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Monster Desserts - CLOSED
Category: Food Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt [Edit]
1150 El Camino Real Ste 208bUpstairs Food Court
San Bruno, CA 94066
(650) 583-8722
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
91 reviews for Monster Desserts
Review Highlights
"Then a nice drizzling of condensed milk."
(in 50 reviews)
"The teaser size is definitely enough for two."
(in 12 reviews)
"Shaved ice is one of my FAVORITE desserts ever."
(in 54 reviews)
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91 reviews in English
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Review from Winston F.
South San Francisco, CA
8/17/2009
My goodness, I wish there were more Monsters around besides in Tanforan Mall. Love me some shaved ice with condensed milk, avocado and mango! Hmmm writing this review is making me want to go get some right now.
Good place for snacks, DO IT. DO IT. -
Review from Juliane N.
San Francisco, CA
This has been in my bookmark list for the pass 6 months probably. Finally had the chance to try it this week! Located in the Tanforan mall, which is for some reason, not so popular since it was practically empty, I think I will be coming here more often since one, Monster Dessert is here, and two, FOREVER 21 is here and hardly anyone was there! No lining up!
This place has probably the most confusing menu, at least to my friend and I. We were literally standing there staring at the menu for the longest time trying to figure out how to order and what to order. We waited until another customer order just to see how she ordered before we embarrassed ourself by ordering wrong.
They have soo many options to choose from that it gave me a headache. Everything looked so good but we decided to go with the teaser size of strawberry mixer. You get creamed shaved ice with strawberry and your choice of another fruit. We chose mango.
For $4.50, you get a lot! Even though it may sound expensive since you're paying $4.50 for ice and fruits and you're really paying for the fruit, I think it's worth it. The teaser size is definitely enough for two. It was huge and the fruits almost toppled over the cup. Fruits were fresh and sweet. Mango was so good! The creamed ice... mmmmm I love sweetened condensed milk!!!! OMG so good. I can't wait to try more...
(F.Y.I: If you like sweetened condensed milk, toast a French style bread, the one the use for a Vietnamese sandwich, and have a bowl of sweetened condensed milk on the side and dip pieces of the bread into it. It is GOOOD. Also, as a beverage, crack an egg yolk into a glass cup, add sweetened condensed milk, and club soda, mix it with a spoon. That shit is fucken BOMB!Listed in: Fro-yo Spots!
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Review from Ed U.
7/8/2007
Avocado Ice...
...is not Vanilla Ice's surfer-dude brother...nor is it Kermit the Frog's street-cred moniker...it's actually something you can buy...and eat...uh-huh, yep.
Shave ice - the real kind that gets pulverized in a machine - is a Hawaiian treat. Only howlies say 'shaved ice' with a 'd', brudda. But this is not quite shave ice and in fact, this chain is based in the Philippines. But the concept is pretty darn similar.
Instead of using the high-sugar, rainbow-brite syrups, they ladle on chunks of fresh fruits and yes, even vegetables, and then squeeze condensed milk all over it. It looks to be a time-consuming layering process, so it was probably a good thing I was the only one ordering at the time.
I'm not sure what drew me to avocado other than the descriptor they used on the overhead menu - "Healthy!". The others were "Fresh!" or "Tasty!" or even "Exotic!" - which signaled to me that more calories were involved. But since the server had a hair-trigger hand to squeeze the condensed milk in every nook and cranny of the ice and avocado chunks...well, there goes the 'healthy' concept.
But it was surprisingly good. Actually it's well worth trying...the mix of the fresh avocado and milk over ice had quite a yum factor. I may even try the corn flavor next time. But they also have the more societally acceptable flavors like strawberry and even roasted bananas.
Is it worth a trip to Tanforan? Well, maybe if you think of it on the way from the airport. A good-sized cup is $4.25...on par with gelato servings. It does feel like it has the makings of a new Quickly, the tapioca-pearl drink chain. Now if Ed Jew could just hand the owners some money under the table...
