Another international Taiwanese dessert chain has made its way to Metro Vancouver. Blackball Taiwanese Dessert has a new outpost in Richmond at 1061-8300 Capstan Way.
The dessert chain is known for their award-winning grass jelly, “Xian Cao.” The grand opening date of their Richmond location is be determined.
Founded in 2006 in Taipei, Taiwan by the Tang brothers, BlackBall has been rapidly expanding and franchising.
The chain has over 100 locations around the world, including Taiwan, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, the U.S., and Canada.
Earlier this year, Blackball made its way to Toronto at 472 Yonge Street and there are plans for more locations.
What is Grass Jelly?
Grass jelly, which isn’t made from grass at all, is a popular dessert ingredient in China, Taiwan and throughout Southeast Asia.
It comes from the plants of Chinese mesona – a member of the mint family – which is boiled to prepare a liquid that turns into a black gem-like jelly once it has cooled.
Its cool temperature and silky and smooth texture make it an ideal dessert to help beat the heat during the hot, summer weather.
BlackBall Taiwanese Dessert Richmond Menu
Blackball has elevated the classic grass jelly dessert by pairing it with toppings like boba, Taro Q, Yam Q, and red beans.
Taro Q and Yam Q are little mochi-like balls made with taro and yam respectively. Each dessert can be served hot, warm, cold or iced.
Classic dessert bases at BlackBall include Matcha (premium green tea powder) and Aiyu Jelly – made from the seeds of a type of fig. In addition, BlackBall offers crushed ice desserts, waffles, and a variety of Taiwanese tea beverages.
You can see and download a copy of the preliminary menu using the link below.
What We Tried
At a recent media preview ahead of the grand opening, we had the opportunity to try a few of their offerings:
Grass Jelly
with Taro Q, Yam Q, Peanuts, Red Beans, Konjac Jelly, and Grass Jelly Flavored Ice
Aiyu Jelly
with Taro Balls, Sweet Potato Balls, Crystal Pearls, Nata Coco, Aloe Vera, Winter Melon Flavored Ice
Matcha Shaved Ice
with Matcha Jelly, Rice Balls, Taro Balls Mini, Sweet Potato Balls Mini, Matcha Balls Mini, Sesame Balls Mini, Red Beans, Matcha Pudding
Blackball Supreme with Taro Q, Yam Q, Taro Balls, Sweet Potato Balls, Pearls, Red Beans, Konjac Jelly, Crystal Pearls, Grass Jelly, Grass Jelly Flavored ice
Waffles with Fresh Fruit and Ice Cream
Drinks
Blackballs drinks use fresh milk, fresh brewed tea and can be customized for a variety of toppings.
I enjoyed my Wintermelon Tea with mini balls. It’s the first drink I’ve had that incorporates Taro Q and Yam Q in a beverage.
VIP Program
A membership program will be in place so that members can collect points and receive discounts.
Overall Impression
The grass jelly and the toppings at Blackball were really delicious and the variety of offerings was excellent. I enjoyed the spacious interior of Blackball Richmond which makes it a comfortable place to enjoy some refreshing desserts and drinks. I would recommend others to visit Blackball and try their offerings.
BlackBall Taiwanese Dessert Richmond
8300 Capstan Way Unit 1061, Richmond, BC
www.facebook.com/BlackBall.Richmond