Summer in Kathmandu: The First Bingsu Paradise Delights Moo Chai
If you're a fan of Korean cuisine or simply looking for a unique dessert experience, look no further than Moo Chai, the first and only restaurant in Kathmandu that specializes in serving the delightful Korean dessert known as Bingsu.
UPON ENTERING Moo Chai, you'll be greeted by a cozy and modern ambiance, especially the striking blue of the interior along with the masterful interior catching the eye.
Firstly, let's start with the dish that is the first of its kind in Nepal, the Bingsu itself. Bingsu is a shaved ice dessert that comes in various flavors, topped with an assortment of toppings and sauces. At Moo Chai, they have mastered the art of creating these frozen delights. The shaved ice is incredibly light and fluffy, melting in your mouth with each bite along with condensed milk to dip your shaved ice cream into. The restaurant clearly takes great effort to use premium ingredients to create the ideal texture and flavor. It's not only that but they provide a whole lot more just to sooth your taste buds, ranging from bubble tea to hot drinks and sandwiches to fill your tummy.
The menu at Bingsu Delights is extensive, offering a wide range of Bingsu flavors to suit every palate. Whether you're a traditionalist who prefers the classic flavors like Mango delight or strawberry bliss you're sure to find something that tickles your fancy. Each Bingsu is beautifully presented, adorned with an artful arrangement of fresh fruits, sauces, and a scoop of creamy ice cream. Let’s not forget that when you order a Bingsu you need to eat it before it melts otherwise it becomes very sludgy which is also tasty but the essence of the dish is wasted.
While I had the privilege of reviewing the dishes that Moo Chai provided, I can say that they were near perfect with the taste, definitely something that you need to try in the scorching heat of Kathmandu in the summer.
The two flavours of Bingsu I had the luxury of reviewing was firstly the Oreo on Snow, for chocolate lovers this is a must try. The Oreo mixed with the shaved ice was marvellous but a bit too sugary for my pallet, I'm sure that anyone with a sweet tooth will not regret the decision of trying the delicacy. The presentation of the dish was flawless with the combination of shaved ice cream, Oreo and chocolate syrup.
Rs. 550
The Strawberry bliss does not fall short compared to the previous dish, the taste was almost perfect, a bit of extra sweetness probably due to the extra scoop of ice cream that was added to make it better than the other dish but needless to say both tasted wonderful. The strawberry on the shaved ice cream was a treat to the eyes. A visually and taste appealing dish with a perfect summer hot day, what more can you ask?
Rs. 550
The Tiger Milk tea which ended the review on a perfect note, the name is given after the tiger like stripes that are formed in the edge of the glass after a syrup is dropped into the mixture. The texture of Tiger Milk Tea is velvety and smooth, thanks to the addition of condensed milk. It adds a creamy richness that balances out the robustness of the tea, making each sip a luxurious experience. Whether enjoyed hot or iced, this beverage is a delightful respite from the ordinary.
While the focus of Bingsu Delights is primarily on Bingsu, they also offer a small selection of snacks and beverages. The only slight downside to Bingsu Delights is its popularity, which can lead to occasional waiting times during peak hours. However, the staff does their best to ensure efficient service and make your wait as comfortable as possible.
Overall, Bingsu Delights is a breath of fresh air in Kathmandu's culinary scene. It brings a slice of Korea to the city, introducing locals and tourists alike to the sweet and refreshing delights of Bingsu. With its cozy atmosphere, attentive service, and mouth-watering flavors, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in a truly unique dessert experience.