ZenQ Desserts @ Gurney Plaza, Penang.

****This restaurant/dessert kiosk has since, closed down********



With just the recent opening of Bing Bing Taiwanese Dessert House in Straits Quay last week, Penangites are finally getting another dessert outlet that offers Taiwanese desserts -- ZenQ desserts. ZenQ desserts should be quite familiar to those living in Kuala Lumpur as there are quite a number of outlets over there. ZenQ is actually a franchise outlet that serves traditional home made Taiwanese desserts. ZenQ Penang outlet has just opened for business on 19/11/2011 and its located right in front of Kenny Rogers Roasters, Lower Ground floor of Gurney Plaza, Penang. One of their signature dishes is the taro balls. However, in comparison with Bing Bing Taiwanese Dessert House, ZenQ has lesser choices to offer in terms of the flavored ice. At present, ZenQ has 2 types of flavored ice to offer, Grass Jelly and Matcha (抹茶). I was also being told that they will be offering their 3rd type of flavored ice (Soya Milk) as soon as December 2011. The prices are slightly cheaper compared to Bing Bing and the toppings were more or less the same as well. The only drawback is their business hour. They will be closed as early as 10pm, it would be better if they could extend their business hour to 12am (for supper).

Grass Jelly based flavored ice with Crystal Noodles, Taro Balls, Pearls and Grass Jelly (Rm7.50). Customers can choose their own desired toppings (3 toppings at Rm7.50). The taro balls are much bigger in size compared to Bing Bing and the grass jelly was superb, as in the texture was so chewy. I lifted up the grass jelly using the spoon and it does not even split into half. The crystal noodles were quite chewy as well, more to a starchy kind of topping.

The creamer given was much thicker than Bing Bing which something I was expecting. The milky flavor was quite heavy and it complemented well with the toppings. The thicker the creamer, the longer time it takes to melt the ice. So its actually much better to use a thicker creamer.

We have tried their Matcha flavored ice too. Personally, I would have preferred this over the grass jelly flavored ice, probably due to personal preference as I adore the flavored of the green tea. It reduces my guiltiness as well as green tea tends to be sided on the healthier side. Green tea works well with the creamer too.

Lotus Seed ZenQ Grass Jelly (Rm7.50). The lotus seed was very soft and most importantly, it was not too sweet, just perfect to complement well with the flavored ice. 

Mixed Fruit Sago (Rm6.90) The smooth and creamy sago cleverly topped with a scoop of mango ice cream. If you are not a fan of mango, you can opt for some other flavors as well, Yam and Strawberry are also available.

Other than those icy cold desserts, ZenQ has a total of 6 types of hot desserts available as well, but sadly, most of them are related to red beans. Anyway, there are a several series available for their customers too, Grass Jelly Series, Barley Series, Freshly Made Series (fruit juice), Iced Tea Series, Red Bean Series and Shaved Ice Series.

Ratings:

Taste: 9/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Price: 8/10 (1-3 expensive, 4-7 average, 8-10 cheap)

Service: 8/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Parking: 7/10 (1-3 bad, 4-7 average, 8-10 good)

Service Charge: No

Government Tax: No

Additional Information:

Address: Lot B1-K23/25/26, Lower Ground Floor, Exactly in front of Kenny Rogers' Roasters.

Business Hour: 11am to 10pm, Daily.

Contact Number: 012- 290 9888 (franchise hotline) only