Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Chinatown
Top Things to Do in New York City for Chocolate Lovers in Chinatown
1. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
A Chinatown landmark scooping beloved classics alongside Asian-inspired flavors—perfect for pairing with a rich chocolate scoop or toppings on a warm day.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the neighborhood icon where chocolate lovers can mix-and-match traditional chocolate with flavors like lychee or black sesame for a fun contrast.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon on weekdays to skip post-dinner lines; evenings in summer have the liveliest street scene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Create your own duo: one scoop chocolate, one scoop an adventurous flavor, then stroll Bayard Street’s dessert row.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Warm, nostalgic, and reliably delicious—visitors rave about generous scoops and the old-school Chinatown vibe.
2. Daniel Corpuz Chocolatier
Artisanal bonbons crafted by a rising NYC chocolatier, spotlighting Filipino and Asian flavors in glossy, gem-like chocolates.
✓ Why Go:
This is the most refined chocolate stop in Chinatown—think dark chocolate shells with nuanced fillings like calamansi, ube, or pandan that play beautifully with cocoa.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday to early afternoon for the best selection before gift boxes sell out.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pick up a mixed box and ask staff about seasonal bonbons—limited runs often sell out fast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests praise the craftsmanship and inventive flavors—an elevated, gift-worthy chocolate experience.
3. Alimama Tea
Trendy dessert shop known for mochi donuts and cream puffs—often featuring chocolate glazes and boba-studded fillings.
✓ Why Go:
Chewy mochi donuts in flavors like onyx chocolate hit that cocoa craving, and the boba cream puffs add a playful twist.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning opening or midafternoon; weekends draw lines.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order a half-dozen with at least one chocolate flavor plus a milk tea to dip—great for sharing on Bayard Street benches.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A social-media darling with real substance—people love the bouncy texture and balanced sweetness.
4. Fay Da Bakery
Busy Cantonese bakery offering an array of cakes and pastries—including mocha truffle and chocolate mousse cakes by the slice or whole.
✓ Why Go:
It’s where chocolate fans can grab wallet-friendly cake slices and classic bakery drinks for a quick cocoa fix.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning for freshest bakes; early evening still has strong selection.
✓ Insider Tip:
Pair a chocolate cake slice with hot chocolate or Ovaltine for a nostalgic combo.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Crowd-pleasing and consistent—guests appreciate variety, value, and fast service.
5. Tai Pan Bakery
A neighborhood staple for classic Chinese pastries and custom cakes—look for chocolate-forward creations and ice cream cakes.
✓ Why Go:
From brownie cheesecake to chocolate-swirled cakes, it’s a one-stop spot for celebratory cocoa desserts.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Before 2 pm for the widest variety; evenings for grab-and-go slices.
✓ Insider Tip:
If you’re celebrating, order a chocolate ice cream cake ahead; walk-ins can sell out on weekends.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reliable and nostalgic—guests love the selection and quick counter service.
6. Kam Hing Bakery
Home of Chinatown’s famous sponge cakes—don’t miss the chocolate chip or cocoa-leaning flavors when available.
✓ Why Go:
Light, airy sponge cakes offer a gentler take on chocolate—ideal when you want something not-too-sweet.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning to noon—cakes often come out warm and sell fast.
✓ Insider Tip:
It’s typically cash-only; grab a few chocolate chip sponge cakes to-go for later snacking.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved neighborhood gem—simple, inexpensive, and comfortingly good.
7. Kulu Desserts
Modern tong sui and waffle shop with chocolate-friendly builds like Chocolate Oreo bubble waffles and chocolate sawdust pudding.
✓ Why Go:
Customize a chocolate-forward dessert—think chocolate bubble waffle, Oreos, syrup, and a scoop to satisfy deep cocoa cravings.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings after dinner; there’s plenty of seating for a sweet nightcap.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the Chocolate Oreo Hong Kong bubble waffle and add mochi for extra chew.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fun, customizable, and great for groups—guests love the playful menu and big portions.
8. ViVi Bubble Tea
Compact Bayard Street staple for boba with cocoa options—chocolate slushes and milk teas hit the spot.
✓ Why Go:
Chocolate lovers can sip their dessert—add pearls or pudding for texture.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midafternoon for a pick-me-up; evenings can get busy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for reduced sugar in chocolate milk tea—it’s richer and lets the cocoa shine.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Fast, friendly, and consistent—popular with locals and visitors on a dessert crawl.
9. Gong cha Chinatown
Global tea brand’s compact Mott Street outpost pouring Oreo milk foam teas and caramel-chocolate blends.
✓ Why Go:
It’s an easy cocoa stop with lots of customization—great between bakery visits.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late morning or early evening to avoid peak queues.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try Oreo Milk Foam on a chocolate-leaning base and dial sweetness to 30–50% for balance.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Reliable chain comfort—people like the flavors, quick service, and consistency.
10. Tiger Sugar
Famed boba shop known for brown sugar stripes also pours a Black Sugar Chocolate Malt series—dessert in a cup.
✓ Why Go:
For a decadent, milkshake-adjacent chocolate drink with chewy pearls and signature caramelized syrup.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early evening; lines move quickly but spike on weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order 30% sweetness on chocolate malt drinks—the syrup is intense and tastes best slightly toned down.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Indulgent and photogenic—fans love the chewy boba and bold, dessert-like flavors.
