we all scream for red bean

taro, durian, and wasabi are just a few of the many asian-influenced flavor innovations available at the original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

65 Bayard St

New York, NY 10013

(212) 608-4170

insofar as ice cream cakes are concerned, special orders must be placed 48 hrs in advance, however, for those who want to just grab and go, the Ice Cream factory usually has three types to choose from on hand:

(1) Lychee, Red Bean, & Mango cake

(2) Vanilla, Chocolate, & Strawberry cakes

(3) Green Tea, Lychee, & Red Bean cakes. -New-

it costs $30 for an 8-inch round cake that serves 6, that's a bit steep considering the sub-par quality of the ice cream -- it's more ice than cream and way too grainy. the service is inept, at best -- i asked for a Green Tea, Lychee, & Red Bean cake 3x and i ended up going home w/ a Lychee, Red Bean, & Mango cake.

-- that being said, i thoroughly enjoyed my birthday cake. the mango ice cream was curiously delicious, as was the red bean. the lychee flavor, although refreshing, was too nondescript for my liking.

overall, i recommend the Chinatown Ice Cream factory to anyone who is looking to try something new. i'm thinking that scoops are the way to go at this establishment; they are less expensive than the cakes and there's less of a risk that the staff will fuck up your order.

© 2009 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable" - http://missioninsatiable.com