If you haven’t been down Prospect Road for a few months, you’re missing out, as the hot spot keeps on producing new venues, including CoCo Bubble Tea and Hyoka.
The new kid on the block has just opened, bringing the famous Taiwanese bubble tea chain and 24 flavours of ice cream under one roof.
Walking down the main strip, there’s no way you’ll miss the neon-lit signs, colourful logos and bright claw machines, which huddle together in the middle of the venue.
It’s a big drawcard for families and kids, especially with the local library just across the street. The little ones will be dragging their parents by the arm for a go at winning one of the many plush toys up for grabs.
The claw machines are just as tempting as the treats, with kids eagerly feeding in coins and refusing to give up until they’ve had a shot at claiming the top prize. With rows of colourful plush toys up for grabs, it’s the perfect bright, playful addition.
“We wanted to bring a bubble tea shop to Prospect as there is no bubble tea in the area for kids to enjoy,” the owner said before the opening.
“Our aim is focussing on families with young children, not only to enjoy bubble tea from the famous CoCo brand, but to also enjoy the large ice cream range.”
The ice cream is made in-house, with different flavour specials dotting the modern board behind the lime green counter. With a smooth, creamy texture, fans can get their hands on flavours not found at your usual gelati store. Think ube, Vietnamese coffee and durian, which is a large tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia known for its pungent smell, but in ice cream form, it offers a hint of surprising sweetness.
You can still find the classics like cookies and cream, salted caramel, vanilla bean, strawberry, cheesecake and dark chocolate for those not looking to branch out just yet.
“Hyoka specialises in Asian-influenced gelati, with Japanese matcha being the most popular,” the owner said.
“We offer different matcha gelati strengths, as well as hojicha, black sesame, durian and more than 20 other flavours to choose from.”
On the left-hand side of the venue, you’ll find an orange-decorated top with the CoCo Bubble Tea sign.
Surprisingly, the owner told us that avocado smoothies have been one of their most popular purchases, along with the traditional Thai milk tea and mango green tea.
Fruit tea flavours range from passion fruit, grapefruit and lemon to orange and dragon fruit. The classic milk tea isn’t to be missed, with eight different flavours available, as well as toppings like pearl, sago and jelly. Yakult, which is a popular probiotic drink with a sweet taste, is also available in flavours like mango, fresh orange and green tea.
With booths lining the window side of the venue, it’s not just a takeaway destination, but the perfect spot to people watch while indulging in a scoop or slurp.
While lots of signs read ‘for lease’ along Prospect Road, we’re glad that new venues keep popping up and offering a refreshing hit for the community.
Hyoka Adelaide and CoCo Bubble Tea
When: 7 days a week from 11.30am-10pm
Where: 99a Prospect Road, Prospect 5082 SA.
For more info, click here.