DESSERT - 4 stars...surprisingly tasty given the odd ingredients...and the only place I know that serves the Hawaiian-style 'shave ice' consistency
AMBIANCE - 2 stars...alas, its downfall could be its non-descript mall location...I could easily see an outlet opening in J-Town, even the Castro.
SERVICE - 4 stars...very patient in assembling the concoction...must be quite a wait when it gets busy
TOTAL - 4 stars...unique, fresh-tasting taste treat...not sure if the calorie count is marginally lower than ice cream given the condensed milk factor -
Review from M'ia K.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2007
"if you build it, they will come."
Whaaaa??? After reading all these rave reviews, I figured, I was in the area... so, why not?
My summary assessment: NOTHING to write home about.
Data:
The cost is about $4-$5 or more for frozen ice (AHEM: you can buy an ice shaver for $10 at Kamei housewares) topped with sugar syrup and condensed milk, topped with the fruit of your choice and some more condensed milk. $.50 for more toppings like whipped cream...
Ed U's assessment of being 'on the way to the airport' is right on the money. (That's the reason why i tried it.)
I had the kiwi, which was.. well... frozen ice cubes shaved and covered in sugar syrup and condensed milk, topped with kiwi and more condensed milk.
Assessment & Plan:
I realise I am dissenting from the norm (ooh, 4.5 stars average... I can just FEEL the impending tirade.... but...I have to be honest- I expected more from all the hype surrounding this place!!!!!!!
Many of you know my feeling towards these trendy new dessert shops that are popping up all over the place (overpriced frozen yogurt, boutique cupcakes, etc.) Add this to the list.
1 default star, and another star for the 10% off deal if you mention Yelp.
OTHER:
(Business owner: PLEASE do not contact me regarding my review. Thanks.) -
Review from Lolia S.
San Francisco, CA
6/9/2008
I walked by here many times since it first opened and just never was in the mood for a heap of sweetened shaved ice. I figured it was worth a try... it was okay, but I wish I had spent that money on some frozen yogurt. Shaved ice just isn't as flavorful as fro-yo.
I had the small (teaser size) shaved ice with chopped strawberries ($4.25). The best part was the generous amount of fruit but I would have preferred the fruit without the creamy, sticky condensed milk syrup. They give you a lot of shaved ice too (woo hoo?) and it's actually filling. It's hard to stick your spoon in there without knocking fruit out of the cup.
The ice mixture just doesn't strike my fancy. It's a little milky and sweet and that's about it. Most of their flavors don't interest me either. Corn ice just doesn't sound good. Where's the red bean?
You can add ice cream and whipped cream and maybe those toppings would make this a better dessert. But personally I think they need mochi, fro-yo, and more Asian flavors (red bean always helps).
Credit cards accepted.Listed in: Asian dessert shops
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Review from Lux K.
Oakland, CA
1/8/2010 2 photos
Shaved fluffy ice + fresh watermelon + jack-fruit + condensed milk = the happiest fat kid in the world!
http://static.px.yelp.... -
Review from Private I.
Los Angeles, CA
9/10/2007
Coconut flavored shaved ice, topped generously with fruit and drizzled with condensed milk.
*It's magically delicious.* -
Review from Mimi L.
8/25/2007
When I was in Hawaii months ago, I went to Waiola Shave Ice (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) which some locals think is better than Matsumoto's. I was not adventurous and ordered the POG flavor...no ice cream, mochi balls, condensed milk, or beans, just POG syrup (totally lame).
Even though I knew it wasn't the same, I tried to semi-redeem myself at Monster tonight. All the reviews seem to like the fruit toppings but since I like all things Oreo, I had to try the cookies n cream and had halfers with the brownie topping. Even though the Teaser was huge and I could've just split it with my friend, he got the Teaser sized mango and peach/blueberry so we could maximize the flavor tastings. The toppings are piled on and when you first taste the shave ice, it doesn't taste icy at all...smooth and froyo-like. But toward the end of the bowl, the ice started melting and the combo of chocolate and water was not yummy anymore. The fruity one was still salvageable though. So next time, I'll order one fruity Teaser to share so that we can eat fast enough before it melts. I enjoyed it, but I don't think I'll be craving it too often.
