[FOOD] Review: Purple Cane (紫藤) Halal Tea Mooncakes (茶月饼)

Happy Mooncake Festival! ❤

It's almost the time for the tradition of the year to savour some delicious mooncakes with authentic Chinese tea. This year, we have a wide collection of Halal Tea Mooncake (茶月饼) from Purple Cane (紫藤). 

With up to 13 unique tea flavours, there is definitely a tea mooncake that suits your most discerning palate! For those who wish to learn the art of pairing the right tea with the tea mooncake, feel free to check out their Ultimate Guide to Mooncakes and Tea Pairing.

Purple Cane has been famed for making the first ever Tea Mooncake in Malaysia, since its first introduction in 1998. Individually priced from RM9.90 onwards, all the mooncakes are Halal and most of them are vegetarian, unless indicated otherwise. 

How is Tea Mooncake being Made?

I find it interesting when I first tasted Purple Cane's mooncakes because it gives a beautiful whiff of tea in the crust. The mooncakes are infused with tea (black tea, oolong tea, green tea and puer tea) by grinding the tea leaves into fine powder form and incorporating it into the pastry crust, before wrapping the crust around the delicious fillings such as red bean paste, lotus paste and assorted nuts.

 

Not only the attention to detail in the process of mooncake making, Purple Cane also pays great emphasis on the vibrant oriental packaging of the mooncakes, making them perfect gifts for this auspicious festival.  

Tea Mooncake Set (6 in 1)

(紫藤中秋月饼礼盒)

The above set contains:

❤ Dates Paste Green Tea Mooncake (枣泥绿茶月饼)

❤ Assorted Nuts Green Tea Mooncake (伍仁绿茶月饼)

❤ Black Tea Red Bean Paste Mooncake (豆沙红茶月饼)

❤ White Tea Purple Potato Lotus Paste Tea Mooncake (紫薯白茶月饼)

❤ Rose Tea Bamboo Charcoal Lotus Paste Tea Mooncake (黑玫瑰花茶月饼)

❤ Pandan and Golden Yolk Custard Lotus Paste Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Mooncake - 

Non-vegetarian (班兰金沙奶皇蝶豆花茶月饼 - 非素食)

❤ FREE lantern riddles and 1 sachet of Cane's tea bag (附赠灯谜 + 康氏袋泡茶)

The 6-in-1 mooncake gift set comes with the crowd's favourite flavours of mooncakes, beautifully crafted in various designs and colors. Don't worry, the colors are sourced from natural ingredients (for example, purple pastry crust is made of purple sweet potato). 

Mooncakes are commonly perceived as "high-calorie" and "pure sugar" but this is definitely not the case in Purple Cane. Purple Cane's Tea mooncakes with cantonese style pastry crust and filling taste mildly sweet, are low in fat content and contain no preservatives. Suitable for the health-conscious!

The gift set also comes with a cute lantern riddle (it is a tradition among ancient Chinese to attach riddles to their lanterns during Mid-Autumn Festival). Purple Cane's "modernised" version is equally interesting too!

Assorted Nuts Green Tea Mooncake (伍仁绿茶月饼)

Among the 6 flavours, my No.1 all-time favourite is the green tea mooncake filled with assorted nuts. It tastes so nutty, yet feels light on the mouth. A delighful piece to pair with hot green tea for that refreshing taste and aids digestion. 

Pandan and Golden Yolk Custard Lotus Paste Blue Butterfly Pea Flower Tea Mooncake

(班兰金沙奶皇蝶豆花茶月饼)

If you prefer something more creamy and smoother on the palate, I'd recommend the one with smooth pandan and golden yolk custard lotus paste. The flavour is just on point - rich enough yet not too overpowering. I don't mind having the whole piece to myself :P 

Rose Tea Bamboo Charcoal Lotus Paste Tea Mooncake (黑玫瑰花茶月饼)

Interestingly, there is a "gem" hidden in this charcoal tea mooncake - it is filled with lotus paste filling that exudes natural sweet aroma of rose tea. Light and healthy, yet not too sweet for my liking. 

Delightful Autumn Tea Mooncake Gift Set

(紫藤双黄邀月中秋礼盒配套)

The above set contains:

❤ Red Bean Paste With Dried Tangerine Peel And Double Yolk Puer Tea Mooncake - Non-vegetarian (陈皮普洱双黄豆沙月饼 - 非素食）

❤ 1 pack of Puer Tea (75g) (盒普洱)

❤ FREE Lantern Riddles & 1 Cane's Tea Bag

If you prefer something simpler or a more affordable gift pack, the mooncake and Puer tea leaves duo may be of your interest. It comes with a double yolk mooncake and tea leaves packet which makes it best for enjoyment at home with the family. 

