[Sneak Peek] BlackBall opens in Richmond

BlackBall is an International Taiwanese Dessert Chain showcasing a menu of authentic Taiwanese desserts and drinks prepared with quality ingredients. 

The extensive menu features the award-winning BlackBall Grass Jelly, “Xian Cao”, known for its silky smooth texture and healthy benefits. BlackBall has redefined the classic dessert by pairing it with a variety of toppings that reflects the most authentic taste of Asia.

Founded in 2006 in Taipei, Taiwan, by the Tang brothers, BlackBall has also been rapidly expanding and franchising around the world in the last few years. The international Taiwanese dessert chain has over 100 locations around the world.

This is the first location in BC and second in Canada. The first opened up in Toronto

We were invited for a sneak peek before it opens up to the public.

Interior

There are 2 levels to the shop and very high ceilings. Good for small to large groups.

Menu

The menu has some great options where you can build your own bowl or choose the pre-made ones on the menu.

Customize it however your like and we love this option!

Membership

Instead of membership cards, they have a small key chain is for regular membership. You can use it to collect points and redeem for free desserts and other perks.

VIP Membership

If you noticed, their menu has 2 prices – VIP member and non-VIP. If you’re a fan of Black Ball, you can purchase a VIP membership by prepaying a certain amount to your account to get discounted prices on all items on the menu.

You get the bigger black fuzzy keychain and you can show it every time to pay and get the discounted price. The membership is worth it if you plan on making multiple visits here as you need to prepay a balance on your account.

BlackBall Grass Jelly

This has a base of the grass jelly ice as the base, then topped with Yam Q, Taro Q, peanuts, red bean, Konjac jelly / agar (Brown sugar flavour konjac jelly), and then a creamer for grass jelly from Taiwan.

The grass jelly has an herbal taste but it balanced out with all the items in the bowl.

BlackBall Supreme

BlackBall Supreme is the ultimate item to share with a few friends. You get a bit of everything in this bowl and is a good size for 3-4 people.

The ultimate dessert here! Just look at that!

Regular Balls vs Q Balls

Some dishes come with both Taro and Yam Balls as well as Taro Q and Yam Q, but what’s the difference you ask?

Q balls contain 95% real taro/yam and regular balls contain 75% taro/yam to give it a chewier texture.

Agar Aiyu Jelly

If you’re looking for something that’s not grass jelly, they have aiyu jelly. This bowl has aloe vera, taro ball, yam ball, wintermelon flavour ice, aiyu jelly, crystal pearls, and coconut jelly.

Aiyu jelly is made from a plant unique to Taiwan and tastes sweet and fruity. It really matches with the items in the bowl and perfect for the summer.

Forest Matcha Ice

This comes with matcha jelly, matcha pudding made with milk, matcha, sesame mini ball, taro mini ball and rice balls.

The sesame mini balls were really good and we highly recommend it as a topping.

Shaved ice contains Matcha syrup, condensed milk, and shaved ice.

Waffles with Fresh Fruit and Cream

There are 2 liege waffles topped with strawberries, chocolate tubes, condensed milk and a scoop of ice cream. The other one has chocolate sauce, bananas, vanilla ice cream on the liege waffles.

Something different if you’re with friends but don’t want the other desserts.

Drinks

Besides desserts, they have a variety of drinks on the menu too. They come in medium size and large size. The ones pictured here are medium.

Final Thoughts

A lot of people will compare BlackBall with MeetFresh, but what stands out from this place is the ability to customize what is in your bowl. Choose your base, toppings, and served hot, warm, cold or iced. They are so many toppings choices on the menu too.

Address:
1061 – 8300 Capstan Way, Richmond, BC 

Website:
http://blackballdesserts.ca