With our new work schedules, Ying and I actually have weekday evenings off now, and thus we have decided to dedicate our Friday evenings to trying out different dessert places. So tonight, we went to Roji Monster Ice Cream, a popular Taiwanese brand that has made its way to Canada and is known for their googly-eyed frozen desserts.
Monster Black Sesame Ice Cream
To get a good scope of their bestsellers, we decided to share the Monster Combo, which includes the "Monster Ice Cream," the "Monster Waffle," two macarons and two drinks. For the "Monster Ice Cream," we decided to get the black sesame flavour with cheesecake and pretzels as our toppings. This ice cream is their signature item, and to be honest, I was not particularly impressed. It's not terrible by any means, and the black sesame flavour was acceptable (I would've preferred it to be less sweet and more intense sesame, but I find that a true black sesame flavour is hard to perfect), but I just wasn't fond of the texture. It's creamier than shaved ice but icier than ice cream and it just seemed like it was confused as to what it's supposed to be.
To get a good scope of their bestsellers, we decided to share the Monster Combo, which includes the "Monster Ice Cream," the "Monster Waffle," two macarons and two drinks. For the "Monster Ice Cream," we decided to get the black sesame flavour with cheesecake and pretzels as our toppings. This ice cream is their signature item, and to be honest, I was not particularly impressed. It's not terrible by any means, and the black sesame flavour was acceptable (I would've preferred it to be less sweet and more intense sesame, but I find that a true black sesame flavour is hard to perfect), but I just wasn't fond of the texture. It's creamier than shaved ice but icier than ice cream and it just seemed like it was confused as to what it's supposed to be.
Of course, the googly eyes are cute but just a gimmick at the end of the day— they're edible, but it's just discs of plain sugar, and not particularly tasty. (Definitely not wasting your sugar quota on.) I honestly enjoyed the cheesecake and pretzel toppings more than the "ice cream" itself. Two macarons are included on the side — we decided on lemon and black currant — and these were, frankly, an insult to actual macarons. The flavours are so artificial, they're almost offensive. The consistency had no chew, and the meringues cracked and crumbled the moment we bit into them. Are they cute? Absolutely. Are they worth getting? Absolutely not.
Monster Waffle
Hot hojicha latte
On the other hand, the waffle was really good. A crispy exterior and fluffy interior, just the right amount of sweetness, and in the shape of an adorable little "monster." Served with milk soft serve, matcha cream, and chocolate syrup, so you can mix and match to your heart's content. Not particularly unique, mind you, but reliably tasty, and the presentation was spot-on. The one thing that I felt was notable was actually the drink. This combo comes with two signature drinks, so I chose the hot hojicha latte, and it was excellent. A good, strong hojicha flavour — mellow, nutty, slightly smoky — with a great creamy texture and the perfect amount of foam.
Now, would I come back? Probably not. I mean, the latte was great, but I wouldn't go out of my way to get it here. I would say it's interesting to try, especially if you're a fan of shaved ice, but honestly, if I'm craving ice cream or shaved ice or even waffles, this wouldn't be my first choice.
On the other hand, the waffle was really good. A crispy exterior and fluffy interior, just the right amount of sweetness, and in the shape of an adorable little "monster." Served with milk soft serve, matcha cream, and chocolate syrup, so you can mix and match to your heart's content. Not particularly unique, mind you, but reliably tasty, and the presentation was spot-on. The one thing that I felt was notable was actually the drink. This combo comes with two signature drinks, so I chose the hot hojicha latte, and it was excellent. A good, strong hojicha flavour — mellow, nutty, slightly smoky — with a great creamy texture and the perfect amount of foam.
Now, would I come back? Probably not. I mean, the latte was great, but I wouldn't go out of my way to get it here. I would say it's interesting to try, especially if you're a fan of shaved ice, but honestly, if I'm craving ice cream or shaved ice or even waffles, this wouldn't be my first choice.
Roji Monster Ice Cream
30 South Unionville Ave., Unit 1029
Markham, ON L3R 5M3
(647) 948-8068
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