BTW, us big kids are allowed to order the kid sizes for $1.50 but the cashier said it's just like a snow cone. I'm not sure if that means no condensed milk or fresh toppings...just shave ice and syrup? -
Review from Bryan K.
San Mateo, CA
10/14/2008
I really don't know what to make of this place. Shave ice with condensed milk, some other stuff, and mango. The teaser is gigantic... its a teaser only for a giant golden retriever with a huge tongue.
A hearty serving of mango topping was nice, but the shave ice was coarse. I guess I'm used to the ultra-fine shave ice in Hawaii. It was just ehhh okay for me, nothing like the mango dessert at Dessert Republic that I just love.
With all the great Yelp reviews I'm perplexed. I just don't get it. -
Review from Danster L.
San Jose, CA
2/24/2007 9 photos
Update:
I have gone here a few times now and the fruits and toppings have been incredibly fresh. My friends love the place as well and it is a definite Summer or year round treat. Where else can you get such a extreme load of fresh strawberries or watermelons on your shaved ice? I've checked and checked, there's no syrup or glaze on the fruits. Must be the condensed milk but, trust me, I have witnessed them slice a watermelon open and place it on my Monster Desserts.
I have never been to Tanforan Mall before and what have I been missing? The newly remodeled Tanforan Mall and Monster Desserts. Located in a very spacious and large food court, Monster Desserts is filled with options of fresh and healthy ice treats. I posted several photos of my visit to back up my review. For 4.25, you get a bed of shaved ice and tons of fruit of your choice. I had chosen the delightful watermelon and it was a lot indeed! The shaved ice's texture is not even close to snow cone types but a softer and more relaxing texture to it. Condensed milk is added and then its topped off with the fruit of your choice. Come here on a nice warm day or a cold winter day like I did. The fruit is extremely fresh and the staff are very nice as well.Listed in: My Favorite California…
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Review from Jasmine D.
South San Francisco, CA
6/9/2007
Their "Teaser" size is huge. Their "Monster" size is just massively ridiculous!! They have a kid's size, but I don't know how small it is, they didn't have a sample cup out. I bought a teaser Mango Ice. I thought there was no way in hell I was gonna eat the whole thing, I even asked for a lid and a to-go bag. But once I took my first bite... it was over. The ice is like a cool powder. It was so creamy, it could have been ice cream. The mango was soft, juicy, and delicious. I ate the whole thing before I knew it.
I'm so gonna crave this every time it's hot out. Whenever the hell that is... where the eff is summer this year!?!? I need an excuse to go back already... -
Review from Irene C.
San Mateo, CA
8/3/2009
I always come here really excited to try something. Korean's love shaved ice!!!! with MOCHI! lots and lots of mochi and fruit!
But to serve it in a yogurt sized cup, its too hard to eat for its own good. I do commend how they pack that baby down with a lot of care and consideration to give you more, but its so hard to eat! my luscious toppings fall overboard.
i couldn't decide what to order, and i had such a hard time reading the menu, and what or how to order, i just picked cookies and cream, and strawberry. The cookies were ok, as in not stale, but the marshmallows were. I wish they had more pictures other than the large people sized ones on the wall. Both times when i was there it wasn't busy, so i wasn't able to look at how other people ordered so i was really just thrown into the blue when i was at this place.
Maybe i ordered the wrong flavors, b/c it looks like a whole mess of folks like the mango, strawberry, and even avocado.... ok guys, don't be like me. Please don't get cookies and cream, its just weird. total lack in judgment on my behalf.
ok ok, maybe i'll give it one more try, mango/strawberry it is. otherwise, i'm going across the way and getting myself some sugar cane juice from the Vietnamese place next time. -
Review from Jonas T.
