Tong Sui

Text and photos by ANDY ROBINSON and MELODY XU

TONG SUI

PUDDING PERFECTIONIST — General Manager Kevin Ng poses for a portrait in the new downtown Palo Alto location of coconut pudding store Tong Sui. “A lot of first timers that came and tried us and then return all the time,” Ng said. “I think eventually, they [customers] are more into the fitness and into the healthy lifestyle.”

NEW DESSERT STORE SELLS COCONUT PUDDINGS

CHEERFUL MINT GREEN and white, the accent of light wood and upbeat music make up the atmosphere of downtown dessert shop Tong Sui.

The store, which opened in October on Bryant Street, isn’t “just another boba shop” downtown, General Manager Kevin Ng said. Rather, the establishment defies expectations by specializing in coconut pudding of nearly 30 different varieties.

“When we first started out, it [our specialty] was not boba,” Ng said. “It [boba] was here to attract more customers.”

According to Ng, the owner of Tong Sui, founder Debby Wang, was inspired by dessert-making traditions in Hong Kong and her background working in a Michelin Star kitchen. Looking for a healthier dessert brand, she founded Tong Sui in the Bay Area with a focus on healthy ingredients.

Tong Sui does not use artificial syrups or preservatives, instead using organic and fresh produce, Ng said.

Its signature coconut mix is made using fresh coconut water and organic milk, and gelatin-free recipes.

Beyond its newest location in Palo Alto, Tong Sui is a chain with existing shops in Redwood City, Sunnyvale and San Mateo.

Popular items at the shop include the Mango Mochi Coconut and Earl Gray puddings along with seasonal items for Halloween and other occasions that have become popular.

Verde reviewed four of Tong Sui’s signatures and top sellers, including two coconut puddings and two drinks. v

TONG SUI TREATS — Four unique and tasty Tong Sui signatures await customers at this one-of-a-kind store.

Black Sesame Coconut Pudding ($9.95) Mango Mochi Coconut Pudding ($7.95)

The ever-so-sweet black and grey black sesame paired well with the viscous and sturdy white coconut base, almost similar to the texture of a hard-boiled egg. This coconut pudding was topped with two walnuts. We were impressed and think this snack is worth a try. This pudding features a relatively muted — yet sweet and refreshing — mango flavor that mixes into the smooth white coconut base. This simple yet delightful item is perfect for anyone looking to try one of Tong Sui’s signature food items for the first time, Ng said.

Peach & Plum Cheezo ($8.95)

Made with fresh plum and white peach, this is another of Tong Sui’s most popular drinks, according to Ng. We could see why — the fruit tasted fresh and sweet, and was combined with cloudy pink gel and topped with white cream. The entire drink came together into a unique, flowery and tropical mix that was our favorite product of the bunch.

Coconut Ice Bomb ($7.95)

The Coconut Ice Bomb is Tong Sui’s “specialty drink,” Ng said. We think it is perfect for any coconut fans, though not so much for people who are less enthusiastic about the tropical fruit. The drink was topped with coconut meat and had chewy crystal boba at the bottom. We were pleasantly surprised with how fresh and sharp this refreshing drink tasted.