Happy Lemon Bubble waffle: There are several Happy Lemon shops in Seattle and one right in the middle of Amazon’s campus. It’s central location to downtown always gives it a sizable line, mostly because of the popularity of their bubble waffles, a snack I hadn’t yet seen at other locations I’ve been to (the last one I went to was in Shinjuku Tokyo about a year ago). They come in a few flavors including original, chocolate, Oreo, and matcha and are sized for sharing, though I have to admit I ate this one by myself over... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended dessert happylemon bubble waffle 4.0
Milk Bar Pie ice cream: Available at Whole Foods, this Milk Bar branded ice cream is strangely slightly smaller than a pint and tastes more like breakfast than pie, thanks to oat-like crumbles throughout. It’s very rich and sweet and reminds me of Friendly’s butter crunch, with a brown butter caramel flavor. The type of dessert you can enjoy a few scoops of before you realize it’s too rich to eat more — but those couple of scoops are pretty enjoyable. 3.5/5.0
recommended whole foods icecream milkbar pie ice cream 3.5
Mooala Strawberry Banana Milk: This brand of organic nut-free milk uses bananas, strawberries, and sunflower seeds to achieve a milky, thick consistency not unlike regular dairy milk. It doesn't taste anything like Nesquik strawberry milk syrup, but it felt like a product a health-conscious parent would buy their kid in place of Nesquik. I didn't find it overly sweet, and the strawberry banana flavor is pleasantly creamy, like a very light fruit smoothie. I'd try other products from this brand! Purchased at PCC. 3.5/5.0
recommended drinks PCC mooala strawberry banana milk 3.5
Omomo Tea Shop Matcha Cortado: Is bubble tea ever worth waiting an hour in line for? Maybe not, but when 90% of the line is made up of Asian customers in Irvine, it's probably a good sign. This popular bubble tea shop has two locations in Irvine, and this unassuming shop in the middle of a large strip mall, sandwiched between a Ralph's and CVS, unfortunately only takes in-person orders (the other location has an online ordering system). I went with my family and was able to sample four different drinks, but the one I o... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended irvine bubbletea greentea omomoteashop matcha cortado 4.0
Donut Hut Coffee donut: Donut Hut is a brightly colored red and yellow striped to-go shop that on first glance looks like a local hot dog stand. They specialize in no-fuss donuts in a variety of flavors, made old school and at friendly, old school prices (cash only, about a dollar each). This cinnamon donut, glazed with crumbles of cinnamon reminiscent of ground coffee cake, was perfectly fluffy and risen, sweet but just the right amount of sweet. Definitely worth a visit if you find yourself in Burbank. 4.0/5.0
recommended losangeles la donut donuthut coffee 4.0
Bingrae Original Crab Chips: I'm pretty sure Bingrae is like the Kraft Foods of Korea, with a hand in all types of packaged food products from banana-flavored milk to ice cream bars to ready-made meals. These crab chips are especially notable because of their unique shape, which look like little puffed wheat crabs. They are baked rather than fried but still have a satisfying junk food taste, seasoned with a combination of garlic powder and crab flavoring and with a touch of heat. I would definitely buy it again. Pur... (read more) 4.0/5.0
recommended hmart bingrae original crab chips 4.0