San Francisco, CA
10/10/2006 1 photo
$5 for a huge cup of creamed ice plus toppings. I like how the ice is finely shaved unlike your typical snow cone. Taiwanese shaved ice is my favorite shaved ice and Monster Desserts (originally from the Philippines - I've tried it back in 2004) does it justice. And just like at any Asian restaurant, you can't go wrong with mangos.
JONASAPPROVED! -
Review from Tammy B.
San Bruno, CA
1/2/2007
I LOVE MONSTER DESSERTS!! Okay I've said it. Hey powdery, fluffy shaved ice as soft as silk topped with fresh fruit and a condensed milky syrup...yum
I've only had the mango one, it's sooo good I can't get past it to try any other flavor. Monster Desserts is at Tanforan's food court upstairs next to Fatt Dog. -
Review from Yee Gan O.
6/16/2008
I was really excited to find Monster Desserts in The Shops at Tanforan. In Malaysia, I grew up with iceballs, which are essentially packed balls of shaved ice soaked with different flavourings of your choice.
Monster Desserts offers an upmarket version with various fruit combinations available and condensed milk as well. I had to have the way the menu works explained to me and opted for a teaser portion of mango and banana. For a British appetite, a teaser portion is big enough as a dessert - I had already eaten at the excellent Saigon Cuisine opposite Monster Desserts.
Ice was shaved into a tub followed by flavourings and the ice compacted by knocking it down on the counter. The fruit was piled on top and finally condensed milk was added. The mango was excellent but I found the banana to be too gooey. It was great that they were generous with the portions but the height of the dessert made it hard to eat inititally without knocking some of the fruit off - perhaps a little less ice would have made this easier.
The disappointment was that once the fruit was gone, the compacted ice was relatively flavourless. It either needs more flavouring added to the ice but maybe an even better solution would be to layer the fruit, condensed milk and ice which would give the dessert a more even distribution of each component with every mouthful. The condensed milk was a bit lost with the fruit when it was added on top.
This inconsistency of experience means that I can only give it 3 stars. For the price, I would prefer some fro-yo (not available at Tanforan) or Cold Stone Creamery (which is available). -
Review from Ari C.
Daly City, CA
8/7/2007 1 photo
I have known the existence of monster dessert since it arrived in tanforan but never actually went there to try it. I live close by and I go to tanforan quite often but monster dessert never really sparked any interest to me. I thought it's just a regular ice cream place. Boy, was I wrong!
They serve finely shaved ice flavored with sweet condensed milk with fruit toppings laced with more sweet condensed milk. I tried the mango ice and it was HEAVENLY! I Love mango and I love sweet condensed milk, so the combination of the two plus ice was really satisfying.
I felt like I just found out a good point of a boy who I shunned before because he wasn't attractive, and now I have a crush on him.
Yes, I can have a crush on a dessert....
I wish I still had my Tom and Jerry ice shaver.... -
Review from Kat J.
Lavallette, NJ
9/1/2006
I just went to Monster Desserts today for the first time and it was love at first sight!!
I got the new coconut/tapioca and chocolate banana ice and it was fantastic. The coconut/tapioca mix was heavenly - not too sweet and not too creamy. The banana was freshly chopped in front of me and drizzled with Ghirardelli chocolate sauce and caramel. I also had some chopped almonds sprinkled on top.
They use different sauces with the different dishes and the two toppings I got should have had different sauces but I just got the coconut one for the whole thing and it was great. My boyfriend had the jack-fruit and coconut/tapioca. The jack-fruit is from a can but it was delicious nevertheless.
A very enjoyable experience...I can't wait to go back! -
Review from Rebecca H.
San Francisco, CA
8/16/2007
I'm suffering from a little thing called Pinkberry envy. All my L.A. friends rave about the oh so delicious ice cream there, but alas, the Bay Area is currently lacking a Pinkberry. Out of desperation, I started asking everyone if they knew of anything even comparable to Pinkberry and the only answer I have ever gotten was "well, sort of Monster Desserts, but not really."
