So I’ve been obsessed with Japanese desserts ever since my Tokyo trip got cancelled. Figured why not hunt down the best ones right here in NYC? Grabbed my notebook and headed out at 6 AM last Tuesday – full sugar expedition mode.
The Morning Fail
First stop was this fancy spot in East Village. Google said opens at 7 AM but guess what? Sign on door said “Closed for renovation”. Stood there like an idiot with empty stomach. Had to kill time at some random coffee shop scrolling Instagram for plan B.
The Fishy Situation
Finally found this tiny bakery near St Marks. Saw $12 taiyaki fish cakes behind glass. The red bean one looked legit. Bit into it – crispy outside but inside was lumpy as hell. Like someone forgot to mash the beans properly. Wiped sugar off my shirt and bailed.
Matcha Miracle
Almost gave up when I spotted this green sign near Bryant Park. Dude behind counter recommended matcha parfait. Holy crap – layers of bitter matcha ice cream, chewy mochi balls and crunchy cornflakes? Best $15 ever spent. Took messy pics while sticky spoon kept sliding into the cup.
Surprise Winner
Was heading home when this old lady stopped me near Grand Central. She whispered “try the monaka at basement stall”. Followed her directions past smelly dumpsters. Found it – two crispy wafers with honey jelly inside. Looked basic but damn that texture snap! Forgot to ask name so just call it Grand Central Secret Weapon.
Final top 5 after 9 hours:
- Matcha Monsters Parfait (pricey but huge)
- Grand Central Mystery Monaka (perfect crunch)
- Black Sesame Soft Serve (UES spot – looks like cement but delicious)
- Mochi Doughnuts (had to try 3 places to find non-gummy ones)
- Dorayaki Pancakes (avoid the East Village trap though)
Lessons? Always check hours before chasing desserts. And sometimes grandma knows best about underground sweets. My dentist gonna hate me next week!
