By June Ramli
Perth, Sept 8: If you are part of the Malaysian diaspora in Australia, you may remember Tutti Frutti, the American frozen-yoghurt chain that once dotted the Klang Valley. Naza brought the franchise to Malaysia in 2009, and by 2012 it had grown to around 90 outlets, most of them in Malaysia, before it eventually disappeared from the market. The brand has since made a comeback in Malaysia under new ownership.
I never visited one of its outlets, although I did taste its frozen yoghurt at a Ramadan open-house buffet hosted by Naza. A quick online search tells me Tutti Frutti also operates in Perth, but I have yet to try it here.
That brings me to Yo-Chi.
I had noticed its outlets during my drives and walks around Sydney, but it was only after a former Malaysian colleague mentioned the brand that I finally tried it.
My first visit was to Yo-Chi’s Newtown outlet in 2025. I have been hooked ever since.
My usual order is Vanilla and Salted Butterscotch, finished with chocolate sauce.
Once the sauce hardens, it forms a crisp chocolate shell that gives way with every spoonful. It is simple, sweet and dangerously easy to crave.
Yo-Chi’s own story is worth a mention. The chain got its start in Melbourne, changed hands more than once, and in 2020 was bought by Oliver and Riley Allis — the sons of Boost Juice founder Janine Allis — when it had just four outlets. Under their ownership it has since expanded into dozens of stores across Australia and overseas.
I recently tried its limited-edition Tokyo Lamington flavour and it was not for me — there was something about it I just didn’t enjoy, though the staff member kindly let me sample a generous scoop before I decided.
I am still hoping to land an interview with someone behind the brand.
Until then, I will keep returning for my usual mix of vanilla, salted butterscotch and that irresistible hardened chocolate shell.
Disclosure: Yo-Chi provided the writer with a $25 voucher to sample its menu.
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