I decided to make the trek out to Tanforan Mall to go to Monster Desserts, the whole time not really sure what I was going to get. After finally finding the small shop (it's on the second floor near the food court) I was overwhelmed by all the toppings and the price ($4?!). I decided to play it safe and stick with strawberry, still not sure what I was paying $4 for. As it turns out, I got a delicious, ginormous, sweet shaved ice concoction with yummy strawberry topping. I couldn't even finish it (and I should note that it was all I had to eat all day).
Since that first time I have played it safe with flavors -- mango, berries, etc. but next time I'm branching out and getting avocado. And the next time someone brings up Pinkberry, I am going to counter with "Oh yeah, do you have Monster Desserts? No? Well you should be jealous of me because I can go there any time." -
Review from Pippi L.
South San Francisco, CA
2/11/2008
Mmmmmm.....I've passed by this place a few times over the past year and didn't have the urge to try it until just recently, thanks to the yelp reviews. I wish I came here earlier. I guess I wasn't that big on shaved ice and would see it everywhere like j-town and especially in hawaii. but something, I think it was the condensed milk, that made me have to have some.
So I got a teaser size mango and the portion was pretty big for a small, a generous amount of fruit and shaved ice and coconut sugar syrup and condensed milk. I was expecting it to be super sweet as the girl kept on squirting the syrup, but it wasn't too sweet. it was so good.
They had other toppings, like oreo and brownie, avocado, corn and other fresh fruit, but I think I'd stick to the fresh fruit for now, something about brownies and ice doesn't sound too appealing. but i think this might be a weekly thing since i live so close by.... -
Review from Christine N.
CA
7/12/2007
ATMOSPHERE: Who knew Tanforan mall had such a shiny, varied food court? Service was super friendly here.
SHAVED ICE: I was so confuzzled. What? What was this? Ice cream? Shaved ice? A snow cone? Wait... it's a snowball topped with condensed milk, brownies, and white chocolate chips? Wha?! The portions are GINORMOUS and it's pretty expensive. I mean... $4.25 for um... ice? But the toppings are fresh and there's a lot to choose from: avocado, jackfruit, strawberries, mango, kiwi, chocolate, coconut jelly, bananas galore! My Monster ice was topped with condensed milk (which turned the ice into a sort of watered down ice cream), almond or coconut syrup (?), jackfruit (from the can, unfortunately not fresh), chocolate sauce, and white chocolate chips (the best part).
IN A MOUTHFUL: Definitely different. Not your average, artifical snow cone. -
Review from Tina T.
San Francisco, CA
2/3/2010 1 photo
This place is located inside the Tanforan Mall next to the Century movie theater. They have shaved ice drenched with condensed milk topped with fresh fruit (or cereal, or whatever they have on their menu). It brings me back to my UCLA days when I used to go to a place called Guppy Teahouse in Cerritos. They had ginormous shaved ice with tons of condensed milk, which you can order extra of in a plastic squirt bottle.
Anyhow, I came across Monster and nostalgia took over. I had to order one! I was with friends and we stood there for the longest time trying to figure out what to order. The menu was very confusing. Eventually, we just asked the cashier and we ordered the large with watermelon, kiwi, and mango (~$6). No strawberries since they didn't have any that day. It was really good except that the ice melted really fast. A large was enough for 4 people. I was a happy camper! -
Review from Evelyn G.
San Francisco, CA
7/13/2007
I've never had shaved ice this fluffy, soft, and addictive!
I recommend the fresh fruit options over the chocolate versions. It's more refreshing and guilt-free, although both kinds are good. The first time I went, I got strawberry and mango - I don't think I put my spoon down (or took a breath) until the bowl was gone. And it's not a small bowl.
I think this will be a weekly trip. Good thing it's close to work. -
Review from K R.
Los Angeles, CA
5/9/2007
Finally had Monster Desserts!
After craving it for weeks, thanks to yelp reviews.
And while it is no Ice Kiss [in LA], it was all good to me.
Yum.
Good fruit, tasty shaved ice.
This place is much better than Sweetheart Cafe.
No doubts here.
If you are into Asian, sweet, fruity, healty-alternative-to-regular-desserts dessert, head to Monster Desserts.
