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My guide · updated September 2026

Best desserts in Chinatown, 2026.

Chinatown is famous for colorful streets and delicious food, offering affordable options that keep locals afloat in one of the most expensive cities in the world. As a New Yorker who takes desserts in Chinatown seriously, I’ve made it my mission to find the very best.

Antonina Pattiz
Antonina PattizI went myself · 8 places I went to · 0 reader questions answered

The ones I’d send you to

How I decide

In no order, every one from my own visits. The full list under it has the rest and why.

Alimama, Harpers Bread House, Mango Mango, Michaeli Bakery, Spongies Cafe, Taipan Bakery.

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The list, in my order

6 I’d go back to and 2 only if it suits you. My verdict on every one, and the ones nearby from my other lists.

1

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

CafeChinatown
Only if
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
  • Address65 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is a family-owned ice cream shop that’s been serving locals since 1978 (more than 40 years!). Known for a unique offering of ice cream flavors, adventurous palates can indulge in flavors like black sesame, match, lychee, and durian. This definitely one of the best desserts in Chinatown for ice cream enthusiasts. Take Note. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory accepts cash and Venmo (no credit cards).

Only if, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
2

Alimama

CafeChinatown
Worth it
  • Address89A Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Alimama became a viral sensation because of their extravagant over-the-top iced drinks and cream puffs. Thankfully, this grab-and-go cafe lives up to the hype.

The demand for signature treats such as cream puffs and mochi donuts often leads to long lines, but the self-service kiosks make ordering a breeze. Don’t sleep on the black milk tea cream puffs, really goodly airy, these treats are undoubtedly among the best desserts Chinatown offers.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
3

Harpers Bread House

BakeryChinatown
Worth it
  • Cost$2 to $5
  • Address271 Grand St, New York, NY 10002
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the bank? Head to Harpers Bread House for. With treats ranging from $2 to $5, you can’t go wrong.

Funny enough, the bakery’s specialty lies in onigiri (Japanese rice balls) and Portuguese egg tarts, but it works! If you haven’t had Portuguese egg tarts before, I highly recommend!The flaky pastry is filled with a creamy custard that’s baked to perfection before being topped with a dash of cinnamon. So good!

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
4

Spongies Cafe

BakeryChinatown
Worth it
  • Cost$2
  • Address121 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Ferdnando Ponce has been churning out Hong Kong-styled sponge cakes since 1992 and doesn’t show signs of slowing any time soon. Ponce opened his shop in 2020 and now sells up to 1,500 sponge cakes a day! True to form, these cakes are light, airy, and downright delicious. Oh, and they’re a mere $2 a pop. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more satisfying selection of desserts in Chinatown at this price.

NYC’s dessert scene is proof that this city takes its sweet tooth very seriously.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
5

Taiyaki NYC

CafeChinatown
Only if
  • Address119 Baxter St, New York, NY 10013
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Taiyaki is famous for their unique fish-shaped pastry filled with delicious flavors like red bean paste and custard. A perfect blend of crispy exterior. Taiyaki also ranks among the top dessert spots in NYC for kids, who can resist a fish shaped treat?!

Only if, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
6

Michaeli Bakery

BakeryChinatown
Worth it
Michaeli Bakery
  • Address115A Division St, New York, NY 10002
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

The former head chef of Breads Bakery (an award-winning NYC bakery), opened Michaeli Bakery in 2019. He sells traditional Israeli baked goods like challah, burekas, rugelach, along with bakery classics like croissants.

Vegan and gluten-free options are also available, like a popular vegan babka. While all of those options are great, some of the best desserts in Chinatown are the donuts churned out of this bakery. Known as sufganiyah, the Israeli donuts have a cult-like following for a reason.

Flavors chance often enough to keep things exciting. If they’re not sold out, I highly recommend ordering the strawberry-filled sufganiyah, the tartness of the jam is lovely with the lightness of the dough.

Unpopular opinion. I’ll say it. Ice Cream from Chinatown Ice Cream Factory makes a dessert worth crossing boroughs for.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
7

Mango Mango

CafeChinatown
Worth it
  • Address63 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Mango Mango specializes in fresh mango desserts like ice cream, pastries and a layered crepe cake. The menu is extensive, offering a variety of irresistible options. Originally from Hong Kong, the company landed in New York City in 2013. Their signature mango Mille crepe cake is a highlight, featuring layers of delicate crepes and creamy mango filling, perfectly balancing tanginess and sweetness. Consider it a must-try dessert in Chinatown.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
8

Taipan Bakery

BakeryChinatown
Worth it
  • Address194 Canal St, New York, NY 10013
  • From my guide, updated September 2026.

Taipan Bakery is a well-known bakery, popular for offering a delicious array of Asian pastries and baked goods. With roots tracing back to Hong Kong, Taipan Bakery has garnered a reputation for high-quality treats.

From traditional Chinese buns to modern desserts, their menu includes favorites like pineapple buns, egg tarts, and BBQ pork buns. Among their standout desserts are the coconut cream buns and egg tarts. The cream buns boast soft bread and a fluffy cream filling, creating an airy delight that’s a must-try in Chinatown’s dessert scene.

Worth it, says Antonina. Been? Say if you agree.
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