When the team behind Wakaberry and burrito spot Four15 opened up their flagship dessert bar, Plan B Dessertery, in July last year, the East Coast city’s Instagram feed was immediately flooded with pictures of bubble waffles and churros.
Now, the brand has launched a total of five stores, including one in The Zone in Johannesburg. Eat Out critic Nikita Buxton dons her stretchy pants for a feast of sweet treats at the original branch in Durban North’s Mackeurtan Avenue.
Serves: Churros, bubble waffles and dessert tacos
Cost: R45 average for a dessert
Best for: A sweet treat at any time of day. Perfect for the little ones
Parking: There’s ample parking in the area, but it may become busy once the schools are out
Star rating: Food: 4; Service: 3; Ambience: 3
The inspiration behind Plan B Dessertery comes from street-food desserts around the world, the kind that are easy to hold and don’t need a knife and fork to eat. The sweet menu features trendy bubble waffles; mini, large and filled churros; and dessert tacos made to order.
The signature – or most popular – choice seems to be the bubble waffles. The waffle irons are lined up in a row in the kitchen, each one ensuring golden, bubbly perfection. These are then filled with nine creative options like the sweet but ever-so-comforting Bee’s Knees with caramel ice cream, texturally pleasing honeycomb, and caramel sauce, or the Wimbledon with vanilla ice cream, strawberries and cream. The waffles can easily be shared and are generously filled. A serious treat.
Dessert tacos are made from waffle cones and filled with equally tempting ice cream and toppings. Try the Sunbow Taco with vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, mini Astros and rainbow sprinkles, or the classic Banana Split Taco with banana chunks, chocolate and candied nuts.
If you’re after hot, home-baked churros, this is the spot. There are three different options: mini churro bites with ice cream and a drizzle of caramel and chocolate sauce; larger churros filled with white chocolate or milk chocolate custard; or giant churros served with a caramel or chocolate dipping sauce. Glorious.
The beverage list is split into hot or cold drinks, with coffee options made with local Terbodore Coffee. Think lattes, flat whites, iced coffees and the Black and Tan coffee, which is made with espresso, steamed milk, chocolate-and-caramel sauce and a topping of whipped cream.
Place your order at the bar and collect from the relevant counter. While some busy takeaway spots can be somewhat chaotic, this place seems to know the drill with orders being taken efficiently and without fuss. The order and collection counters work smoothly with numbers being called out for those sitting outside.
The small dessert bar has ample seating, from the few tables and benches inside to the outdoor seating around the fountain outside. The space is decorated in light wood, with mint hues and bright green succulents. It’s a real hit with school kids.
Each month, the Plan B community offers to help a local project or charity that needs help, and the venue acts as a drop-off point for donations of necessities. Currently the team is supporting Ubuntu Youth Project.
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