Marco Ling

Walking into the Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt store in the Southwest Management District, the customer from New Zealand was already happy before tasting the specialty called purple rice yogurt.

“Wow I can’t believe you actually have a location here, that makes me really happy,” the customer said, according to 26-year-old store manager Marco Ling.

The global Yomie’s chain started in Australia, one of New Zealand’s closest Pacific Ocean neighbor nations, so the customer already knew the product.

The location at 9788 Bellaire Blvd. opened about two years ago, providing what it promotes as a fun and healthy alternative to sweet food and beverages.

“Purple Rice Yogurt was created about four years ago in a predominantly Asian-oriented neighborhood. It’s high in fiber, which is more nutritious than most white rices,” Ling said.

“We all try to be more health conscious nowadays trying to look and feel our best. When you look around, it’s hard to find healthy alternatives or be health conscious so having the option is really beneficial,” he added.

But the benefit of opening Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt in Chinatown was also based on the area’s ethnic diversity.

“Food is always a gateway for people to get to know someone’s culture,“ the manager said. “I think that’s something everyone can relate to. Understanding cultures and cuisines is the easiest way to understand the history and how people are the way they are and what people are all about.”

While the purple rice yogurt made in-house is the menu’s mainstay, the shop provides a wide variety of fruit as add-ins: Mangos, blueberries, leche, strawberries, haw(thorn), jujube and Chinese fruits.

Some of the menu items rely on seasonal ingredients, so the list of offerings is always changing, with frequent discounts and promotions.

I tried the Mango Pomelo Sago Yogurt on Ling’s recommendation and I absolutely loved it. The drink has a unique texture and taste, making it a true beverage to experience.

The establishment itself is welcoming, As I entered the building I was drawn to how nice, clean and modern it looked. The vibe got me excited to place my order. The layout provides traditional booth-style seating with unique artwork displayed on the wall.

Meanwhile, I noticed the other customers represented the area’s diversity and range of ages.

“We have people from all sorts of backgrounds, white, Black, Hispanic, Latino, or Asian cultures,” the manager said. “I’m seeing that they like to try new and creative ideas pertaining to drinks, and I think that food is always a great way to bring people together.”

Yomie’s Rice x Yogurt
https://www.yomiesricexyogurt.us
[email protected]

9788 Bellaire Blvd.

Open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, later on weekends

— By Raquel Sims