Vampire Penguin

March 16, 2016 Wednesday — 12:00 PM for dessert
1 adult and a kid.
Atmosphere — 4 stars
Food — 5 stars
Service — 5 stars
Background — Went to Santa Cruz Sushi for lunch and treating my daughter to dessert.
Atmosphere — It is the food court of the Meadowood Mall so there is much to be desired. I would like tables that did not rock at the slightest move.
Food
Food — My daughter and I split the tuxedo. Chocolate smoothness from ice I was not expecting. The chocolate was infused in the ice, this is not like shaved ice syrup that is poured on the ice.
Service — Solid, our cashier was the person the person that made the dessert.
Pro Tip — Watch the video on Unilocal.
Future — Yes, maybe trying my own creation.

This place. Oh man, this place.
I have now been here twice — and it just so happens that once was yesterday, and the second time was today. Yes, I went back the next day to treat someone else to this divine experience.
The shaved ice here is completely different. When even mentioning that it’s ice, a friend asked, «You mean, like you’d get at a fair or something with flavors poured over it? Why would I go to the mall for that stuff?»
No… Nooooo-​o-​o-​oooo.
They put their flavors IN TO THE ICE before shaving it, and the how incredibly thin they shave the ice creates a creamy texture. They describe it as soft a freshly fallen snow. I am inclined to agree with that statement.
I’ve sampled mango, but my favorite (and it’s difficult for it not to be, since it’s the one I got both yesterday and today — you do the math) is the Halo-​Halo. It’s so friggin’ good. Really. The beans might need to be soaked a little longer because every once in a while I got a mouthful of slightly-​too-​firm red or white beans, but still… it’s hard to find Halo-​Halo in most restaurants, let alone sweet bean desserts. The fact that the shaved ice is a delectable taro flavor? To die for.
And THEN they smear some taro paste on the side as one of the accompaniments, along with the munggo beans, white beans, and jackfruit. It’s so good.
I will have a problem every time I go to the mall now: How the hell do I avoid this place?!

I moved to Reno last year from Sacramento, so when I went to the mall and saw a Vampire Penguin, I was beyond excited! I had no idea they had a location in Reno, and I had just discovered it in Sacramento right before I left. I thought the two of us would never meet again. I was wrong.
Vampire penguin serves shaved snow– it’s not just plain old ice, but more ice-​cream like, and shaved into little ribbons. The texture is fluffy, light and creamy. They have delicious flavor combos like Twix, s’moreos and dulce de leche, and the plating is always beautiful. You can also create your flavor combo. When I first heard about shaved snow with toppings, I wasn’t very excited, but I was pleasantly surprised with how amazing their desserts are. Plus, it’s well priced– only $ 5-​$ 6 for a small for most flavors, and it’s enough to share with someone.
I feel bad for this location, because it doesn’t seem like anyone knows about it. Whenever i’m there or walk by it’s dead. I hope that it starts to get more attention! I would hate to see it go. If you are over at the mall, take a shopping break and give this place a try!

This place is awesome!!! Perfect for that sweet tooth after an MSG filled lunch. It’s now my highlight of coming to the Meadowood mall. I first found it roaming around the food court, the cute Little Penguin first caught my eye. «Woo what’s that it’s soooo cute!!!». I got the Tuxedo topped with Oreo crumbs, it reminded me a lot of Patbingsu!!! Highly recommened!

Nice staff. Fair prices. Yummy flavors!
This is WAY different that shaved ice. So yummy! Food taste as good as it looks. Got the smoreo and it was yummy. Also the waffle thing was great too. Staff was so sweet to us too. :)

Wow this place is the best! I can’t wait to go back and try something different. I loved how the presentation of the desert is, the flavors are spot on, and it didn’t even taste like shaved ice.
The young lady behind the counter was sweet, and very helpful to make our first experience spectacular. Customer service was spot on.
These kind of deserts may not be for everyone because it’s completely different then I’ve ever had, however it was worth the try. I will be back!

