Juniper
Bella Astillah turns bubble tea barista at IOI City Mall, serving TRUEDAN treats to over 500 fans
Malaysian actress Bella Astillah swapped the spotlight for the bubble tea counter today, getting hands-on with Meteoric Brown Sugar and Handmade Taiwanese Jelly as more than 500 fans and customers gathered at IOI City Mall to celebrate Taiwanese bubble tea brand TRUEDAN’s official Malaysian debut.
Stepping behind the counter, she tried her hand at shaving TRUEDAN’s signature Meteoric Brown Sugar and cutting its Handmade Taiwanese Jelly, getting a first-hand look at the preparation and craftsmanship that goes into some of the brand’s most distinctive creations.
She then turned server for the day, personally handing out TRUEDAN’s Signature Meteoric Brown Sugar Oolong Milk Tea with Taiwanese Jelly and freshly fried Taiwanese Crispy Milk Donuts to fans who had gathered for the celebration.
Between serving drinks, meeting fans and taking photos, Bella brought plenty of energy to TRUEDAN’s first official grand opening celebration in Malaysia. Bella Astillah said, “I really love the drink, especially the Taiwanese Jelly. The texture is so nice and different from the usual toppings we’re used to – I can’t get it elsewhere. And the Meteoric Brown Sugar is next level! After trying to prepare it myself today, now I know how much actually goes into every cup.”
“And of course, Ayden and Ara have already asked me to bring home the donuts! They love them, so I already know I’ll be tapau-ing some home later today,” she laughed.
The appearance marked the official opening of TRUEDAN’s first Malaysian outlet at IOI City Mall 2, following a month-long soft opening that gave local consumers their first taste of the Taiwanese brand.
Not Just Pearls: Meet TRUEDAN’s Handmade Taiwanese Jelly
Malaysians certainly don’t need an introduction to bubble tea. But TRUEDAN believes there is still plenty left to discover beyond the familiar tapioca pearl. One of the stars of its Malaysian menu is its Handmade Taiwanese Jelly, which brings a smooth yet chewy texture to milk tea and gives customers another way to enjoy the Taiwanese tea experience.
It was also one of the products Bella got to prepare herself during the opening celebration, cutting the jelly behind the counter before it made its way into the brand’s signature drinks.
Another TRUEDAN signature is its Meteoric Brown Sugar, freshly shaved in-store rather than simply added as a syrup.
Inspired by the sight of falling meteors, the fine brown sugar flakes create a distinctive visual effect as they fall into the drink, while adding extra aroma and richness. Together, the two come together in one of the brand’s signatures – the Meteoric Brown Sugar Oolong Milk Tea with Taiwanese Jelly.
And Yes, There Are Donuts Too
TRUEDAN’s Malaysian debut is not only about drinks. The brand is also introducing its Taiwanese Crispy Milk Donuts, freshly fried upon order for a crisp exterior and soft, fluffy centre.
The donuts are available in three flavours: Original, Kunafa Chocolate and Kunafa Pistachio, pairing a Taiwanese street-style treat with flavours familiar to Malaysian consumers.
During the grand opening, Bella personally handed out the milk tea and donuts to early customers and fans, turning TRUEDAN’s opening day into more of a celebration than a conventional ribbon-cutting affair.
Missed Bella? The Free Treats Continue on 6 September
While Bella’s special appearance took place on 5 September, TRUEDAN’s grand opening celebration isn’t over yet. The brand’s complimentary drinks and donuts giveaway continues on 6 September, giving more visitors the chance to try its signatures at IOI City Mall.
Visitors can redeem a complimentary Signature Meteoric Brown Sugar Oolong Milk Tea with Taiwanese Jelly together with a Taiwanese Crispy Milk Donut, while stocks last. To participate in the grand opening giveaway, customers are required to register as members of TRUEfriend, TRUEDAN’s membership programme.
Beyond the opening celebration, TRUEfriend members will have access to member benefits including 15% off every Tuesday during TRUEday, drink discounts and special vouchers.
