29 Excellent Asian Desserts In New York City

3 min read 24-12-2024

29 Excellent Asian Desserts In New York City

New York City, a melting pot of cultures, boasts an incredible array of Asian desserts. From the delicate mochi of Japan to the creamy mango sticky rice of Thailand, NYC offers a sweet journey across Asia without leaving the city. This guide explores 29 excellent options, highlighting the diversity and deliciousness of Asian sweets in the Big Apple. Finding your new favorite Asian dessert in NYC is just a bite away!

Exploring the Sweet Treats: A Culinary Adventure Through Asia

This list is categorized for easier navigation, focusing on the origin of the desserts. Each entry includes a brief description to whet your appetite!

Japanese Delights

  1. Mochi Ice Cream (Various Locations): These delightful treats feature creamy ice cream wrapped in soft, chewy mochi. Flavors abound!
  2. Matcha Desserts (Multiple Cafes): From matcha lattes to matcha cakes, the vibrant green tea flavor is a staple. Look for unique matcha parfaits or ice cream.
  3. Dorayaki (Multiple Bakeries): Fluffy pancakes filled with sweet red bean paste, a classic and comforting Japanese snack.
  4. Taiyaki (Various Street Vendors): Fish-shaped waffles filled with sweet red bean paste, custard, or chocolate. A fun and tasty street food find.
  5. Melon Pan (Multiple Bakeries): Sweet bread with a crunchy, cookie-like crust. A perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea.

Korean Sweet Sensations

  1. Bingsu (Various Dessert Shops): Shaved ice topped with fresh fruit, condensed milk, and often red bean paste. A refreshing treat, especially on a hot day.
  2. Hotteok (Street Vendors): Sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. A warm and comforting street food staple.
  3. Yakgwa (Specialty Bakeries): Deep-fried honey cookies, delicately spiced and beautifully presented. A taste of Korean tradition.
  4. Sweet Rice Cakes (Korean Markets): These come in various forms, often flavored with fruits or nuts. A chewy and subtly sweet experience.
  5. Tteokbokki (Some Korean Restaurants): While primarily a savory dish, some restaurants offer a sweet variation of these rice cakes.

Chinese Culinary Creations

  1. Egg Tarts (Many Bakeries): Flaky pastry filled with a rich custard – a classic and beloved treat.
  2. Mango Pomelo Sago (Various Dessert Shops): A refreshing combination of sweet mango, tart pomelo, and chewy tapioca pearls.
  3. Sesame Balls (Many Bakeries & Dim Sum Restaurants): Crispy, deep-fried balls filled with sweet sesame paste.
  4. Mooncakes (Seasonal – Autumn): These rich pastries are traditionally eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, with various fillings.
  5. Tangyuan (Specialty Dessert Shops): Sweet rice balls often served in ginger soup. A warm and comforting treat.

Thai Temptations

  1. Mango Sticky Rice (Various Thai Restaurants): Sweet sticky rice served with ripe mangoes and coconut milk. A classic Thai dessert.
  2. Thai Iced Tea (Numerous Thai Restaurants & Cafes): While a drink, the intensely sweet and creamy iced tea is a dessert experience itself.
  3. Coconut Ice Cream (Thai Restaurants): Rich, creamy coconut ice cream, often with toppings like fresh fruit.
  4. Khao Niew Ma Muang (Thai Restaurants): Another variation of mango sticky rice, often featuring different coconut milk preparations.
  5. Tub Tim Grob (Thai Restaurants): Water chestnuts in coconut milk with ice and syrup – a refreshing and subtly sweet choice.

Vietnamese Delights

  1. Che Chuoi (Vietnamese Restaurants): A sweet dessert soup with bananas, coconut milk, and tapioca pearls.
  2. Banh Flan (Vietnamese Bakeries): A creamy caramel custard similar to crème caramel. A beautifully simple dessert.
  3. Banh Xeo (Some Vietnamese Restaurants): While often savory, some variations are slightly sweetened with coconut milk and sugar.
  4. Chè (Various Vietnamese Restaurants & Dessert Shops): A diverse category encompassing various sweet soups and desserts with many ingredients and textures.

Other Asian Dessert Gems

  1. Filipino Halo-Halo (Filipino Restaurants): A colorful mix of shaved ice, sweet beans, fruits, and other ingredients.
  2. Indian Gulab Jamun (Indian Restaurants): Deep-fried milk balls soaked in sugar syrup. A rich and decadent dessert.
  3. Singaporean Kaya Toast (Some Southeast Asian Cafes): Toasted bread with kaya (coconut jam) – a simple but delightful breakfast and dessert option.
  4. Hong Kong Egg Waffles (Street Vendors): Crispy egg waffles, often topped with ice cream or fruit.
  5. Bubble Tea (Various Locations): A Taiwanese creation, this is a tea-based drink with chewy tapioca pearls.

Finding Your Sweet Spot in NYC

This list is just a starting point! Exploring the diverse Asian culinary scene in New York City is an ongoing adventure. Remember to check reviews and hours before venturing out for your next sweet treat. Happy dessert hunting!

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