Last Monday would have been just another girly catch-up dinner at CeCi in Strathfield had I not discovered Hello Happy (to which I squealed with excitement).
As you may have noticed, I'm a regular at Strathfield. With a growing South-Korean, Chinese, and Sri Lankan population, it has become a trusted suburb for authentic Asian cuisine. However, there has always been a missing piece to the culinary puzzle when it came to dessert. There was waffles at Beauty & The Beast cafe on the corner of The Boulevarde, Gelatissimo just outside the plaza and now, there's Hello Happy, offering a cute selection of cakes, pastries and good coffee!
The interior featured hand-draw graffiti characters across some walls and had a really calming and welcoming jungle touch. Hello Happy is only in its second month of operation so everything looked brand-spanking new. It was a breath of fresh air in an aging street.
New to Strathfield: Hello Happy patisserie
My tart was fruit paradise! The thin glaze made each piece look plastic and perfect. It consisted of blueberries, raspberries, grapes, a strawberry, a slice of kiwi fruit, 3 generous slices of sweet pineapple and a quarter of a peach. Beneath the fruit was a beautiful sweet pastry crust which held together, a classic custard.
Mixed fruit tart
Tracey has the strawberry mousse dome which looks more like a work of art. It is sponge cake coated with a light fluffy mousse and wrapped in strawberry slices then strawberry jelly, and last but not least, adorned with crushed pistachios. It was a blissful taste of heaven.
Strawberry mousse dome cake
Our chai lattes were fantastic too. They were frothy and sweet, but not sickening sweet, allowing the natural spiced aromas of cinnamon, cardamom and ginger to stand out.
Chai latte
Korean-chic interior
Hello Happy is a lovely new find that I hope many will appreciate.
Hello Happy
22 The Boulevarde Strathfield (next to NAB)
Phone: 9715 6259
I first blogged about Hello Happy earlier this year at their 1st store in Macquarie Centre and I wasn't happy with their Asian breads. For one it was ridiculously expensive and tasted so average compared to the really cheap (and more authentic) asian bakeries.
Their desserts I still haven't tried but have to admit they look pretty good. No doubt they'd be better than their breads!
I just love that name! Have been watching this cafe compulsively ever since they start building it, I think I walk past it at least once a week. Glad to hear the cakes taste as great as they look, I really must stop by soon.
I really like the look of the strawberry dome! Mmm
I cant wait to try this place! I love soy chai lattes!
I went there last saturday the but the working hours are deceiving! It says open till midnight and we were there at 10pm, but they were closed already and having a staff meeting inside.
Hi Karen @ Citrus and Candy, thanks for the tip-off on the savoury breads. I'll stick to the sweet stuff :)
Hey Minh, it is a cute name, I was so glad the cafe's atmosphere lived up to it!
Hi Karen, thanks! There were quite a few other as pretty cakes on display as well -do check it out :)
Hi Marie, they must've been having a quiet Saturday. I'm sure after another month in business, they'll be able to adjust their opening hours according to predicted demand. It'd be so good having another place in Strathfield open until late!