One word: ADDICTING!!!
I have been coming here at least 3 – 4 times a week the last month. I moved to Reno from Sacramento so I’m so glad we have one here. The only downside is, they don’t have a LOT of specials like they do in Sacramento so I’m pretty sure it’ll only be a matter time when I get tired of the same flavors.

Its always a great opportunity when something new find its way up the mountains and end up here in the BLC. Its about time Reno gets some «Snow Ice» (not to be confused with shaved ice).
First time I tried snow ice was in LA. Also been to some in SF and I’ve always loved it, more than frozen yogurt, which seem to still be the craze up here. Reno, you have to try some snow ice!
The Halo-​Halo flavor is delicious. The large serving is perfect for sharing. The serving of snow ice is generous. Could use a little more toppings however. I’m hooked to this flavor, but I’m biased because of my nationality haha. Might try something else next time.
The 1 star deduction is from the amount of toppings you get from the large serving, but importantly from the look of the store front. Its a bit bare. Its a shame when people are passing by that does not know about snow ice and look at the place, seem interested, but walk by and not give it a shot because of the lack of presentation up front. There’s the name and menu yes, but let’s face it, not everyone read these days (sad but true). Why not make the deserts up front? Show the people of Reno what its all about!
I’m definitely a customer, and will keep coming back for more.

Had the twix. It was super delicious. I can’t believe how flavorful the desserts are the best part is that most of their menu items are vegan, dairy free, and low in sugar. Really love this place and definitely coming back!

Very good! Would come again! The shaved ice is very fluffy, the taste is divine ha well it’s great! Can’t wait to come back!

This is a fantastic alternative to frozen yogurt. This is asian style shaved ice, not the hard stuff with artificial syrup in a cone. It’s fluffy and light and the fruit variations has a great vivid flavor. The chocolate version is good too, but won’t satisfy someone looking for a heavy rich chocolate experience. My toddler son and I shared a small mango with strawberry popping boba. We weren’t able to finish it. The next day I brought my husband with me and with his help we were able to finish 2 small orders between the 3 of us. We had a small tuxedo (chocolate snow, chocolate syrup, marshmallows, sliced almonds, fresh diced strawberries) and a small strawberry with strawberry popping boba and mango star shaped jelly (we actually ordered mango popping boba because my son is obsessed, but the guy taking our order asked if we wanted round or star boba. I asked what star boba is, and he explained it was exactly the same, just star shaped. I thought that sounded fun, but it was the jelly and not the popping boba) The chocolate is a light chocolate flavor similar to frozen hot chocolate. The strawberry is sweet but fresh tasting. with the boba and jelly toppings it’s a pretty candy tasting experience. I think next time I’ll get boba or jelly, but not both, maybe a fresh fruit instead. the small with 2 toppings was $ 3.50. Very good value.
The texture reminds me alot of powder type snow, especially the way it melts in your mouth. I do hope they get Thai Tea flavor as that sounds wonderful.

I am so glad shaved snow finally came to Reno in such a big way! I’ve heard of Vampire Penguin from friends in California and I was really excited to try it for myself. I tried the VP Green Tea special ($ 5) and my friend tried their Chocolate Snow with Oreo Cookie crumbs on top. Both were really yummy!
Since this is in a mall food court, the service is limited and the atmosphere isn’t the best. But if you enjoy shaved snow, or want to try it for the first time I definitely recommend giving this place a chance!
I personally recommend trying one of their specials.

