Little Foodies Harmony Tea Shoppe

Harmony Tea Shoppe

You’ve probably eaten a sundae at some point in your life. But have you ever tried a matcha sundae with red beans, Froot Loops and granola in it? You’ll find these unusual — but delicious — sundaes at Harmony Tea Shoppe, located in the Keystone at the Crossing neighborhood of Indianapolis.

First, you choose your base of soft serve ice cream: matcha (green tea) or taro (a purple root vegetable that is similar in taste to a sweet potato). Then, toppings like red beans, sponge cake chunks, cereal, mochi balls and fruit are added. Then another swirl of soft serve is dolloped on top. The sundaes are served in a cup, so it’s the perfect treat to take and eat on the go, or enjoy your treats inside the modern shop.

Sundaes aren’t the only treats you’ll find at Harmony Tea Shoppe. You’ll also find a huge menu of tea beverages, including bubble tea, milk tea and smoothies. Choose from one of their signature drinks, like a mango jasmine green milk tea with cheese foam, or a caramel bubble black tea with dark brown sugar. The sweetness level of the beverages can be customized to accommodate your sweet tooth: you can ask for less sugar (75%) or even zero sweetness (sugar free). Pair your beverage with one of Harmony’s mochi donuts — chewy donuts made with rice flour — and you have a great treat.

3435 E. 86th St., Indianapolis

harmonyteashoppe.com

BUCKET LIST

Our roundup of fun and festive things to do in Indy this season.

WORDS BY NICOLE SIPE

The holidays are here, and there is no shortage of family activities to enjoy in Indy. If you’re looking to add some Christmas fun to your month, here are some ideas to add to your family’s winter bucket list!

CUT YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS TREE

There’s something magical about picking the perfect Christmas tree with your family and cutting it down yourself! Indy has a few U-cut options, all located outside of the circle. On the south side, you’ll find Jay’s Tree Farm in Mooresville; on the west, Evan Whispering Pines in Danville. Up north, visit Dull’s Tree Farm in Thornton; and on the east side, Clearview Family Christmas Tree Farm is located in Arlington.

ENJOY A NUTCRACKER PERFORMANCE

The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition, and fortunately, there are many performances happening in Indy. Watch the renowned Indiana Ballet Conservatory remake this iconic classic at the Murat Theatre on December 16-18, and see Ballet INitiative perform the Nutcracker with a twist at Basile Theatre at the Athenaeum on the same dates. For the young kids, the Nutcracker Sweets at the Toby Theatre at Newfields is a short-but-sweet 1 hour long on December 9-11.

When it comes to Christmas, the reindeers are just as important as Santa. This year, there are plenty of places around Indianapolis to visit Santa’s hooved helpers. In Carmel, reindeer will be popping up at Clay Terrace’s Village Green on three days this month: December 3, 10 and 17. Downtown Greenfield’s Reindeer on Main event gives visitors a chance to meet Santa's reindeer before they head back to the North Pole on December 17. And Indianapolis Public Library patrons have two chances to get up-close to reindeer during storytimes at two branches: West Perry Branch Library on December 19, and Martindale-Brightwood Branch Library the following day.

SEE THE HOLIDAY TRAINS

Visiting Jingle Rails at the Eiteljorg Museum — and seeing the miniature trains chugging through those miniature scenes — is a true Indy tradition. Want to experience a real train? Then hop on the Reindeer Ride at the Nickel Plate Express in Noblesville to sing carols, enjoy a cookie and cocoa, and meet Santa during hour-long train rides through Hamilton County.

STROLL THROUGH A CHRISTKINDLMARKT

The Athenaeum’s inaugural Christkindlmarkt is the place to eat, drink and be merry this holiday season, and features traditional festival elements and special German traditions through December 18. In Hamilton County, enjoy a delightful blend of German holiday food, drinks, gifts, decorations, special performances and ice skating at downtown Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt through December 30.

VISIT WITH SANTA

Santa is a busy guy — he has been spotted all over Indy! You’ll find Santa all season long at the Indiana State Museum’s Conservatory Crossing (with special times and dates for sensory-friendly visits) and Jolly Days Winter Wonderland at The Children’s Museum, among other places. Share breakfast with Santa at Conner Prairie on select days this month, or take selfies with Santa in Broad Ripple at the Lights Up Holiday Festival on December 4.

WATCH A MERRY MOVIE

Holiday movies should be on every family’s bucket list! On December 10, catch a showing of The Muppet Christmas Carol at The Athenaeum’s Cereal Cinema, and enjoy a free bowl of cereal while you’re there, too. Or bundle up and catch a free showing of Elf outdoors at Grand Junction Plaza in Westfield on December 2.

These are just some of the great ways to celebrate the holidays in Indy. Go out and make the most of this merry season!