Banainai Taiwanese Dessert - Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK)
FIRST. POST!!
Trust me, I'm REALLY excited. Like, really with a capital R (or maybe with capital everything. I don't know, you got what I mean). I've been wanting to try food blogging since many years ago, but now I'm finally doing it for real ( huge thanks to my boyfriend for pushing and supporting me! <3 ).
It's really hard to decide which place should I review for my first post. (I mean, first post is a huge deal, duh). Finally, my choice goes to Banainai Taiwanese Dessert at Pantai Indah Kapuk. I've been here once, but I'm back again for a complete review because I just love this place.
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| Look at those popsicles! |
First Impression
This place isn't hard to find at all, it's near the gas station and in the same row as Cabe Ijo Restaurant. The waitresses are very friendly and smiley (I absolutely love a place with friendly waitresses), and the place feels very homey and comfortable. Overall, it got a nice atmosphere. When I first came in, my attention was caught at their popsicle display. So many colorful popsicles were displayed so beautifully, it deserves a place on your Instagram story. I also realize the waitresses can actually speak Mandarin (wow!), and don't bother trying to ask or talk to the supervisors in Indonesian because they can only speak Mandarin. Looking at the menu and by listening to the waitress' explanation, I assumed Banainai is trying to position itself as a healthy dessert place. Most of the menu are made from fresh fruits with less sugar, and I think this place is perfect for girls who want some less guilty dessert.
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| Say hello to Miss Snow Ice Maker! |
The Double Milk Popsicle quickly caught my attention with its beautiful color combination. The pink part is mixed with dragon fruit juice, while the lower part is mixed with clitoria flower (which is one of the specialty here). The popsicle itself is pretty sweet (I assume it has some sweetened condensed milk in it), but there's a tangy kick from the kiwi and strawberry slice which makes it refreshing. The kiwi is a bit too sour for me, though. When I tried the Chocolate Milk Popsicle, I was really surprised by how strong the dark chocolate flavor was. There's still a hint of sweetness, and also a sour taste from the banana slices. Since I'm a milk lover, I prefer the Double Milk. But if you love chocolate, I think you will love the chocolate milk popsicle. Both are very refreshing.
Azzura Milk (IDR 33k)
I totally fall in love with the beautiful color in this drink. It makes such a beautiful gradient and the tall bottle really pops the color even more. For the taste, it's milky, that's all I have to say. There's almost no sweetness in it, and the clitoria flower gives a subtle unique taste although I can't really describe it. It's quite light, not creamy like the taste of a full cream milk (I heard they use only low fat milk here). Overall, it's pretty decent but not that extraordinary as well.
Sweet Potatoes (IDR 24k)
When it was first served at our table, I was so tempted by how good the smell was! Seriously, the steam from those hot sweet potatoes gives such a wonderful sweet aroma that I can't resist. It was also drizzled with crunchy caramelized sugar. Since it was so hot, they gave us a little bowl of cold water so we can dip the sweet potatoes inside to cool it down. At first, I was not so sure with the dipping thing (I mean, won't it change the taste?). Turns out, it doesn't give a significant change to the taste. But the water actually made the caramelized sugar became a bit like thick sauce consistency (I like it better when it's crunchy). I also like how the caramelized sugar has a bit of bitterness to it so it's not overly sweet. I think it makes a good, light snack.
So in the end, I must say I always enjoy my visit to Banainai. Might visit more to try their other drinks and snow ice. Have a sweet day! :)
Banainai Taiwanese Dessert
Rukan Emerald No. 16
Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta Utara
(021) 50116466
Open : 11.30 - 23.00
Rating : 8 out of 10
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| Left (Double Milk Popsicle) ; Right (Chocolate Milk Popsicle) |
I totally fall in love with the beautiful color in this drink. It makes such a beautiful gradient and the tall bottle really pops the color even more. For the taste, it's milky, that's all I have to say. There's almost no sweetness in it, and the clitoria flower gives a subtle unique taste although I can't really describe it. It's quite light, not creamy like the taste of a full cream milk (I heard they use only low fat milk here). Overall, it's pretty decent but not that extraordinary as well.
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| Such a pretty color <3 |
When it was first served at our table, I was so tempted by how good the smell was! Seriously, the steam from those hot sweet potatoes gives such a wonderful sweet aroma that I can't resist. It was also drizzled with crunchy caramelized sugar. Since it was so hot, they gave us a little bowl of cold water so we can dip the sweet potatoes inside to cool it down. At first, I was not so sure with the dipping thing (I mean, won't it change the taste?). Turns out, it doesn't give a significant change to the taste. But the water actually made the caramelized sugar became a bit like thick sauce consistency (I like it better when it's crunchy). I also like how the caramelized sugar has a bit of bitterness to it so it's not overly sweet. I think it makes a good, light snack.
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| That caramelized sugar pull, though! |
Banainai Taiwanese Dessert
Rukan Emerald No. 16
Pantai Indah Kapuk, Jakarta Utara
(021) 50116466
Open : 11.30 - 23.00
Rating : 8 out of 10
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