This was the second time we tried the shaved ice. My husband ordered the taro one and I ordered the green tea. But when it came, I saw the difference between our first time so I asked the cashier and show the picture and she said that was the VP ones and she was sorry that she didn’t ask when we ordered.
But hey it’s okay because they were still so good. The green tea flavor was so thick and rich and so does with the taro but I’m not a fan of the taro, wasn’t bad but not my favorite, but my husband said it was yummy
Next time we’ll make sure to mention the VP just in case the cashier forgets to ask.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for Shaved Ice?!
It’s nice to see a trick which I usually associate with bright colors and the circus in a more accessible environment. This is not your kids shaved ice though. This shaved ice has grown up, matured, and gone to college. It is much more refined but definitely still fun!
I got the Twix special which is chocolate shaved ice, chocolate sauce, and caramel sauce topped with crushed graham crackers. It’s like a cold version of one of my favorite candy bars which is the perfect treat for a hot summer day. The toppings were really nice but I felt like the chocolate shaved ice needed a bit more of a flavor punch. I like my chocolate to really scream CHOCOLATE and this was more of a polite whisper. Otherwise, this was a nice sweet treat.
The staff was very nice, polite, and helpful. I would definitely return again to try other flavors!

First got vampire penguin in Sacramento and sooooo glad I don’t have to drive all the way there to get some of this good stuff. This isn’t normal shaved ice. This is like some magical so soft shaved ice. It’s not too cold either so brain freeze doesn’t occur a lot. I don’t particularly like the location, it being inside meadow wood mall but it’s great business starting location since a lot of people will be able to notice it. Love the flavors and if you’re a sweet tooth like me, try the dulce de leche special. Sooooo good!

I heard a rumor these guys moved into town.
I called the mall office to inquire if they were up and running yet. The employee working called them «The Frozen Penguin» and said no.
I went anyways.
Low and behold — they were real. They were open. They were called Vampire Penguin.
The employee at the counter was friendly and quite patient as my 2 companions and I toyed with our menu selections. Mine was a no brainer — the answer is always green tea! Especially when swayed with the red bean bonus.
The small seemed like plenty — especially for a first try. The presentation when it was ready was delightful. The red beans and strawberries were a nice touch visually but they are actually why my review is 4 stars.
The green tea shaved snow with the condensed milk was incredible — perfect green tea flavor with an additional sweetness from the condensed milk. They lost me with the strawberries and red beans. The strawberries were drenched in syrup like the ones on top of cheesecakes at restaurants. They were drowned in syrup and mushy. The red beans however disappointed me the most. I love red beans — especially when paired with shaved ice or snow. These tasted canned. They mushed instantly when you put them in your mouth and didn’t do justice to their typical taste profile. They would have been an amazing addition to the green tea snow but instead they were a detraction and I scooped them off to the side away from my snow.
Judging the snow flavor and quality itself I would be back to try more. I think next time however I would opt for the green tea and add the condensed milk. Easier to refrain from the extras financially and physically avoiding them on my plate.

