Are you ready to mango today? It’s time to mango on over to Hui Lau Shan in Irvine, California. They also have locations in Fullerton, Rowland Heights, and Arcadia. Hui Lau Shan’s top priority is to make everything from scratch with quality ingredients. They focus on every detail such as their mangoes being imported from the Philippines. Not only do they create a series of Hong Kong style desserts, but also serve traditional Chinese herbal tea and herbal jelly.
Hui Lau Shan's Timeline:
**PLEASE NOTE: This timeline is referenced from their website**
Hui Lau Shan's was founded in 1960s while selling Chinese herbal tea on a trolley.
They launched their first herbal tea store in Yeun Long in 1970s.
They sold classic desserts and snacks in the 1980s.
Did you know that they created the “Mango Sago” in 1992? This became a huge hit in the city and became the start of creating new and innovative desserts and drinks.
In the 2000s, Hui Lau Shan created the first homemade drinks with fresh fruits. This concept started the to-go drinks trend. The to-go drinks became popular amongst tourists and made them become one of Hong Kong's attractions.
Stores opened in Shenzhen, Malaysia, and South Korea from 2009-2017.
Did you know about Hui Lau Shan? I did not know about them until their opening in Irvine, California. I heard that they are super popular in Hong Kong. The first time, I was waiting with my friend for over an hour. Stories were being exchanged of how people waited a lot longer. It was a good thing that we were in front of the line. As we waited, the line grew longer and extended all the way down the plaza to the front of the CVS Pharmacy. The staff at Hui Lau Shan greeted us and gave us water as we waited in line. The store is very small and intimate. Limited tables and chairs are provided inside the store. There were many groups that crowded around small tables. Hui Lau Shan also had limited tables and chairs outside in the patio area. The entrance way was always packed with people while waiting in line or going in and out to grab their orders. It got cramped in this area and also inside, but keep in mind that this was way before when COVID-19 happened.
I’ve gotten dessert at Hui Lau Shan with my boyfriend and friends many times. The line was always long regardless of the time of day. It’s definitely longer during the afternoons than at nighttime. I’ve indulged in many of their desserts and drinks. Some of the items I’ve ordered are Mango Chewy Balls topped with Ice cream, Pomelo & Mango with Sago, Mango Pudding, Mango Mochi, Mango Pancakes, Durian Pancakes, Mango & Coconut Juice with Aloe Jelly, and Birds Nest & Honey Jelly in Watermelon Juice. There hasn’t been one order that I did not like yet. Hui Lau Shan is great at creating delicious combinations for their consumers to enjoy. I completely understand why they are a global sensation. I hope to visit their original location in Hong Kong one day.
Hui Lau Shan is nonstop busy. The team at Hui Lau Shan has built a smooth system of ensuring orders are pushed out as quickly as possible. The staff unfortunately do not have time to build rapports with their customers. The team is always on the move and works in a synchronized beat. Each team member has a specific job and section that they take care of. The ordering process was simple. The cashier handed me a buzzer once I purchased what you wanted. Then I would wait outside or inside the store. I recommend waiting outside if you do not enjoy being in a crowded and small space. It is most likely better to wait outside during COVID-19 time unless the store is already blocked off. I like to mention that I have complete admiration for their hustle and grind. Consistency with quality ingredients, getting orders pushed out on time, and the Hui Lau Shan name are keys to bringing people back.
How are the desserts?
The desserts here are so delicious! My personal favorites are the Mango Chewy Balls with Ice Cream and Mango Pudding. These two items are the ones I keep getting. The Mango Chewy Balls with Ice Cream has a hint of floral, citrus, and tartness. The base of this item consisted of icy mango and mango chunks. The bite of the mango chunks was so refreshing and ripe. The coconut sauce and ice cream helped balance the sweetness. And the chewy balls were not too hard. The balls had a very nice chew to it. The Mango Pudding was smooth, soft, and creamy. It’s similar to the pot de crème with a taste of freshness and vibrantness. The pudding was packed with so much mango flavor. And I always order a couple of these to share with my family at home.
The drinks are absolutely tasty. I bounce back between the Mango & Coconut Juice with Aloe Vera and Birds Nest & Honey Jelly in Watermelon Juice. Both drinks are hands down flavorful. The mango and coconut juice had an interesting taste. The texture and taste is indescribable. It’s like the bowl version was blended together and became a smoothie. This is a good option if I’d rather have a drink instead. The Birds Nest & Honey Jelly in Watermelon Juice took my breath away with every sip. This drink tasted so fresh, green, and fruity. It had the right amount of sweetness. I heard that some customers prefer the watermelon juice to be sweeter, but the sweetness level is just right for me.
Hui Lau Shan has online orders available at Irvine. They are currently open for phone orders for take-out & delivery services through UberEats and GrubHub. Their temporary business hours are from Mondays through Thursdays from 2 PM to 8 PM and Fridays to Sundays from 1 PM to 9 PM. Make sure to take every safety precaution while arriving. Be sure to double check their operation hours before heading out. Stay safe and healthy!
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