It gets really hot in Austin and it seems like it gets hotter and hotter each year. With Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month falling in May, I had to represent local places in Austin that specialize in Asian desserts! Asian deserts range from a lot of unique flavors and textures, which can be off-putting to some people, but don’t knock it till you try it. If you can’t travel to Asian countries, might as well take your tastebuds on a trip through restaurants right here in the city.
Here’s a list of places in Austin that specialize in Asian desserts to cool off in these hot Texas summer days!
*note: this blog post was written and published during COVID-19 in Austin, TX. Restaurants operating during this time will be highlighted with an asterisk
Be More Pacific or Lilttle Mama’s for Halo Halo
Be More Pacific: 7858 Shoal Creek Blvd. Ste C Austin, TX 78757
Little Mama’s: 2021 N Mays St Ste 1000, Round Rock, TX 78664
Halo Halo is a Filipino dessert that literally translates to “mix mix.” Growing up, it wasn’t a proper summer Filpino party unless there was an ice shaving machine and all of the goodies to customize your own halo halo. My favorite part about halo halo is the ube ice cream that goes on top! The one at Be More Pacific is specially made by Amy’s Ice Cream!
*Little Mama’s is currently operating for curbside takeout and delivery through Favor
*Be More Pacific is temporarily closed until further notice
see also: Best Asian Fusion Restaurants in Austin
Bambu Desserts & Drinks for Vietnamese Chè
10901 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
Chè is what I like to call the Vietnamese equivalent to halo halo. Traditionally, it’s any Vietnamese sweet beverage, dessert soup or pudding and super customizable. The one’s at Bambu are made fresh to order and I like to get mine with coconut water and pandan jelly.
*Bambu is currently open for takeout only
Feng Cha for Milk Tea with Foam Cap
2525 W Anderson Ln #285, Austin, TX 78757
There are a bunch of solid places in Austin to get Boba or Bubble Tea. I put Feng Cha on my list because this is the only boba shop that does foam caps that I like. Try the Taro Milk tea with Cheese Milk Foam. Sounds intimidating, but trust me it’s so good!
*Feng Cha is currently open for business. Call 512-770-1089 to place an order ahead of time or order online at fengchausa.com/austin-location
Kung Fu Tea for Winter Melon Milk or Green Tea
9070 Research Blvd Suite #102, Austin, TX 78758
Kung Fu Tea is probably one of the more widely-known boba tea franchises. They get a boba mention because of their Winter Melon Milk and Green Teas. Seriously, you’re going to want to get either of those the next time you visit.
*Kung Fu Tea is currently open for takeout and delivery. Order by calling (512) 992-0730 or through the Kung Fu Tea app
Ding Tea for Milk Tea
Ding Tea Austin: 1700 W Parmer Ln #600, Austin, TX 78727
Ding Tea Pflugerville: 1608 Town Center Dr, Pflugerville, TX 78660
Ding Tea Round Rock: 2800 S N Interstate Hwy 35, Round Rock, TX 78681
Ding Tea rounds up my third and final mention for boba tea in Austin because this is my favorite shop for traditional milk tea. IMO, the milk tea here has the right balance I’m looking for in a milk tea: not too sweet and not too bitter.
*The Pflugerville and Austin locations are currently open for delivery and takeout. Order online at dingteaaustin.com
101 by Teahaus for Strawberry Brick Toast
6929 Airport Blvd #132, Austin, TX 78752
The Strawberry Brick Toast at 101 by Teahaus is basically any strawberry lover’s dream dessert. It’s sweet, fluffy, and covered in huge strawberries, powdered sugar, and sweetened condensed milk.
*101 by Teahaus is currently open for takeout and delivery. Order online at 101byteahaus.com
see also: The Best Authentic Asian Food in Austin
OMG Squee for Japanese Jiggly Cheesecakes and Taiyaki Ice Cream
4607 Bolm Rd, Austin, TX 78702
OMG Squee is the place to get Japanese Jiggly Cheesecakes and Taiyaki ice cream. If you’ve never had either before, you’re going to want to get your hands on some right away. The jiggly cheesecake is a lot lighter because it’s made with fluffy egg whites beat into the batter and tastes less sweeter than traditional cheesecake. Taiyaki is a Japanese cake shaped like a fish and is stuffed with a rotating selection of house-made soft serve ice cream and choice of sauces and toppings.
*OMG Squee is currently open for curbside pickup (Taiyaki ice cream currently unavailable). Order online here
Tous les Jours for delicious cakes
North Lamar: 6808 N Lamar Blvd B-115, Austin, TX 78752
Lakeline: 11301 Lakeline Blvd, Austin, TX 78717
Tous les Jours is a French-Asian bakery where you can find a range of delicious baked goods that are either sweet or savory. This is where I usually go to get my mom a cake for special occasions.
*Tous les Jours is currently open
85 Degrees Bakery Cafe for Egg Tarts and Marble Taro Bun
Highland: 6929 Airport Blvd #197, Austin, TX 78752
Lakeline: 11301 South Lakeline Blvd #140, Austin, TX 78717
85 Degrees Bakery Cafe sells beverages and delicious baked goods. My favorite things to get here are the egg tarts and marble taro buns! I never want to share either of those.
*Both 85 Degrees locations in Austin are open for takeout. Order in-store or online here
Snowy Village for Bingsu and Taiyaki
Highland: 6929 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78752
North Austin: 1700 W Parmer Ln ste. 244, Austin, TX 78727
Snowy Village has both Bingsu and Taiyaki. Bingsu is a Korean dessert made with shaved ice and sweet toppings. My personal favorite is the Mango Bingsu. The Taiyaki here can be made sweet or savory with a lot of options to choose from, but I prefer the traditional red bean.
*Snowy Village North Austin is currently open for to-go orders and delivery through GrubHub and DoorDash. Order by calling (512) 494-4232
SnoMo for Tawainese-style Shaved Ice
North Lamar: 11220 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
Lakeline (inside H-Mart): 11301 Lakeline Blvd, Austin, TX 78717
Thicket Food Trailer Park: 7800 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78745
Lakeway: 900 Ranch Rd 620 S a109, Lakeway, TX 78734
If you’ve never had Tawainese-style shaved ice before, you’re in for a treat. SnoMo does a really good job of making the ice super creamy and delicious. What I really like are the various topping options. Personally, I like to get taro or mango sno ice with fresh fruit and boba!
*All SnoMo locations are currently open for takeout or delivery through DoorDash, GrubHub, and UberEats
Bar Peached for Bingsu
1315 W 6th St, Austin, TX 78703
Bar Peached is the sister restaurant to Peached Tortilla and specializes in cocktails, tacos, and Asian comfort food with a twist. Whenever I dine here, I try to save room for their take on Korean Bingsu. It’s big enough to serve 2-4 people and the perfect way to close out a meal here.
*Bar Peached is temporarily closed. Order online for takeout and delivery at Peached Tortilla here