Time: 3:38pm/98°F sunny
Purpose: Needed to check in and compare rest of the VP locations. Of course, I didn’t drive that far just to eat one. There were business talks involved.
Set-​up: This location is located in the food court of Meadowood mall in Reno. Basically like any other vendor just different offerings. Counter area so spacious, I thought not open yet. Walk a little close saw two tier display showcase, ipad, small menu in front needs to squint eyes to read. Tri-​color irregular flakes marble top look like counter with utensil station, service bell, tip jar and plastic tub for eat-​in trays. Behind counter two electronic flatscreens. One for description and price the other for actual photo of items itself.
Staff: A cool dude about 20s or youger with glasses. Very eager to sell going over my order like three times to make sure. I thank him on that part as, I know what halo-​halo is. Told me to stand by with receipt on hand less than 3 minutes, I got my shaved ice treat. This guy was a smooth operator in my experience of retail behavioral.
Cleanliness: Grade A, impeccable no complaints. Only thing that was probably a no-​no, brown paper towels. Had patrons wiping their cups and toss it back on counter all ball up. Slight chance of sticky elbow or stuck on clothing article.
Eats/​Drinks: Small halo-​halo $ 6. Like I’ve said before, its just a novelty more than experience of real halo-​halo. Taro snow was finely shaved in which was flip over forming a bowl shape. Mungoo beans from container not bad or good. White beans tasted really off like the kind you would find at buffet salad bar. Taro paste was smooth no gritty pieces, didn’t care for it. A half tablespoon of flan drizzle with condensed milk was too sweet IMO. Flan was from package also. Real flan tear and break apart at the slight effort of lifting. Overall just a dessert that you would say yea, I’ve try it before, but no infinite answer to say why? I say, if you want the real thing find a Filipino place that serve the real thing.
Main Features: Shave ice with eight flavors.
Products/​Services: See posted pic for description and price. Limited to eight flavors at this location, Clover payment system, takes plastic. Find them on Unilocal,twitter, Instagram, FB.
Punch Lines: Drool-​worthy, plenty of seats/​tables, always buzzing, imaginable toppings, warm and friendly, calm vibe, efficient, can’t go wrong, nothing special, a twist on traditional favorites, good and sloppy, crowd pleasing, tucked away in food court.
Tradeoffs: You’re better off doing the real deal than this to get your shaved ice cravings. Silver lining would be knowledgeable friendly service.
Final Thoughts: After you finish, there’s no real recollection of what you ate, other than a cold sweet mouth. Place is more ideal for school kids than adults. What else can I say? I’ve been to every known location unless theres another I’m not aware of. Shaved ice never seems to amazed me. How can it look so good, but hard to impress with?

Interesting name + delicious treats = Vampire Penguin. Located inside the food court of Meadowood Mall, this interesting spot is a dessert gem.
Look for the penguin head that looks like a vampire then you are in the right place. I believe they replaced Orange Julius. The store front is nothing special, pretty plain other than the penguin staring at you. It almost seems as if they are still in the process of decorating. Don’t let this fool you though, their desserts is what’s important.
There were about 4 people ahead of us as we browsed their teeny tiny menu on the wall. We kinda figured out what we were getting by the name of the dessert but when we got next to the counter was when we were able to actually read what was included to the dessert. I knew what I was getting– «Halo-​Halo». This is a Filipino dessert that was a staple of my childhood. I was surprised to see this so I immediately knew this was the winner for me. My sister ordered the VP Green Tea and my brother ordered the Mango.
For something pretty simple, the wait was a little too long. There were 2 workers and they both seemed pretty new with their surroundings. I know that they just opened so no big deal. They do need to figure out a better way of letting customers know when their order is ready though. The way we knew was one of the servers looked at us holding the plate of shaved ice and was doing a head nod asking us to come see her. Maybe some kind of order numbers would work.
We got our dessert plates, and I hit the jackpot. My Halo-​Halo was as expected and then some. The shaved taro ice melts in your mouth, literally. And the taro flavor soaked in the ice was really good. The toppings which were coconut, sweet beans, ube, leche flan and jackfruit made the dessert over the top, in a very good way. All the toppings mixed together plus the shaved ice was perfection. I regretted getting a small because I definitely would’ve been able to eat the large just fine.
I will be coming back to this place for sure. There were other items on their menu that I would like to try but it is so hard not to get Halo Halo. You could also build your own but why do that when the pre-​mades are already amazing. The service is not quite there yet but I’m sure it will get better in time. This place is a definite must try.

I knew about vampire penguin before the Reno location because I always go to the one in Davis.
Anyways this is the real shaved ice not the crushed ice with artificial flavoring.
One thing I noticed is they don’t have Thai tea flavored ice which is a huge downside because it is so good. The portion for small is also smaller compared to Davis and Sacramento. Overall I’m happy that Reno finally has some good dessert place.
I recommend picking something from their specials rather than making your own if this is your first time. Vp green tea hands down is my favorite. I usually get large when I’m sharing with someone.

Heard about this new place and decided to give it a try. We tried the VP green tea and the S’moreos shaved ice. Both were really good. Nice change from frozen yogurt or ice cream. Will definitely come again to try the other flavors.