Mochi is a traditional Japanese dessert made of sticky rice flour and sweet fillings like red bean paste, ice cream, or fruit. This chewy, sweet treat has become increasingly popular in New York City, with many establishments serving up their unique takes on the classic dessert.
Whether you're a fan of traditional flavors or looking for something new and innovative, there's a mochi spot for you in the city.
With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go for the best mochi experience. From small mom-and-pop shops to trendy dessert bars, you'll find a diverse range of places to satisfy your cravings.
Some establishments specialize in traditional Japanese mochi, while others offer creative twists on the classic dessert.
Whether you're a longtime mochi lover or trying it for the first time, exploring the best mochi spots in New York City is a must. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at some of the top places to enjoy this sweet, chewy delicacy.
From classic flavors to unique combinations, we'll guide you through the best mochi spots in the city. So, get ready to indulge your sweet tooth and discover the best mochi in New York City.
1. Alimama Tea
If you're looking for a unique and tasty dessert spot, Alimama Tea is the place to be.
They offer a variety of mochi donuts and cream puffs with Asian-inspired flavors that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Their drinks are also a must-try, with a nice selection of hot and cold teas.
The shop's aesthetic is charming and cute, making it a great place to snap some Instagram-worthy photos.
The staff is friendly and the service is quick, making it a convenient spot for a quick treat. Don't miss out on this hot spot for elevated pastries and tea.
2. Takahachi Bakery
Takahachi Bakery is a cozy Japanese bakery that offers a wide variety of delicious baked goods.
They offer traditional Japanese flavors in their breads, cakes, and crepes. This bakery is perfect for those who crave authentic Japanese pastries.
The staff is friendly and efficient, and the prices are reasonable. They also have a bread schedule, so customers can plan their visits accordingly.
Takahachi Bakery is a must-visit spot for anyone who loves Japanese baked goods.
3. Penguin Ice Cream
Penguin Ice Cream is a dessert restaurant that offers a variety of ice cream flavors and toppings.
Customers can enjoy rolled ice cream and bubble tea, as well as slushes and mochi.
The staff is friendly and helpful when it comes to selecting flavors and toppings. Prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of ice cream served.
The cozy atmosphere makes it a great place for a date night or a quick stop for a sweet treat.
4. Mango Mango Dessert
Mango Mango Dessert is a must-visit for anyone looking for delicious mochi. The Mango Mochi is a crowd favorite, with a perfect balance of sweetness and mango flavor.
The mango pancakes are also a must-try, with fresh whipped cream and ripe mangos inside. The outdoor seating area is cute and cozy, and the staff is friendly and efficient.
This dessert shop offers a variety of fruit-focused Chinese desserts, including ice cream and milk pudding. Although a bit pricey compared to the bowl size, the desserts are fairly priced and worth every penny.
Don't forget to use the $5 off coupon when ordering inside. Mango Mango Dessert is highly recommended for anyone looking for a refreshing and satisfying dessert experience.
5. Sweet Moment
Sweet Moment is a funky dessert cafe that serves creative shaved ice concoctions, waffles, and mochi. The Korean-inspired cafe has a cozy interior with plenty of seating options.
Their menu offers a variety of bingsoo flavors that are refreshingly delicious with a generous portion of ingredients.
The balance of flavors is perfect and not too sweet. The staff is friendly and serves everything quickly.
Sweet Moment is a must-visit for those who love unique and creative desserts.
6. Mochii
Mochii is a dessert shop that specializes in mochi, a sweet and chewy rice cake popular in Japan and Taiwan.
They offer a variety of mochi treats, including ice cream, sorbet, warm mochi, and even mochi dessert soup.
The mochi is fresh, tender, and bursting with flavor. The staff is friendly and accommodating, making this a great spot to satisfy your sweet tooth.
If you're a fan of mochi, Mochii is definitely worth checking out.
7. Cha-An BONBON
Cha-An BONBON is a small dessert shop that serves Japanese gourmet sweets and drinks. Their mochi is soft, fresh, and very QQ.
The warabi mochi on the mochi mochi parfait is a must-try. The decor is simple and cozy with an authentic Japanese style.
Although there is limited outdoor seating available, the portion size of their desserts is perfect for an after-meal treat. The staff is helpful in explaining what each dessert is.
The ice cream has a very flavorful and authentic green tea taste. It's a great place to hang out with friends and family.
8. K. Minamoto
K. Minamoto is a Japanese confectionery shop that offers truly authentic and delicious mochi.
The staff is helpful and friendly, and the sweets are beautifully put together with layered flavors.
While not cheap, the Japanese quality is definitely worth the price.
These treats make wonderful gifts and are a must-try for anyone who loves Japanese sweets.
9. Mochinut
Mochinut is a must-visit destination for mochi enthusiasts.
This dessert shop offers a wide variety of mochi donuts, which are light, fresh, and not too sweet. The black sesame donut, in particular, is a must-try.
In addition to mochi donuts, Mochinut also offers Korean corn dogs and boba tea in cans.
The prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. This is a great spot for a quick snack or a sweet treat.
10. The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is a compact ice cream shop that offers a wide range of unique flavors, including pandan, taro, and black sesame.
They also sell mochi pieces as toppings. The staff is helpful and friendly, allowing customers to sample flavors before making a decision.
Prices are a bit high, but the quality of the ice cream is worth it. Acceptable payment methods include cash and Venmo.
It's definitely worth checking out if you're in the area and looking for a delicious and unique treat.
11. The Dough Club
The Dough Club is a must-visit place for mochi lovers. Their unique array of donut flavors with added chewy goodness from the mochi will leave you wanting more.
The donuts are light, airy, and fluffy, making it easy to share among friends.
They offer milkshakes, cold brew, and hot coffee, but the Earl Grey Toffee Milkshake is a standout.
Their Purple Pebble donut is a must-try, lightly sweet with a purple potato glaze and fruity pebble toppings. The Dough Club is a great spot for a quick dessert or coffee break.
12. Mochidoki
Mochidoki is a gourmet mochi ice cream shop that offers a wide range of delicious flavors. The mochi is served at the perfect temperature and has a soft exterior with just the right amount of ice cream inside.
The shop is sleek and modern, with a variety of creative mochi ice cream treats, cold brew, tea, and matcha drinks.
They also cater to a wide-ranging audience, with vegan and gluten-free options available. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making for a pleasant experience.
While on the pricier side, the quality of the mochi makes it worth every penny. If you're a fan of mochi, Mochidoki is definitely worth a visit.
13. Sweets Bakery
Sweets Bakery is a hidden gem for those who love mochi. They offer a variety of sweet and savory pastries, including sesame balls and egg tarts.
The mochi is sticky and has a nice texture, but can be a little oily.
The prices may be a bit steep compared to other nearby bakeries, but the quality of the food makes up for it.
The staff is friendly and efficient, making it a great place to grab a quick bite. If you're in the mood for something different, Sweets Bakery is definitely worth a visit.
