Special thanks to Milkissimo for extending this food review invitation.
Update: This business has ceased its operations.
Milkissimo (ミルキッシモ) is a chain of gelato stores in Japan. The sole Malaysian outlet is presented as a proper café with dine-in tables. Taking advantage of larger space at Gurney Plaza‘s new wing, customers can relax while they enjoy Milkissimo’s signature gelato. The café also presents itself as being kids-friendly. Storybooks, toys and board games are available to keep children entertained.
Milkissimo produces Italian gelato from fresh milk of cows raised in Hokkaido (北海道). There are approximately 80 flavors in total, but only roughly 18 flavors are prepared at any given time. Customers are provided samples to help them to choose. Besides milk, it is also noteworthy to know that many fruits used to prepare gelato are also sourced from Japan.
Hokkaido Pancake (北海道パンケーキ, RM19.90) is an interesting item on Milkissimo’s food menu. At the center are two fluffy pancakes that are rich in eggs. The pancakes are topped with icing sugar and a scoop of gelato of customer’s choice. Today’s gelato is Almond Chocolate (アーモンドチョコレート) – an excellent choice if you love cocoa.
Served on the side are blueberry sauce, peach slices, honey and whipped cream. I particularly like the refreshing taste of blueberry sauce. Depending on ice cream flavor, the pancake may be sweet enough, so it is not necessary to add more honey.
Balmuda Honey Toast (バルミューダハニートースト, RM8.90) has been introduced after my previous visit. This special bread is baked using a Balmuda toaster (バルミューダトースター), which is specially sourced from Japan. Unlike conventional ovens, the Balmuda toaster uses steam to bake bread. This allows the bread to retain its fluffiness and prevent the surface from being browned.
The thick slice of bread has sponge-like softness with appealing flakiness on the surface. The toast is dressed in honey and is given a light sprinkle of icing sugar and whipped cream. There is also another version of toast which comes with gelato for RM17.90. Before 2:00pm every day, all toasts come with complementary coffee or tea.
If saltiness of cheese appeals to you, try the Balmuda Triple Cheese Toast (バルミューダトリプルチーズトースト, RM9.90). The bread is baked with three types of cheese: parmesan, cheddar and mozzarella. I love how the savoriness of cheese combines with bread’s fluffy texture. Personally, I prefer this cheesy version over the previous one.
As a proper café, coffee is also an important element of this outlet. The coffee at Milkissimo is reasonably strong in caffeine. Cafe Latte (RM9.90) benefits from the creaminess of steamed milk.
Name: Milkissimo (ミルキッシモ)
Address: 170-01-K5, Plaza Gurney, Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: 04-228-8837
Business hours: 10:30am-10:00pm
Website: http://www.milkissimo.com
Coordinates: 5.43674 N, 100.30941 E
Directions: Milkissimo is located at Level 1 of Gurney Plaza’s new wing. Gurney Plaza has basement and multi-level parking garages.