New York is enjoying the enticing sweet known as mochi. The next time you're looking for dessert, rather than opting for your fave cake or ice cream, indulge in one of these wonderful Japanese rice cakes. Ice cream fanatics will enjoy the mochi ice cream—a small dessert ball made from sticky rice. Bonus! It boasts a cream filling. For the ice creams, flavors often range from traditional American varieties such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, to more exotic Asian-inspired creations such as red bean and green tea. Read on for our picks for the best mochi in NYC.
Best Mochi NYC: Cha-an Teahouse
A cozy haven for lovers of traditional Japanese treats and all things tea, Cha-An traces its history back to 2004 when Japanese restauranteur Bon Yagi unveiled this topnotch Asian destination. It proudly presents the Japanese concept of “omotenashi” —whole-hearted hospitality. Beyond teas from around the globe, Cha-an offers homemade mochi in an array of flavors—from refreshing green tea to the exotic black sesame, and earl gray chocolate. 230 E. 9th St. 2nd Fl., 212-228-8030, chaanteahouse.com
Contemporary coffeehouse Grace Street Coffee and Desserts offers an array of Asian treats, including mochi, delish donuts, tea, and espresso. One of its most coveted mochi-inspired desserts is the Elixir—a green tea shaved snow treat made with the goodness of mochi and matcha—the tasty green tea powder. It also features local milk from upstate New York, as well as diced taro, red beans, honey boba, and condensed milk. 17 W. 32nd St., bygracestreet.com
Best Mochi NYC: Minamoto Kitchoan
Although many dessert enthusiasts envision ice cream when they think of mochi, Minamoto Kitchoan’s sweet treat offers a nod to the traditional. It is a kneaded rice powder dough, which is covered in matcha. 509 Madison Ave., 212-489-3747, kitchoan.com
Best Mochi NYC: Radiance Tea House & Books
Beyond the delectable dishes on the menu, Radiance Tea House & Books offers a fine selection of tea and desserts. The menu includes a mochi platter, which presents assorted mochi—red bean, black sesame, peanut, and fruit inspired varieties such as lychee, mango, and blueberry. It also offers mochi ice cream in a trio of flavors. Locations include Midtown West, at 158 W. 55th St., 212-217-0442, radiancetea.com
Best Mochi NYC: Snowdays Shaved Cream Co.
Another category in frozen delicacies, shaved ice is a spin-off of Taiwanese and Korean ice. It comes in a variety of flavors and can be topped with lots of fun fixings, which includes mochi, as well as other treats—from coconut shavings and Oreos to Pocky sticks and beyond. Get creative! Snowdays, which has two locations in the Village—both East and West—creates its shaved cream in small batches and uses seasonal ingredients. East Village, 241 E. 10th St., 212-982-8881, snowdaysnyc.com
