This is the Flying Turtle Lychee Espresso (iced with a 30 mL espresso shot, standard sweetness, and fixed ice). The beverage was prepared in approximately 78 seconds by the robot barista, which performed all steps, including espresso extraction, the addition of lychee syrup, and ice.
On tasting, the lychee and espresso flavours were well-balanced, with the espresso delivering a pleasing roasted quality and mellow bitterness. Any acidity in the espresso was masked or complemented by the lychee syrup, which featured visible flecks of lychee purée at the bottom of the cup. The sweetness was prominent but not overpowering, and the lychee flavour was floral and natural without tasting artificial. Overall, the drink offered a refreshing and harmonious combination of flavours, making it a worthwhile option. However, the cup was about half-filled with ice, which diluted the beverage’s flavour as it melted. A more intense flavour profile would have compensated for this and enhanced the overall value.
For context, Flying Turtle, or Tao Bin in Thai, is a beverage vending machine from Thailand that debuted at Westfield Parramatta in late 2024. The company combines specialty ingredients, modern technology, cloud computing, and robotics to revolutionise the coffee and beverage experience. With a focus on quality, consistency, and convenience, the entire setup fits within a single square metre.
This Lychee Espresso was purchased from the Flying Turtle Beverage machine near Dymocks on Level 2, Westfield Parramatta, 159-175 Church St, Parramatta NSW 2150.