Bubbly Babble: 2016

Bebini Gelati : A Story

So..

Exactly one year ago, Bebini Gelati start joining as a tenant on Basha Market.

I was one of the scooper and it feels just like yesterday.

I had a lot of fun, a little bit nervous at first, but I was taught how to scoop, the details of the menu and were told to have fun.

(Rose Waterberry, one of my favourite flavours, picture taken on November 2015)

I learn to interact well with customers, and how to be patient as well as welcoming everyone with a smile all the time.

Miss Tiffany Soetanto, the owner, or Ce Tiffany as I call her, was very friendly, patient, and helpful as well. She always said it's okay if I make a mistake.

I also remember how passionate Ce Tiffany was about Bebini.

Her face lit up when she patiently explains about the menu to everyone who asks, and always answers it in detail, what is it made off, how does it taste, and which flavour is highly recommended.

She also always made sure that the taste is good when it is served to every Bebini customers, if it doesn't taste good, or if she thinks that it is not right, she will not serve it to the customers. So I can assure you, that everything is made from a good ingredients and tasted over and over.

(#TEAMBEBINI - Courtesy of Bebini Gelati's Instagram)

(Bebini Smoreo, April 2015)

We also had some kind of code-of-conduct. It is a MUST to serve a generous amount of gelati to everyone :) even Ce Tiffany tell me to add more when sometimes it is already mountain-high hahaha (so never worry about getting a small portion, because it is most likely not going to happen hehe)

It's amazing how, fast forward to the next year, Bebini has its own cafe where every Bebini enthusiasts (including me :P) can visit anytime to get a taste of their happy treats.

I love how the cafe is bright, and mostly dominated with the color palette yellow, white, grey and black. It's minimalistic and elegant at the same time. And that marble counter is very.. aesthetic. Most of all? I love how it not only serves dessert, but meals as well. There are also waaaayy more flavours compared to our small yet happy booth in Basha.

When I went there for the first time, Ce Tiffany even assists me to choose which menu is recommended, and even come again to my table to ask how does it taste. She recommends the hotcakes, by the way, and let me tell you, her recommendation was spot on.

I swear I am not gushing about it because I'm one of #TEAMBEBINI, but it really did taste amazing. I can't describe well due to my limited culinary vocabulary, but the hotcakes were fluffy and squishy and tasty; the caramelised banana were sweet and soft and melts in your mouth perfectly, and the Banana Tiramisu gelati was delightful as well. It is definitely in my list of comfort foods.

(Mango and Bacio, has always been my most favourite flavours)

(That happy face is a genuine one)

I also tried Bebini's Fine Nine one late night when I crave for Bebini, and I looooooovvveee getting lots of flavours hahaha (I shared it with my friends, obviously) I recommend you to order this to get a taste of various flavours, and a lot of it's cinnamon-ey cone, and a happy time sharing with your friends hehe. I suggest you to not only order the sweet one though because you'll lost the delish taste easily. Order one sweet flavour, one fresh fruity flavour, and one bitter chocolate (Dark Chocolate or Bacio) ;)

Anyway, same like some of you, I wonder where did the name Bebini came from, and so I asked Ce Tiffany about it. She said that it is a twist on the word "Bambini" which means "baby in Italian, and it is Arnold's (her fiancé) nickname for her. (I know right, I go all awwwww as well when I know about it)

For Bebini's birthday, I also ask her, what does she love most about having / running Bebini Gelati? and what is her hope for Bebini in the future?

She said, "creating new flavours, experimenting, and being inspired. And the people! I love our Bebini fans and those who have followed and supported us." She also hopes to open a new branch within next year.

So there you have it, Bebini's story from the start, from my jumbled, overly excited point of view. I wish Bebini all the best for its 1 year anniversary (being there from the first tenant opening makes me feel a little attached and moved as well) And hopefully, a happily ever after for #TEAMBEBINI, Bebini Gelati, and all Bebini fans <3

- Caroline Ongkowijoyo

(All pictures are courtesy of Caroline Ongkowijoyo, unless stated otherwise)