For some it will be coffee. For others, a slice of pizza pie. But for us, a quick taste of New York food heaven comes in the form of dessert. Hot ones, cold ones … large ones, small ones … classic or experimental … Whatever your choice of sugary indulgence, seduction awaits around every corner. We’ve rounded up the top five New York City dessert sites for your pleasure. Be warned – those of you blessed, or should we say cursed, with the sweetest of sweet teeth will be powerless to resist. Read on if you dare.
Magnolia Bakery
Magnolia Bakery launched New York City’s affair with the mini-cake in the late ’90s. Despite drawing attention from the likes of Vogue and Nylon, the West Village institution gallantly retained the local vibe that made it so special. Until Carrie Bradshaw dropped by that is. Following its starring role in an episode of Sex and the City, the tiny 60s-style throwback was vaulted onto the international tourist scene. For years, getting a hold of one of its legendary iced-gems became a living nightmare. Thankfully the hype has waned – queues of SATC fans no longer line up around the block – and Magnolia is back to its charming old self.
ChikaLicious
The nightly line-up of East Village sugar junkies outside ChikaLicious when it first opened in 2003 was likely composed of Magnolia Bakery veterans and dropouts. Having had their fill of cupcakes, they were no doubt in search of a new kind of fix. In the case of this cosy hole-in-the-wall of a dessert restaurant – it only serves dessert – cravings were, and continue to be, satisfied by dreamy dishes like panna cotta with peach sorbet. The setup even allows you to watch as pastry chef and co-owner Chika Tilman diligently crafts each item from the daily-changing menu. Make sure you turn up with room for the three-course prix fixe – American desserts with French presentation in Japanese portions.
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
If Magnolia and ChikaLicious are anything to go by – and they are! – the best of New York’s desserts are served in small places. The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is no exception – even if its name may suggest otherwise. If you’re downtown, particularly in Chinatown, then this 1978-established treasure is not to be missed. Here, it’s all about expanding your dessert horizons. There’s no less than 31 ice cream and 13 sorbet flavours on offer, many of which you’ll struggle to find anywhere else. So forget about chocolate, strawberry or vanilla and ask for lychee sorbet or red bean ice cream. In fact, why stop at one – gorge yourself on a bespoke three-scoop sundae.
Rice to Riches
Few visitors to the futuristic looking Rice to Riches will have any idea of trials owner Peter Moceo went through to bring stylish rice pudding to the masses. For months he agonised over every little detail, from finding a landlord who’d rent him space to the naming of his precious puddings. Moceo achieved his opening, and chic shoppers have been keeping Rice to Riches strong ever since. The idea of rice pudding may be challenging for some. Rest assured, therapy for horrible school-dinners-past comes in one of 21 flavours, but particularly in the form of a Cinnamon Sling or Sex Drugs and Rocky Road. Once a gimmick, its elevation to Nolita institution is proof of the rice pudding.
Kyotofu
With Kyotofu cupcakes, our list of New York’s top desserts come full circle. The design of this unique Hell’s Kitchen stalwart, conceived by Hiro Tsuruta, the same man behind ChikaLicious, mimics the traditional Kyoto home with a long pathway leading to its entrance. Inspired, and partially owned, by Kyoto tofu manufacturers, Kyotofu lives up to its promise to take soybean “to the next level”. This is no more apparent than in their exquisitely delicate signature chocolate cupcake. Delight in its rich, soft and light texture while in the company of some of the city’s young and trendy.
