Swensen's: Ultimate Basket Sundae Experience

Being a big desserts lover, I was delighted when I first read that a Swensen's store has opened in one of my go-to malls, SM Mall of Asia. It has been 5 months since then, but it was only last week that my date and I were able to finally pay it a visit.

Although I have not yet been to California nor to other parts of the world which have Swensen's branches, I have already read a lot about this famous ice cream chain. And just the write-ups, as well as the photos of their sundaes were already enough to convince me that I need to try this global ice cream wonder.

The couple behind The Old Spaghetti House and Grilla Bar & Grill -- Chito and Lizzie Guerrero, brought Swensen's in the Philippines, believing it will be a hit since Filipinos are known for having sweet tooths. And they were probably right as Swensen's Philippines has already been receiving a lot of raves ever since it opened its doors to the market last September 15, 2011. So for my date and I, our first trip to Swensen's was not only to satisfy our cravings for cold sweet treats, but to also justify all the rave.

After setting foot inside the store, we were greeted with a lot of reds, whites and creams. The whole place looked liked a real American diner less the black and white checkerboard floor tiling, and with the addition of a number of framed pop-up photos of delicious-looking sundaes.

And although there were ice cream flavors available at the counter, my date and I decided to choose a pre-made sundae from their menu. Initially, I didn't want to share my ice cream even with my beau. (I know, I'm so selfish when it comes to food!) But since he's watching his weight, I thought it would be okay as he probably won't eat a lot anyway.

It took me a few minutes before I decided what to order. After going back and forth between the Coffee Mocha Almond Cable Parfait (P245) and the Nutty Banana Basket Sundae (P265), I finally chose the latter.

In just a few minutes, we were already served our Nutty Banana Basket Sundae. This sundae made from a crispy waffle basket, served with banana and caramel sauce and topped with almonds and pecan praline was one of the best sundaes I've ever tasted. The waffle stayed true to its crispy and crunchy promise, while the banana, whip cream, caramel sauce and nuts created a sweet blend of flavor and a lovely texture. But, what I loved the most was the ice cream. I may have forgotten to ask what specific ice cream flavors our Nutty Banana Basket Sundae had, but Swensen's was really creamy and quite gooey.

Along with our sundae, we also got some cold beverages. My date had the Iced Choc-o-Latte (P125), while I got a Strawberry Smoothie (P165). We expected the drinks to be really good too, but my date's was quite bland. You can taste the chocolate, but it seemed too diluted. My drink on the other hand, was really good. It had strawberry seeds, and tasted strongly of real strawberries -- sweet and a little tangy.

I know this is just a glass of water, and I don't normally blog about small details as such. But, I really like the cute print on their glass. (I honestly wanted to take this home.)

THE VERDICT

Although barely a year old, Swensen's Philippines has been proving that it's worth all the rave. The place looked classy yet casual, the service was prompt and courteous, and the sundae we had was really good. I personally loved the basket sundae we got to try, but I honestly felt that it was not right to have set up an expectation as high as what I had. Sundaes will always be just sundaes. But although Swensen's was nothing magical and out-of-this-world, it gave me one of the greatest sundae experiences I've had, and I am sure to come back for more. However, both my date and I think that the Iced Choc-o-Latte can have some improvements.

Taste - 4.5/5
Ambiance - 4/5
Service - 4/5
Price - 4/5
Overall Value - 4/5

Swensen's, SM Mall of Asia
G/F SM Mall of Asia, South Wing, Bay Blvd
Pasay City, Metro Manila
Philippines
(02) 804-0046
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