Try their mango ice. It's so good.
I've been daydreaming about when my next trip will take me to have another.Listed in: Sugar Lips, Bad Case of the Munchies.
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Review from Kenji Y.
Cupertino, CA
7/2/2007
Highly recommended.
Pro - The shaved ice was very good and I wasn't expecting much on the fruits but they were very sweet. The portions were huge. $4.25 for teaser and $4.75 for a giant one. I can't explain, it's something you definitely have to try. I loved it. Too bad it's a bit far, I'm planning to go once a month. Forget pearl tea, shaved ice!
Con - Not really a con, but the place is inside a mall. So you would need to park at the giant parking lot, walk through some stores and the mall to get to the food court. -
Review from Christy L.
San Francisco, CA
9/17/2007
One of my favorite guilty pleasures when I go back to Hawaii is the necessity of having shave ice with ice cream, adzuki beans and a little li hing mui on top. I can't seem to find that around here, so a girl needs to compromise.
That's where Monster Desserts comes in. Of course they really don't compare to real Hawaiian shave ice, but it's pretty friggin close. My first time there we decided to try the chocolate banana. OMFG! With the ice cream, the fresh sliced bananas, chocolate sauce, nuts and, of course, the shave ice with that magical condensed milk on top - I totally had an oralgasm!!!!
You can bet I'll be going back to try the mango ice, the chocolate brownie ice, and everything else in between. The portions are HUGE! My boyfriend and I shared the small one and we both walked away completely satisfied...and we didn't even have to take our clothes off...
Of course, you have to go into Tanforan mall to enjoy. It's on the top floor of the food court. I'll see you there!!
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EDIT January 2008
Stopped by again for a Mango Ice, and found out that they have free WiFi!! My power was out at home, and I needed a plug for my laptop - voila, Monster Desserts was there! The nice guy behind the counter was the one who clued me in on the free WiFi, and didn't try to rush me out of there after I finished my Mango Ice...
Totally awesome! -
Review from Peter N.
1/10/2009
Whenever I'm in the bay area, I always try to stop by here for some shaved ice (unless for some reason I cannot.) Their shaved ice is pretty soft and tastes really good packed with loads of fruits. As you can see in the pictures, they are not stingy with their fruit toppings. They also load it with good amounts of condensed milk (Warning: if you are not a condensed milk fan, tell them in advance to go easy on it.) I usually get my shaved ice with either mango or strawberry topping.
The ice can melt really quickly, so it is best to eat it immediately.
P.S.: I wish there was one in Socal. =[ *hint hint* -
Review from kristin e.
Portland, OR
6/3/2008 1 photo
I agree with the relaxed attitude on being sanitary while handling food on LiLyD's review (I was actually with her when we witnessed that) but I must admit that I LOVED the mango dessert. I am already an addict of condensed milk so I knew I'd like monster desserts. The mango was actually ripe and sweet and for the small (or "teaser" as they call it) size, you really get a lot and they don't skimp on fruit either. I went back a couple days later before heading back to Santa Cruz and tried the avocado dessert...oh so good. Reminds me of when I used to (scratch that---i still do it!) eat avocados mashed with a little milk, sweetened with condensed milk or sugar as a kid.
i'm getting a shaved ice machine pronto!Listed in: Down with the Swirl
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Review from Jim C.
Redwood City, CA
11/30/2007
Awesome shaved ice with condensed milk and tons of fruit on top. If you just don't watch how they make your dessert, you'll be fine. Otherwise you may get disgusted by just how much condensed milk and syrup they squirt into your shaved ice cup... They first added some... then some more... and more... and more... and more... and then some more to top it off. Nonetheless the mango shaved ice was really delicious and came with a very generous portion of fresh mango which covered the entire top of the shaved ice mound.
Bottom line: Would you like some mango and ice to go with your condensed milk? YUMMILY SINFUL. But you better run to the gym afterwards. Or just try not to look as they make it. -
Review from Emma R.