Their Double Yolk Puer Tea Mooncake is a must-try! Nothing beats the best of tradition: the rich and juicy egg yolks, thick and creamy red bean paste, and the crunchiness of the crust which combine well together. I love how the dried tangerine peel added a delightful twist to the overall aroma and flavour too.  

Goldfish Tea Biscuit

Puer Tea Goldfish Biscuit / Green Tea Goldfish Biscuit

To perfect this mid-autumn festival, don't forget to get some goldfish tea biscuit and sip some tea!

Shop now at Purple Cane online store, Shopee, Lazada or physical outlets!

Purple Cane Official Store: https://www.purplecane.my/collections/tea-mooncake

Purple Cane Shopee Mall: https://shopee.com.my/purplecaneent

Purple Cane LazMall Flagship Store: www.lazada.com.my/shop/purple-cane/

Purple Cane Tea Art Centre Nationwide: https://www.purplecane.my/pages/our-stores

For more information about Purple Cane, please visit:

Website: www.purplecane.my

Facebook: fb.com/PurpleCaneTea

Instagram: @purplecane_tea

CNY Special Coffee Menu in The Library Coffee Bar

The Library Coffee Bar is more than just about coffee...

Back to cafe hopping mode! ❤ It has been a while since I last explore the latest cafe trends in town, but guess what? This round, I am here at The Library Coffee Bar for lunch and unexpectedly found something new that is worth checking out for!

The Library Coffee Bar outlet in 1 Utama Shopping Mall is the most spacious one I have been to so far. Indeed a great spot to chill with friends after shopping, or spend some "me" time here by reading the books available on the racks. 

  

*NEW* Dirty Sunrise Beverages

Our initial thought of getting a cup of latte quickly vanishes as soon as we see the newly introduced beverages in conjunction to the festive season: OJ-Coffee series (iced / slush) that comes in a dash of orange - CNY festive color!

OJ Coffee (Slush) @ RM12.90

I know some of you may prefer coffee as your morning pick-me-up, while others may opt for orange juice. Now, The Library Coffee Bar allows us to enjoy the best of both worlds! OJ Coffee Slush is a refreshing ice-blended concoction of orange juice and coffee that exudes the light fruity flavours with hints of bitterness down the throat. Suitable for both coffee and non-coffee lovers. 

Popping Affogato @ RM9.90

Another new item that reminds me of Chinese New Year is the Popping Affogato, because of its "popping effect" as soon as the handcrafted espresso is poured upon my childhood favourite Popping Candy and vanilla ice cream. Every sip is just heavenly! 

Another noteworthy point is the generous scoop of ice cream (It's tall like a mountain!) served along with 2 additional packets of popping candy. Don't say I didn't warn you, the popping effect may be a little messy ya :P But you'd definitely enjoy it! 

Apart from the two new coffee-based inventions, here you also get to enjoy your coffee

with a wide array of light bites such as sandwiches, pasta and waffles.

 

Creamy Pumpkin Pasta @ RM15

My lunch of the day - spicy pumpkin cream-based pasta - is something I find more interesting than the classic bolognese, carbonara or pesto. It tastes more of spicy carbonara to me, which I personally enjoy especially when paired with simple ingredients like chicken, tomato and cheese. Portion and price wise, I have no complaints at all. 

Berries Waffle @ RM15

Our dessert is the show stopper of the day. To my delight, the waffle gives a crisp biting texture at the edges and does not turn soggy despite of the overzealous application of sweet berries sauce. Similarly, the scoop of ice cream is bigger than expected. Lovin' every bite of it! 

There are plenty of light bite options for those who are always on-the-go too.

The OJ-Coffee series and Popping Affogato are available at

The Library Coffee Bar and The Coffee Brewery outlets until March 2019.

Feel free to visit any of the following outlets below:

❤ The Library Coffee Bar, 1 Utama Shopping Mall 

❤ The Library Coffee Bar, Parkson IOI City Mall 

❤ The Library Coffee Bar, Parkson Paradigm Mall, Johor Bahru

❤ The Coffee Brewery Treats @ Petron Taman Connaught, Cheras

❤ The Coffee Brewery, D'Pulze Shopping Centre, Cyberjaya

Celebrate Christmas with Cakes & Breads from Hogan Bakery

Hi, this is Santarina Fish! ❤ Are you excited for Christmas already?

It's almost end of the year, so it's time for Christmas gatherings again! Isn't it the best time to catch up with our close friends and family and spend some quality time together before the year ends?

Komugi Cafe & Dining @ Subang Parade

Hello, foodies! It’s time for café hopping again! While the trend of café hopping has not been showing any sign of declining, I see more and more bakeries entering into the café scene as well. Instead of having customers to grab and go, the bakery shops have their own seating area for people to sit and enjoy the freshly baked goodies with beautifully poured coffee.

