Sweet Tooth in Chinatown
I work in Chinatown. Despite the fact that I can satisfy any lunchtime needs within a few block radius, I rarely am able to satisfy my ever-present sweet tooth. There are only so many times in one week I can go to the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory. I realize that there are plenty of bakeries in chinatown and little italy, but I have not found anything I'm wild about. Does anyone have any suggestions?
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I like the sesame balls at the bakeries. But for a real treat, I like to get a bubble tea or go to Green Tea Cafe on Mott Street between Canal and Bayard (I think) where I can get Chinese toast (thick buttered slices drizzled with sweet condensed milk and/or peanut butter, etc) and these delightful soft sesame dumplings in sweet black tea.
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I've also wondered the same thing when I was in the mood for a sweet treat in C-town. I am usually not the biggest fan of Asian desserts except for tropical fruit. They're OK, but not worth the sugar and calories. I've walked to LES to get some gelato at Il Labatorio. And once in a while, sool-duk (spongy white steamed rice cake) at Fong Inn II. And I don't love dan-tats but like the Portugese version(pastel de nata) in some bakeries. On a hot summer day, the coconut red bean ice at New Mayalysia can also be refreshing.
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There is a cold sesame custard you can get for $1+ at the corner of Grand and Bowery. Its a dumpy tofu shop and you can go to the fridge and get one. Its on the sweet side but not super sweet.
If you want the hot version there use to be a cart on Elizabeth near Hester where they sell it homemade. Never tried it so eat at your own risk.
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i don't know if you're familiar with danta - egg custard tarts. they're exactly what they sound like. they have them all over south china. anyway, there's a place called danta wang which i assume translates to egg tart or egg custard king, it's right on mott st below canal down a few stairs with a yellow awning. they have a few different flavors, but the best kind is the portuguese style which come from macau. for some reason they don't have them in the front display and keep them in back so you have to know to ask for them. they're kind of like creme brulee in a flakey pie crust b/c they have a carmelized top. normal ones are just plain custard without the burnt top. i like the almond a lot too. and the best part is they only cost like 75 cents each.
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Go to XO Kitchen for chinese sweet soups (tong-shui). Their puddings are pretty decent too. My one attempt at ordering their fried ice cream was disastrous however. The plate of fried ice cream was rancid, and garnished with coleslaw and cucumber slices.
Another great place is Cafe Whatever (NYC franchise of HK's Hui Lau Shan) for fruit based dessert and in cold days, the double boiled milk and papaya desserts are good and soothing.http://orderinny.wordpress.com/2007/08/26/xo-kitchen/
http://orderinny.wordpress.com/?s=chi... -