Daly City, CA
8/1/2007
Avocado Ice....mmmmmmm........my favorite I've only been here two or three times and I always get the Avocado Ice, It's made fresh to order. But if I ever drop my niece off at Karate I will definitely stop by and buy an Avocado Ice.
I give Monster Desserts four ****(stars) -
Review from Sam T.
6/8/2008
The desserts are very refreshing. I ordered a strawberry and banana drizzled with condensed milk over crushed ice. They give a big helping of fruit. The small size was more than enough for me. This is great for a nice warm day or something to snack on between meals.
I'm not big on the shaved ice. Just give me some fresh chilled fruit and a thin coating of the sweet stuff and I'm good.
If I'm around I'll go for it. But I can make these desserts at home.
Well, that's my serving of fruit for the week. Lets hit some bbqs. -
Review from Carina N.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 11/29/2008
I came back again and was disappointed this time. The staff were mindless and less than friendly. The price went up too I think.. I couldn't believed I actually paid $5 for a small teaser cup of shaved ice which filled up more than half of the cup, then topped with lots and lots of sweet syrup and condensed milk crap, and with the 2 toppings I ordered: watermelon and mango.. and then again covered with condensed milk and syrup again. Then on top of that, stash another layer of frosted cornflakes (which is actually my bad... I asked for it for another $0.5).
You guessed it right... it wasn't that great afterall.. I couldn't help making faces as I tried to enjoy this shaved ice that I once liked. Overly sweetened, and the shaved ice was not fluffy at all. I'm not sure why did I liked it so much back then? I only have one word left for this place.. YUCK.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/3/2007
A delightful suprise! I was waiting for my jakefruit + mango teaser size shaved ice, while… Read more »
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Review from Michelle B.
Concord, CA
10/9/2007
Let me count the cherries I've popped here. 9. I popped 9 cherries. My cuzzos and friends. I'm a pretty good cherry popper.
This is a great place to chilax after you've had enough of the bopper scene @ tanforan. It's pretty far away from the main walk thru and close to the light. Cool design and scrumptious menu.
I first walked by this place during lunch, and the cashier asked if I wanted to try. I was a bit hesitant, but there's nothing better than FREE sweets! (God, if I were a kid I'd totally get kidnapped)
The first gulp was devine - and I swore that I'd always stop by everytime I'm at tanforan. I ordered the mango dessert - oh my god. That was awesome.
The stuff here is kinda like halo halo - but just with the thing YOU like. I've tried so far:
BUKO PANDAN - A MUST!!
MANGO
STRAWBERRY
AVOCADO
OREO
Can't think of the rest
I would stay safe with the fruity kinds - they blend in with the ice & milk better. The Chocolate tasted kinda weird tho - maybe I'm just not used to it. And tip : ask for extra syrup and milk - you won't regret it!!! -
Review from Nestle L.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2006
You have no problem with sharing. Monster Desserts understands that sentiment. Which is why their artful array of fresh fruit mixes is humungous portioned. Love chocolate? Go for the brownie fudge or if you're a fruity type? The mango should do the trick. Watching your waistline? The strawberry or kiwi is divine.
The best part is that each treat is meant for you --- and only you. Indulge all alone after a tough bout with the boss or order a dozen for an intimate gathering chez toi. -
Review from Corinne W.
CA
6/30/2007
If there was a 4.5 star, I would give it that..
Shaved Ice.. so good.. its not just shaved ice.. .some places can claim shaved ice.. but its all hard crunchy pebbles... this is soft and powdery.. and mixed with condensed milk.. so its tasty.. and thats just the ice...
then you add the fruits... this was the first time going there.. I got half strawberries and half mangoes... my friend got watermelon. I was worried that the fruits would not be fresh or would not be sweet.. but I was wrong. The watermelon was ripe, sweet and the perfect texture.. the strawberries and mangoes were firm, fleshy and juicy...Then a nice drizzling of condensed milk... all mixed together.. it was just so good.
We came from Cupertino.. and drove the 30 min to san bruno.. we walked away feeling like it was completely worth it. and we wouldn't mind making the trip again and again. -
Review from carol y.
