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.

Nutty Banana Basket Sundae P265

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.

Swensen's Ice Cream

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.

Nutty Banana Basket Sundae

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.

Iced Choc-o-Latte P125 Strawberry Smoothie P165

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.

Glass

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
Facebook Page
Twitter

50 comments:

  1. Sumi! You finally went! :>
    I actually forgot what kind of ice cream the two of those scoops were in the Nutty Banana; but baaaaah, it tasted so good anyways!!! <3
    Happy Valentines!

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  2. Been here before as well :) loved the place ... calories galore lang talaga ...

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  3. I love that cute glass too! Hope we can really take it home, hehe. ^__^ I didn't know that the couple behind Old Spaghetti House brought Swensen's here. Nice info. :)

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  4. First time I heard about this. I'm so clueless about popular things. Seriously! Worth a try but it's soooo far! If they open a branch in Mega Mall then I'll definitely buy. Which reminds me, I have to check back on your post about the Spam Sandwich. I really wanna know where I can buy that in Mega. :D

    P.S. Happy Valentine's Day too! Too bad about not being able to go out. I woke up with a sore throat this morning too. Huhuhu Blame the unpredictable weather!

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  5. @Aileen Yeah, it was super good! I forgot nga that you ordered the same sundae pala.. hahaha.. But the name and the photo of Nutty Banana was really enticing!

    @Kathy Ngo: Most good food talaga are heavy in calories, but still, I won't give up on my desserts.. XD

    @Karla: I only got to know it too when I read about articles online and on magazines ^^

    @Mich of Mich Eats and Shops: Swensen's will actually have another branch. This time, in Eastwood naman, opening probably this summer.. :D

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  6. I love that glass too waah it's so so cute

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  7. oh maaaan. ice cream and waffle conesssssss. we don't go to MoA, its too tiring to go there and its so big! XD

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  8. I feel so lame not having to have tried it there yet! Hopefully when I lose a bit weight I can get back to desserts galore =(

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  9. SUper like :) Ang layo lang ng MOA sa amin, haven't been there too :(

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  10. Yehey for the Eastwood branch!!! Megamall or Robinson's naman after.hehe. :)

    http://www.dekaphobe.com

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  11. loving the photos! makes us want to try their sundaes, too! =)

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  12. I love to try this. I saw their ad on my way home for quite sometime now. ICECREAAAAAMMMM SUNDAEEEEE :DDD

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  13. I have yet to try Swensen's. I've been seeing their shops in Singapore. It's good they're finally here in Manila.

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  14. Looks like the foods are delicious! If your in our place, your foods are some kind of pricey :)

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  15. Im waiting for the Eastwood branch so I can try it.. I find MOA too far.. plus I hate walking around that place.. too tiring hehe (reklamador)

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  16. Cold sweet treats, YEY. The Nutty Banana Basket Sundae looks so good! Thank you for sharing this... this is now on my go-to list! ;D

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  17. ang cute ng place. the sundaes look very appetizing. :)

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  18. Looks so delish! :) nice photos!

    vinayabut.blogspot.com
    *Join two of my on-going giveaways if you have time! :)

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  19. oohhh.. drooling on the nutty banana basket! yum! :)

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  20. cute glass! it's the one I got awed too!
    and you really are an amazing food blogger. i mean, those photos made me drool big time!!!

    LiLPiNK
    LiLPiNK
    LiLPiNK

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  21. I can't take my eyes off the printed glass. It's so cool! :)

    http://iifatree.blogspot.com/

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  22. Ice cream is my life too!! looks so yummy.... can feel it melting in my mouth... ;)

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  23. I'm not a fan of sweets but I love ice cream and sundaes and frozen yogurts... awww... craving!!!! :P

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  24. MOA is sooo far away from home! but i've been hearing so much about swensen's! i'm tempted to go all the way to moa tuloy haha :P

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  25. those smoothies look delicious! I prefer smoothies over ice cream most times... but thats prob cuz ice cream is more accessible ie you can buy them at grocery stores for fairly good price

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  26. I am dying to eat here..better try it sooner...

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  27. ayay! looks sinfully delicious! I like the print too....belated happy valentine's day sis!

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  28. Now you know why it's one of my favorite ice cream parlors ever. So cheap, in my opinion.

    My Swensen's post: http://wonderwomanrises.blogspot.com/2011/11/swensens-best-ice-cream-parlor-on-earth.html

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  29. The place looks really small. Is it? But it looks charming. Your photo of the Nutty Banana Basket Sundae... *drool* Rather expensive, but the serving is huge. I can share a sundae with a date! :D

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  30. OMG! Sweets!!! I wanna try this! Not that expensive, worth it nmn! Cute glass of water! I'm like that even a small details will caught my attention <3

    http://www.lalalapatricia.info/2012/02/love-love-love.html

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  31. Who can say no to ice cream? too bad i can't really indulge myself in such treat because of my health. But will definitely try this if given a chance. hehe..

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  32. love that glass too..very creative. would like to try that ice cream with waffles ...summer's fast approaching hehe

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  33. super cool blog.. :) the glass was uber nice! please visit my new blog.. I will appreciate feedbacks too.. thanks! (inspired by your blog) :)

    http://unlimitedcravings.blogspot.com/

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  34. i wanted to try swensen too.. i love ice cream!

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  35. Oh my god!, oh my god!, oh my god! As an ice cream lover I would definitely love to visit this place. Although MOA is kinda far from where I live. The presentation just makes me droll even more! Thanks for that share!

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  36. You know what, I sometimes want to try one of these stores. I mean, indulge in all those sweet and creamy goodness. Pero, kumusta naman ang blood sugar? Haha!

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  37. Sumi, I've been receiving invites from friends to try Swensen but I am not really big when it comes to ice cream, so, i'm curious, do they have other things on their menu aside from ice cream and sundaes? thanks!

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  38. @Yedy Calaguas: They only have coffee and smoothies apart from ice cream and sundaes eh :(

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  39. Hi Sumi, thanks for replying to my inquiry :) awww, I was hoping they have pasta or even sandwiches, I guess I might as well try their ice cream then :) thanks again! :)

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  40. I love their cool and clean ambiance and the lovely presentation of their Nutty Banana Basket Sundae. This is another great place to enjoy delicious sweet treats!

    http://www.delightmyappetite.com/2012/02/delicious-spam-musubi-from-mister-musubi/

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  41. That Sundae is mouthwatering! Like the others, I think I'll wait for the Eastwood branch. :D (I remember seeing a billboard for this along C5.)

    Need to work out to make room for that! :D

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  42. Beautiful photos, Sumi! I've been to Swensen's MOA at least 4 times since its opening day and I can't wait to go back. :)

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  43. I would love to taste it asap!

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  44. I've been reading rave reviews about Swensen for some time now. I find it quite interesting because when we dined at Swensen's in Singapore, we failed to try out their ice cream just their food. thanks for sharing what you ordered. looked absolutely yummy. Will try them out soon.

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  45. i can't wait to try it! I know.. i am super late :(. better late than never!

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  46. Swensen's sundae is the best! I remember when they had their 1st anniversary,all ice cream cost only 1 peso!

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  47. I love Swensen's! Their ice cream is really the best! :) I've tried them at SM North Edsa!

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