Korean Shaved Ice Returns to Honolulu with En Hakkore Café’s Giant Bing Su By Alex Thompson | Chief Editor, AchyNewsy.com | April 22, 2026 Honolulu’s dessert scene has welcomed back a beloved treat with a bold twist: En Hakkore Café’s signature giant bing su, now served inside Palama Supermarket on Makaloa Street. After closing its original Ke‘eaumoku location two and a half years prior, the café reopened in July 2024, bringing its over-the-top, caffeinated Korean shaved ice to a new generation of sweet seekers. What sets En Hakkore apart is not just the size of its servings but the innovative fusion of textures, and flavors. The bing su base is made from milk cut with water, frozen, and shaved into an ephemeral snow-like dust — a departure from plain water ice that delivers a richer, creamier mouthfeel. This milky foundation is then piled high with sweet red beans, freshly sliced banana, strawberry, honeydew melon, mochi, slivered almonds, and bokkeun konggaru (roasted soybean powder), finished with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. The defining feature, however, arrives on the side: a hot shot of espresso. Served in a demitasse, the espresso is meant to be sipped between bites or poured directly over the bing su — a deliberate contrast that balances the bitter notes of coffee with the subtle sweetness of the milky ice and fruit. As described in Honolulu Magazine, this combination creates “harmonious bites that keep you wanting more” without melting the delicate snow too quickly. Located in the slight food court of Palama Supermarket, En Hakkore has quickly become a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Its jumbo fruit bing su, priced at $15.20, is designed to share — easily serving two or three people. The visual impact is immediate: the towering bowl draws attention like sizzling fajitas at a Mexican restaurant, often prompting nearby tables to place their own orders after seeing it arrive. The café’s revival reflects a broader appreciation for authentic Korean-style bingsu in Hawai‘i, where tradition meets local innovation. While other shops offer classic takes on the dessert, En Hakkore’s caffeinated version stands out as a bold evolution — one that honors the roots of Korean shaved ice while embracing Honolulu’s love for coffee and communal dessert experiences. As of July 2024, En Hakkore Café remains open inside Palama Supermarket, continuing to serve its giant bing su with espresso shot to those seeking a refreshing, indulgent escape from the island heat.
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