3/31/2008
3.5 stars
My mango shaved ice was good BUT not THAT good. Its definitely very refreshing and fulfilling especially since they pile up a lot of mangos on top of the ice! but i guess I'm not a big fan of condensed milk and i dont really like the fact theres creme in the ice too. Monster Desserts is definitely worth a try at least once.Listed in: In the mood for Froyo?
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Review from Dawn D.
3/2/2008
Christine T forwarded me the Yelp Reviews to Monster Desserts several months ago and since then I've always been intrigued. Well, I was actually in the area yesterday and was craving something sweet and since my db and I were on 380 I thought "Let's try Monster Desserts."
So we did.
I was a little apprehensive at first, since it was 3P on a Saturday and db and I looked around at the surrounding tables....Well, we didn't see anyone eating a Monster dessert?!? No one was inside the shop either. I was the only customer. But, that didn't phase me. I wanted to see what the hype was about.
My first reaction was sticker shock "$4.25?!?" for a teaser size. Second reaction was "Well, thank god db was with me cuz I would never spend that much on dessert for myself." Looking at the sizes, teaser size was more than generous for one person. Monster dessert should consider adding a smaller size (and not a kid's size) at a reasonable price not to scare off people like me. I probably wouldn't have bought it if db wasnt with me.
Suffice to say, I asked for their most popular dessert. The friendly gal at the counter mentioned the mango-strawberry and that's what I ordered. She also mentioned you can mix fruits for the same price. Well, thought it was delicious, but I couldn't help but wonder if I can re-create this at home with my ice shaver. :) -
Review from Tracie P.
San Bruno, CA
9/3/2007
I can't believe it took me 1 year to try this place. But I had to go after reading a yelp review stating the reviewer had driven up from Cupertino for a monster ice and felt it a worthwhile trip.
So we went. We tried 3. A fudgey one, mango and strawberry and peaches and blueberry. YUMMMMMO!!
Now I get what the fuss is about. -
Review from Star Y.
Millbrae, CA
6/30/2007
Update:
My second time here was even better than the first! They do allow you to have half-half flavors, so my parents got half mango and half strawberry. It was so flippin' good. I, on the other hand, decided to try out the corn flavor since I grew up on it in Taiwan, and that was great as well. At first I was thrown off by the corn flakes that they put on as a topping, but it actually turned out really good. The corn flakes remained crunchy in the shaved ice so added a good texture.
If I could give this place 4.5 stars I would. I'm still waiting for the Asian flavors to arrive so I can give it a full 5 stars! But, I love this place.
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SHAVED ice!!! SHAVED ice!!! Not ice crushed into tiny pieces, but actual traditional ice on a blade SHAVED ice. The last time I had real shaved ice was at a tiny hole in the wall on Maui. Now I can just drive down the block for the my favorite fluffy ice dessert.
My hubby and I shared the monster size Mango ice- it was FLIPPIN' good. The bowl looks big but it's totally just the right size for this kind of dessert since most of it is fluffy shaved ice. They have a variety of toppings that are a good mix between fresh fruits and chocolates/sweets. I will definitely go back and try the "corn" flavor because I grew up in Taiwan eating shaved ice with corn and condensed milk.
I gave -.5 star less because it would have been cool if I could choose combo flavors, like, half mango/half strawberry, etc. The other -.5 star is for the F.O.B. in me that wish that they offer traditional Asian toppings like azuki benas, mung beans, grass jelly, taro and such.
I really hope this place never goes out of business. It shall be my 2nd home during summer. -
Review from Mary F.
Berkeley, CA
6/13/2007
Are you F*ing Kidding me? The last time I had this was in an island called Boracay. I make a weekly pilgrimage to San Bruno to get my cup of shaved ice lovin
But the purist know this place is called ICE MONSTER.
GRRR..... -
Review from Johanan L.
Irvine, CA
8/15/2007
When I'm in the Bay Area, I go here everyday. Enough said.
This crack is better than the froyo craze.
