Dessert Republic

Reviews

• Mandi W.

  star star star star star_border 12 June 2026

  Looking for a HK dessert joint? Look no further.
  
  Swung in after dinner in the area and didn't even see this place right next to the parking garage.
  
  First things first, huge menu.... Like holy damn. My girlfriend kept talking about a tiramisu plant... Ummm what now?
  
  Anyways, found it on the menu, it didn't look all that great when it arrived. Probably since it comes out in a flower pot, it looks like dirt and there's a small plant in it...
  
  But have no fear, the 'dirt' is sweet and edible, plant is garnish, and it tastes amazing. We were both pleasantly surprised.
  
  If that's not your thing, all the other tables around us were ordering the traditional HK desserts. If you're not in the mood for a tiramisu plant, give one of the other dishes a try!
  
  As for the interior, it's super cute. Walls and ceiling are painted to resemble an outdoor cafe. Super cute.

• Christina M.

  star star star star star_border 26 May 2026

  Just ate an amazing meal at Yakitori Kokko and realized I was parked in the garage near Dessert Republic! Been wanting to try their tiramisu pot for a while and finally got to with my best introverted gf. She tried this place just for me since it seemed questionable. *feeling special and loved* lol
  
  However after trying the tiramisu pot we agree we like it! It's yummy and fun! Will be back to try some of their other warm items.
  
  Also at first there were only 3 tables full at 7:30pm but then randomly got super busy around 8pm! Almost made it to get boba but figured we'd save that for another time

• Cary L.

  star star star star_border star_border 25 May 2026

  Want to pretend to be eating in HK while waiting for your movie to start?  Well, come on down here...if you can find a parking space that is.  This small café next to the movie theater is a cute pit stop amongst all the hub bub of the San Mateo restaurants.  The décor is painted with the façade of outdoor shop fronts of HK.  (think of a Las Vegas hotel such as NY NY or Paris with their fake blue sky and walls made to look like vintage foreign locales).  This place has done a good job of making it feel special in the same way.  It adds to your eating experience.
  
  I'd say this is a good stopping place midday / afternoon for some snacks or cool drinks.  And you'll definitely need one as this place easily overheats and the ventilation / air circulation is not very good.  But if you come on an average temp day then you'll be sipping comfortably on your lemonade!

• Andrew S.

  star star star star star_border 22 May 2026

  After a rather lackluster dinner, my friend suggested that we go to dessert republic for some Asian dessert.  When we got here, I was a little overwhelmed by the variety in the menu - they have desserts as well as hot dishes.  
  
  I decided to get the mixed fruit with grass jelly.  I really enjoyed this item - as someone who grew up in Southeast Asia, grass jelly is something that brings me back to childhood.  This place really delivered that Ratatouille moment for me and I would come back here the next time I'm in San Mateo.
  
  With tax and tip, this was about $10. Really reasonable for dessert. They have an interesting call system where they have buttons on the table that you press when you are ready to order or need water or are ready for your check. It's cute and efficient.

• Alyssa C.

  star star star star star 21 May 2026

  Was in the area with my boyfriend and we were craving some dessert after eating dinner. We stumbled upon this place and saw that they had crepes on their menu, funny because my boyfriend wanted crepes! We were about to drive all the way to SF for some crepes lol.
  
  Anyways! We were seated and greeted right away. Our server was very sweet and friendly. She was also very attentive! We both got a crepe and shared a Hong Kong style milk tea.
  
  I ordered a strawberry, nutella, & ice cream crepe topped with whipped cream. My boyfriend got the same thing and added bananas. The crepes came out pretty quickly and were super fresh. The crepes were soooooo delicious. I love when theyre soft anf spongy like. I dont like when crepes are too crunchy  so this was perfect. They werent stingy on the toppings either! Every bite was amazing. The milk tea wasnt too sweet and was refreshing.
  
  Cant wait to come back and try out more things!