Nine Taiwanese Dessert House, CBD

As Taiwanese food continues to tighten its grip on Melbourne through bubble tea, frozen desserts and deep-fried deliciousness, we look at what Nine Taiwanese Dessert House brings to the table (literally).

The décor is rather random, with old-school Chinese film posters juxtaposed with birdcages and deer heads.

Once you’ve decided what you want, you order and pay at the counter, then receive a number and sit at a table.

We ordered the Super Spicy Deep-Fried Squid ($8.00). Extremely juicy and flavourful, but you do begin to notice the oiliness after a few pieces. Warning: addictive!

Super Spicy Deep-Fried Squid

We also had the Shaved Ice with Tapioca Balls, Red Beans, Peanuts & Sago ($6.80). You can choose any four toppings from the list on the menu, which also includes a variety of beans and jellies (note that some toppings like taro balls cost extra). The ice was refreshing, and although sweet thanks to the sugar syrup, it was balanced out by the not-so-sweet toppings. The tapioca balls and sago were bouncy and the peanuts had been cooked in some kind of creamy sauce.

Shaved Ice with Tapioca Balls, Red Beans, Peanuts & Sago

Verdict: Very solid Taiwanese snacks and desserts.

Food: 9

Service: 8

Atmopshere: 7

Value: 8.5

Would I come back? Yes.