Falling in love with the buttery aroma that fills the space, I am recently hooked to enjoying my cuppa coffee and cake in the bakery cum café too. 

To be honest, I rarely dine in a bakery but when I do, I know I can’t resist the delicious whiffs of fresh bakes and just go overboard with my calorie intake there. 

At Komugi, it is not just bread that I like about this premium Japanese bakery café! They have been famous for their super fluffy Hanjuku Cheesecake, Baum, Puffy-O, macarons, pastries and more.

Let’s check out Komugi outlet in USJ Main Place mall — It has an open dining concept where comfy couches and high chairs are arranged next to the counters where all the cakes, breads and pastries are beautifully displayed.

In case you are wondering, the outlet is very spacious and family-friendly.

Good for an afternoon tea break after shopping, or a quick lunch with your colleagues, friends and family.

Fruit Punch Semuji and Hot Mocha

I personally prefer spending my relaxing weekend here with some Japanese goodies, coffee, juices and most importantly, a good bunch of friends to share the love. Be it icy cool, refreshing fruit punch or tummy-comforting warm mocha, it is just good to go with any baked items there.

In fact, I am surprised by Komugi's extensive range of beverages here!

From coffee-based drinks to fruity smoothies and mocktails, it definitely spoils me with choices.

Hanjuku Cheesecake – Chocolate, Original, Matcha

My personal favourite in Komugi is always the Hanjuku Cheesecake-- Rich and soft half-baked cheese cake that is bursting with deep cheesy flavour. It is the softness right in the middle of the cake that wows me. Of course, if you are a cheese lover, by all means, you can easily finish all 3 of them.

Hanjuku Cheese Tart

While molten cheese tart is a hit in Malaysia currently, Komugi has its very own version of half-baked cheese tart too. The thick crunchy crust is generously filled with half baked cheese that I simply can't resist.

Creamy Custard Krone - Light, flaky pastry with rich, indulgent custard, piped upon purchase

Another favourite pastry of mine is this Krone. I love how the flaky pastry shell remains crisp when filled with chilled custard cream. Some may find it a tad sweet, but it tastes perfectly good to me.

Apart from the signature items, we also get to try some of the freshly-baked breads which are all made using Japanese recipe. Honestly, all of them look so good and I really have a hard time choosing what I want.

Tamago Sandwich - Yummy butter toasted bread layered with

sweet egg mayo, light cheese and savoury chicken ham.

Cheese Stick - Sugar covered soft cheese bun

Cheese Croissant (FAVOURITE!) - Cheese buttery and flaky French croissant

Octopus Cheese Bread - Soft baked bun with chicken sausage and mozzarella cheese

If you have a group of family members / friends to feed, perhaps you can go for the bread loaves. I recently discover my love towards this fragrant buttery crusty loaf sprinkled with poppy seeds for a balance of savoury flavours. Simple comfort food.  

A pillowy soft bite of Japan on the inside with a crisp exterior, the Sesame Crusty Bread is punch packed with aromatic sesame flavours. If you can't finish one loaf in a day, just heat it up into the oven the next day to get that crumbly soft interior again.

Delicately designed whole cakes are available too. Now I know where to get fancy birthday cakes without burning a hole in the pocket.

Will definitely be back for their dessert range as I heard the Swiss roll is pretty awesome there!

Before going home, I manage to grab half a dozen of macarons home for snacking :P When amuses me is the interesting variety of flavours such as the unique Apricot Cheese, Rose, Yam Coconut, and Black Praline. Worth a try!

Verdict:

1. The overall experience here as a bakery cum cafe is pretty good.
2. Affordable price, huge variety, comfortable ambiance and great quality food; What else could I ask for?
3. Revisit? Yes!

Komugi
Lot GK-01, Ground Floor,
USJ Main Place Mall
Jalan USJ 21/10,
47630 Subang Jaya,
Selangor.
Contact: +603-80216093
Website: www.komugi.com.my
Facebook: fb.com/KomugiMalaysia
Business Hours: 10am – 10pm daily

Other Komugi outlets in Malaysia:
❤ Cheras Leisure Mall (G18, Ground Floor)
❤ Mid Valley Megamall (LG078, Lower Ground)
❤ Pavilion KL (LG1.12-LG1.13, Lower Ground)
❤ Paradigm Mall (CF-55, Concourse Floor)
❤ Sunway Pyramid (LG2.77A, Lower Ground 2)
❤ IOI City Mall (LG-K9B, Lower Ground)
❤ Subang Parade (LGC01(A), Lower Ground)
❤ AEON Shah Alam (Lot KG5)
❤ The Mines (L3-77(2), Level 3)
❤ 1 Utama Shopping Mall (LGK1A)
❤ Vivacity Megamall, Kuching (LG.012-LG.015)