'll be starting the actual course, which then I'll also be a lot more busy. In fact, it'll be even difficult for us to spare times out to meet up by then. Despite that I'm having a paper on Wednesday, I spared one day out for that. (Moreover, the exam for that general subject is not that difficult. I did my studies beforehand already *laughs*)

Another thing is that this post was supposed to be published a few days ago but due to that exam as well I delayed the publishing time to revise the notes once again. (Or else, I would actually feeling guilty of being so lazy LOL!) So I apologize for that. Still, late is better than never, right? :P

As what we are acknowledged about, previously Caffe Bene is only having their outlets at Kuala Lumpur so I didn't really have the chance to visit there. However, they had finally opened their first franchising outlet in Penang on 29 of August and it's located at Gurney Paragon Mall. My friends are fanatics of Korean stuffs, including tasty Korean-related foods, so it's naturally that we would want to try the famous Bingsu since that there's the chance already. 

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Caffe Bene is a coffeehouse chain based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in May 2008 by Sun-Kwon Kim, current CEO of Caffe Bene. Caffe Bene is the largest coffeehouse in South Korea in terms of the number of stores and now frachising in various countries which includes Malaysia. They are known for their Bingsu, but they do also provide coffees, waffles, breads and some others, even confectionery. 

As for what Bingsu actually is, is a very popular and elaborate dessert in Korea, especially during the summer season. (Meanwhile, Malaysia is a tropical country. Yay for Bingsu! ) It is composed of ice shavings and various ingredients such as fruits, cereal flakes or even tteukbokki(Korean rice cake). It is often topped with ice cream or frozen yogurt. The most popular variety is the traditional patbingsu made with sweetened red beans and 'Pat' stands for red bean paste while 'Bingsu' is referring to the shaved ice.

Now lets move on to the main subject!

Since that it's Sunday and the outlet is still a new one so it's pretty crowded and we hardly get a seat at first. We actually walked to Gurney Plaza for window shopping to spend our time instead of waiting in the queue as crowds would be lessen after that. 

Right after we got our seats as well as taken our order, what we did was chatting around while waiting. Oh hey, my phone was on the table with Reika's photo on my Facebook's news feed. XD

Nevertheless, we did took selfies as well during that time. (Oh Hello!) I wore my favourite comfy knitwear from H&M and did a simple hair as well as my normal makeup. :P 

Lets get back to the main thing again, the bingsu are available with either single or double sized. The single-sized Bingsu cost RM12.80 while the double-sized Bingsu is RM22.80.

I did mentioned that they also sell cakes, bread and . I'm not sure with the price since that we only ordered Bingsu on that day because we had our lunch at Sushi Zanmai before that already, but I can tell that the price range is between RM10 - RM18.  Look at the Garlic& Cheese Bread and the Caramel Cinnamon Bread. They're so tempting!!! Maybe I shall try it next time. *laughs*

Roasted coffee beans and mug collection of Caffe Bene are also available for purchase at the outlet. They do have a very nice range of collectible mugs.

After  a few minutes we had finally get our long-awaited Bingsu! We ordered 2 Green Tea Bingsu and 1 Coffee Bingsu. The one I ordered was the Green Tea Bingsu. 

Green Tea Bingsu (Single) -RM12.80

One of of popular choice besides PatBingsu and Strawberry Bingsu. At first, I planned to order Strawberry Bingsu, but it's still not available apparently, so I choose is because that I prefer green tea over the others which are available. Well, the combination of green tea and red bean paste is definitely a splendid one! Despite that it's a Korean desserts, the combination is more likely a Japanese style which we know that Matcha with red bean is a popular combination in Japanese desserts. Also, the Bingsu has toppings with whipped cream covering the green tea gelato, red bean paste and lots of almonds and various nuts. To conclude, I would give a  4/5 for this.

Coffee Bingsu (Single) -RM12.80

Unlike the Green Tea Bingsu, this one is less sweet comparing to the combination of green tea and sweet red beans.  As for the toppings, it's almost the same with the green tea one, just that the Bingsu is topped with chocolate cereal chips, coffee gelato and Chocolate powder instead of almond chips, green tea gelato and whipped cream. Though I didn't taste it, but from what Ewen commented, it taste nice as it's not too sweet. However, the combination of coffee with sweetened red beans is a little bit awkward, so it's 3.8/5.

Though every of us ordered the single sized (and as for what you see from the photo above, the cup is just nice for a hand to grip on it), but I can say that the serving size is more than enough, you wouldn't know that how full you would be. (Unless you're a very enthusiastic eater LOL). Furthermore, the time we went to have the Bingsu is just after rain, so... you know, it's very COLD. *Shivers*

Don't judge us. Having the Bingsu was our main objective of the day, so we still go for that. :P

The shop is less crowded after about half an hour and it's more quiet and calm. (Which is what I prefer, I don't really like being in a big crowd) Thus, from the photo above you can see the interior more clearly. The environment is quite cozy. I like the analogue clock display as well as the book rack there. Too bad that the time we went in it's to crowded so I didn't managed to get a seat near there though, but it doesn't really matter.  :P

That's more or less of the review for Caffe Bene's Bingsu. I would really liked to try the breads or waffles next time, but probably till the next term break. 

Also, here's some information regarding the shop for you guys. It's located just at the opposite of H&M. :)

Caffebene

Address: 163D-1-06, Gurney Paragon Mall

Opening hours: 10am - 10pm

Website: www.caffebene.com.my

Facebook: Caffebene Malaysia