The bright and modern Melo Melo opened at the Del Mar Highlands Town Center last Friday, serving jars of deliciousness through their Southeast Asian-inspired dessert puddings. With stores at Westfield University Town Center, others around Southern California and one in Northern California, Melo Melo introduces fresh flavors through fruit and dessert combinations. Served with a homemade coconut jelly base, Melo Melo creates different versions of the traditional coconut dessert by adding fruits and teas, curating a vibrant yet ceremonial experience for the customer. Ranging from a classic Mango Coconut all the way to Pistachio Rose, Melo Melo holds an experience in every jar for the school community to try.
Mango Coconut Jelly
The Mango Coconut Jelly is by far the best dessert that is served at Melo Melo. At $10.99, the mango is topped by coconut jelly, contrasting the textures of thick mango and smooth pudding. A perfect flavor balance was accompanied by the mango-to-jelly ratio, which enhanced the flavor balance even more. Our spoons could not be put down, with every bite of jelly and fruit quickly scooped away.
Rating: 5/5
Banana Nutella Coconut Jelly
The Banana Nutella Coconut Jelly contains a thick coat of coconut jelly on top and an explosive mystery of flavors underneath. For $13.99, Nutella and fresh bananas are smoothly mixed below the coconut, creating a sweet taste of utter satisfaction. The coconut jelly’s lightness holds the chocolate flavor very well when the two flavors are mixed. The addition of physically chopped bananas added sensory differentiation between flavors, replicating the smooth sensation seen with the Mango Coconut Jelly, but with the enjoyable addition of that new fluffy banana coated in the Nutella and coconut. The equilibrium with the coconut and Nutella did not overexert a sugary sweet taste, but instead induced a mix of flavors in a classic Melo Melo Style.
Rating: 5/5
Rose Jelly and Pistachio Coconut Jelly
The Rose Jelly and Pistachio Coconut Jelly sets itself apart, incorporating an aromatic rose jelly at the top adorned with small rose petals. Underneath lie layers with subtle hints of coconut cream and jelly, all for $13.99. The best part is the creamy pistachio that adds to the whole flavor profile. All flavors by themselves are exquisite, but when getting the perfect ratio of each in one bite, it tastes like multi-layered jellies: neither flavor is too strong; rather, they politely complement each other. When it comes to flavor experimentation, Melo Melo checks all the boxes.
Rating: 5/5
Matcha Jelly and Mango Coconut Jelly
This limited edition holiday flavor, worth $16.99, is presented with a red and green scarf around the jar, adding a creative twist to Melo Melo’s classic presentation. With a mango sandwiched between a coat of matcha jelly and coconut jelly, this jar takes one’s palette on a wild ride as they explore the piquant diversity. The first layer of matcha jelly is subtle and faint in taste, perfectly contrasting the layers of coconut and mango jelly. The contrast between the sweet yet tart mango and the rich matcha is Melo Melo’s twist on the rise of matcha and mango-flavored products. Their personal touch of the coconut jelly balances out the flavors, creating a lightly sweet and rich dessert.
Rating: 4/5
Even though Melo Melo only recently opened at the Del Mar Highlands, it is already safe to say that this shop is a keeper: something different from what shoppers are used to. When one goes into Melo Melo, they are not just purchasing a cute dessert; they are purchasing a sustainable glass jar and a multitude of experiential flavors. Each bite of these desserts is not only fun but also refreshing, healthy and unique.
