This is Lulu Dessert House, a Chinese dessert venue situated inside Bengong, and specialising in traditional sweet soups, milk-based desserts and glutinous rice-based sweets.
Osmanthus, Red Bean & Mochi Sweet Soup ($12.80)
This featured red bean soup with mochi, osmanthus-filled taro balls, lotus seed and dried osmanthus. The lotus seed was tender with a slight starchiness and contributed a mild nuttiness that also appeared in the red bean soup. The soup itself was restrained in sweetness, with a soft nutty depth beyond the usual red bean profile, possibly reflecting the use of lotus seed during preparation. The mochi softened substantially in the hot soup, becoming gently gooey rather than stretchy and easy to eat with a spoon. This contrasted with the firmer taro balls, whose mellow earthy exterior gave way to a bright, honeyed osmanthus filling. Dried osmanthus contributed a residual chew and reinforced the floral character. Overall, the combination remained soft, floral and comforting without becoming heavy.
Phoenix Milk Pudding ($11.80)
This featured a milk-based sweet soup with fermented rice, mochi, osmanthus-filled taro balls and dried osmanthus. The milk base arrived immediately, carrying the fermented rice’s gentle sweetness and tanginess, with a profile reminiscent of floral yoghurt. Combined with the mochi, which became gooey rather than particularly chewy, the fermented rice thickened the base into a creamy, substantially heavier mouthfeel than the previous sweet soup. The osmanthus-filled taro balls were again the strongest component, providing firmer texture and a bright floral lift that interrupted the richness of the dairy. The overall profile remained soft and floral, though the rich milk base became somewhat heavy.
Milk Custard ($7.80)
This featured a smooth milk custard with a delicate wrinkled skin across the surface. The dairy flavour was less pronounced than expected, instead resembling the texture and flavour of an egg-white-based tart custard. Its velvety, delicate texture made it enjoyable on its own, though the relatively restrained flavour would have benefited from stronger toppings such as red beans.
Overall, a Chinese dessert venue defined by soft, restrained flavours and contrasting textural elements, strongest where floral components and glutinous textures provided lift against the sweeter or richer bases.
Lulu Dessert House is located inside Bengong at 168 Rowe St, Eastwood NSW 2122.