Oct. 14 is National Dessert Day, and to commemorate it, here are three options in Chinatown, SoHo, and the Lower East Side to sugar-coat your week!
Brigadeiro Bakery is a Brazilian dessert shop in the heart of SoHo. Since 2014, this traditional establishment, owned by Mariana Viera, has drawn crowds every weekend for a taste of Brazil.
While this dessert has a couple of origin stories, Viera believes the most accurate is the story of Brigadier General Eduardo Gomes’s 1945 Presidential campaign. Viera explains that brigadeiros have become so widespread in Brazil that they are almost a requirement at any party or celebration.
Just as popular as the Brazilian caipirinha might be in a bar, the Brazilian brigadeiro is in a dessert shop and also at home— she adds, “This is a thing that you learn to do, and you cook with your parents at home. So it’s that place of again of connection, affection, and memories.”
When asked why she decided to open a Brazilian bakery in New York, she reflected that food has a power which goes beyond our control. You can’t trick your palate; if you like or dislike a taste, that imprint carries connotations so powerful they can create connection between people and, in the case of Brazil, a nationwide unity revolving around a sweet.
Mariana Viera said, “We grew up in Brazil admiring things that come from abroad and moving here and seeing that even smaller countries they step up towards their representation (…) That’s like why, when I opened the shop, I didn’t want it to be like just within the community; I wanted to be in this bigger conversation because we are all learning about each other’s culture, and that’s the richness of the city”
Brazil might be known for its meat, music, caipirinhas, and more—but National Dessert Day tells us that brigadeiro is not only a sweet treat, but also a reminder of how influential food can be.
Brigadeiro Bakery is located at 156 Sullivan St.
Ray’s Candy Store
Ray’s Candy Store still embodies the spirit of the East Village after 52 years, despite minor adjustments.
As owner, Ray Alvarez nears 94 years of age, has filled the shop with the playful turquoise, yellow, pink and red colors of the interior. The walls are drenched in photos, drawings and pictures of specialty treats and snacks. Above the blue counter, customers can select various desserts such as their famous deep-fried Oreos. And if the deep-fried part was not enough, Ray makes sure to douse the golden-crusted Oreos with powdered sugar.
Ray’s offers salty options as well, which are of course fried. There are French fries, fish and chips and popcorn shrimp to choose from. However, most people stick to what he’s known for best, which are the deep-fried Oreos and egg creams.
Whitney Browne was struggling with insomnia. Walking the New York City streets one night, she entered Ray’s Candy Store and asked if she could work for him. Ray agreed to take her on. She ended up publishing a book about her time at Ray’s and a love letter to Ray.
Ray’s Candy Story is located at 113 Avenue A.
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Chinatown’s Ice Cream Factory has been open since 1978 and has been a neighborhood staple for generations. Located at 65 Bayard Street, it was originally founded by current owner Christina Seid’s father, Phillip Seid.
Phillip Seid was an entrepreneur at heart. Before opening the ice cream shop, he tried to open a sandwich shop. However, the business didn’t catch on, so he decided to join the ice cream industry after realizing an opening in the market for new flavors.
Since opening, the shop has stood out from mainstream competitors like Ben & Jerry’s and Häagen-Dazs for its unique flavors. Seid said, “When you think of the late 70s, that’s when the big ice cream shops really took off, like Carvel, Häagen-Dazs, that’s the real evolution of ice cream, Ben and Jerry’s, and at that time, the neighborhood [Chinatown] didn’t really have an ice cream shop that catered to the asian palette.”
Her family has consistently included Asian flavors on its menu, and their most popular ice creams are Lychee, Black Sesame, Red Bean, Mango, Green Tea, and Taro. This unique flavor profile has made the business a neighborhood success and has now gained traction across the city.
While this establishment may be popular with the masses for its variety of flavors, Christina Seid sees it as more than ice cream. This sweet has given her family an identity, and ice cream has become a sacred part of their daily routines. This identity makes Chinatown Ice Cream Factory more than just a place to get dessert; it’s a place to experience tradition.
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is located at 65 Bayard St.
