As Sacramento braces for another bout of sweltering heat, locals in search of a reprieve may consider a visit to one of the area's beloved shaved ice establishments. Bru Tea Cafe in Elk Grove specializes in bingsoo, a Korean shaved ice dessert that's become a popular antidote to the region's triple-digit temperatures.
Bru Tea boasts a range of unique toppings that elevate their bingsoo beyond the standard fare including their signature tiramisu bingsoo, which not only comes layered with cocoa and coffee powder but is also crowned with a full piece of tiramisu and house-made mascarpone cream, Tran and Trenton Norgaard are the husband and wife team behind the establishment, and they channel their passion for food into the cafe's diverse menu which, according to Trenton Norgaard, stands out due to the bingsoo's "very fluffy" texture, "like a fresh snow" that simply "melts in your mouth," he told ABC10.
But desserts aren't the only draw at Bru Tea Cafe; the venue also offers a selection of bubble tea, coffee, and grilled cheese sandwiches to complement their sweet treats, their full menu can be explored via their online storefront, ensuring that they cater to a variety of palates and preferences. The Cafe runs from noon to 9:40 PM, providing ample opportunity for patrons to indulge.
Meanwhile, not to be outdone is the long-standing Japanese confection shop Osaka Ya, a fixture in the Sacramento sweet scene for over 60 years, this establishment boasts a history steeped in tradition yet continues to innovate with its extensive selection of 16 shaved ice flavors, "That's also been since we opened as well. It used to be only three flavors," Yoshio Murakami, whose family owns Osaka Ya, shared with ABC10, noting the growth in variety over the years. Their most popular concoction, Tiger's Blood, is a medley of strawberry, watermelon, and coconut sure to tantalize the taste buds of any patron.
Open Sunday through Friday with a special schedule on Labor Day, Osaka Ya's shaved ice window provides a welcome respite from the Sacramento heat, recalling a history that resonates with multiple generations of visitors as reflected in the words of Yoshio, "I do get a lot of people saying, 'Oh yeah, my friend recommended it to me,' and I feel happy knowing that people are saying that they enjoy our snow cones," he told ABC10. Cash is king at this establishment, ensuring a quick handover from their icy treats to their eager customers' hands.
Whether new fans or long-standing patrons, the community's love for Bru Tea Cafe's bingsoo and Osaka Ya’s snow cones is a testament to the timeless appeal of these chilled delicacies. With Labor Day around the corner and the sun's relentless gaze upon the city, both Bru Tea Cafe and Osaka Ya stand as essential destinations for anyone looking to beat the heat with a frosty dessert in hand.
