Photo: Robbie Dingeman
Zesty ginger cookies crumbled over velvety black sesame soft-serve, a peanut butter banana pudding parfait topped with bacon bits, and an iced strawberry white mocha latte are just a few standout options at Cinnamon’s Sweet Shop, which opened its doors on Monday, right across from the beloved breakfast spot.
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This takeout shop offers a variety of treats, including cookies, specialty drinks, coffee, and soft-serve with flavors that change regularly. The black sesame soft-serve is worth a try, particularly for those who prefer less sweetness compared to the toasted marshmallow option. Upcoming flavors include kalo and haupia, with plans for salted strawberry balsamic soft-serve infused with black pepper.
Photo: Robbie Dingeman
Cinnamon’s Sweet Shop is a tribute to the cherished Cricket (Bonnie) Nam, one of the restaurant’s three founders and Alika’s mother. It showcases some of her classic recipes, including chocolate chip cookies filled with macadamia nuts and crunchy, spicy Ginger Crack cookies, with prices ranging from $6.50 to $8.99 for packaged cookies. Unique blends of Cricket Nam’s recipes are featured, such as the Peanut Buttah Fingahz, born from peanut butter cookies mixed with Butterfinger bits.
Photo: Robbie Dingeman
Bonnie Nam, who passed away in 2022, was a pivotal force behind many of Cinnamon’s beloved desserts and baked goods, collaborating with her husband, Puna (Norman) Nam, and chef Carsie Green. Numerous Windward families fondly remember her delectable wedding cakes and welcoming demeanor, with Alika Nam reflecting, “Mom definitely lives on. It feels like we’re channeling her.”
Photo: Robbie Dingeman
Several other delightful mash-ups also grace the menu. Nam praised the shop’s baker for creating the Guava Pani Popo ($6.50), a harmonious blend of fluffy Samoan coconut bread rolls draped in a guava glaze from Cinnamon’s pancake offerings. “There needs to be more pani popo in people’s lives,” Nam stated, hinting at future pani popo versions featuring liliko‘i, matcha, pistachio, and more pancake flavors.
The Elvis Pudding parfait ($7.99) pays homage to Elvis Presley, famous for his love of peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwiches, alongside his affinity for Hawai‘i. This dish caught our attention with its crunchy cookie pieces, fresh banana slices, salted peanuts, smooth pudding, whipped cream, and the savory crunch from bacon bits.
Photo: Robbie Dingeman
The coffee offerings include classic espresso drinks as well as rotating specials featuring cream soda and specialty coffees. Recently, the Sweetheart Latte ($8.99) gained popularity, blending freshly brewed espresso, white mocha, strawberry purée, and a touch of dried strawberries.
Audrey Badua puts finishing touches on a Sweetheart Latte. Photo: Robbie Dingeman
Chicha Morada, a vibrant Peruvian specialty flavored with corn, cinnamon, and green apple, is available for $4.99 (small) and $6.99 (large). It offers a refreshing, sweet experience. For something extraordinary, the Tokyo Dream ($5.50) features a striking pink-and-green concoction topped with exploding melon boba, lychee mochi, melon pop rocks, cream, and seltzer, creating a visual treat that is almost too beautiful to enjoy. A helpful tip: Stir well before consuming to experience the layering of flavors.
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Cinnamon’s Sweet Shop adds yet another delightful reason to explore Kailua, joining nearby dessert attractions such as Mānoa Chocolate’s tasting room, the ice cream gem Please Come Again, Perfect Day’s New Zealand-style real fruit ice cream, and Frost’s self-serve yogurt taps. Kailua is well-known for its fantastic breakfast options, and this new sweet spot enhances its reputation.
Key Takeaways
- Featuring unique flavors and desserts inspired by Cricket Nam.
- Sweet Shop offers rotating soft-serve options and specialty treats.
- Prices range for cookies and parfaits, offering various price points.
- Focuses on community and family heritage through culinary creations.
- New additions to Kailua’s diverse dessert scene.
315 Uluniu St., Kailua, (808) 207-0960, sweetshophi.com, @sweetshophi
Robbie Dingeman is a longtime Hawai‘i writer and editor.
FAQ
What types of desserts does Cinnamon’s Sweet Shop offer?
The shop offers a variety of desserts including cookies, soft-serve, and unique parfaits, many inspired by Cricket Nam’s recipes.
Are there rotating flavors of soft-serve available?
Yes, the soft-serve flavors change regularly, with options like black sesame, kalo, and haupia expected soon.
Is the shop family-owned?
Yes, Cinnamon’s Sweet Shop is family-owned and dedicated to honoring the legacy of Cricket Nam.
