Not that we need an excuse to indulge in gelato but, should it be deemed necessary, we have two—in the form of new gelato specials created by popular Australian gelato brand Messina and Hong Kong restaurant Little Bao. The creative collaboration between Black Sheep Restaurants' group pastry chef Karys Logue and Little Bao's chef-founder May Chow has resulted in two locally inspired flavours to try this summer.
Lil' Bean
Se'same But Different
Available from 30 June to 21 July, the limited-edition flavours include the Lil' Bean which is a fermented black bean-infused gelato. Using rehydrated beans for a flavourful blend, the gelato also comes with fermented black bean shortbread made with nutty hazelnut flour, butter and sugar. The second gelato is the sweet and savoury Se'same But Different, a toasted white sesame gelato topped with chilli crisp. Made using sesame that is ground and toasted in-house, this aromatic gelato is further enhanced by a crispy feuilletine and chilli butter mix and Kowloon Soy Company premium soy sauce caramel.
Lil' Bean waffle
Se'Same But Different gelato bao
Both flavours will be available at Messina (HK$60 one scoop; HK$75 two scoops; HK$90 three scoops) in a cone or cup while Little Bao will offer both flavours in a different format. Whether you dine at the Soho or Causeway Bay locations, you can opt for the Se'Same But Different gelato bao (HK$48) with soy caramel drizzle and extra chilli crunch or the Lil' Bean waffle (HK$98) which includes a double scoop atop a charcoal Belgian waffle with fresh cream, banana, and mini cookies. There will be an event at Little Bao Soho on Sunday, 3 July to launch the new desserts.
At Messina, Lil' Bean gelato is topped with a fermented black bean shortbread crumble
On the creative process of getting it down to these two flavours, Logue comments: "May was really enthusiastic about taking different elements of sweet and savoury cuisine, combining them together and trying every possible combination". Chow went far as to experiment with hot sauce and pork skin, adding, "At Little Bao we love twisting things, finding new ways to showcase ingredients we all know and love. Using rich Kowloon Soy Sauce and fermented black bean is just another way we like to infuse a unique, creative spirit into our food".
Messina, 37 Pottinger Street, Central, Hong Kong
Little Bao Diner, 9 Kingston Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong
Little Bao, 1-3 Shin Hing Street, Central, Hong Kong
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