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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in New York

Bao buns and ice cream

You want the pillowy comfort of a bao bun followed immediately by the cold relief of ice cream.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Lemongrass Brooklyn image 1
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Thai restaurant

Thai restaurant with tropical decor and beautiful aesthetics creates a lively atmosphere filled with techno-pop music. Outdoor seating is available but heaters provide limited warmth. Drinks include tropical cocktails served in unique presentations like pineapple bowls.

Steamed bao buns come with crispy shrimp or rich duck fillings. The duck bao buns are soft and perfectly balanced, while the fried shrimp bao bun offers a flavorful crunch.

Mango ice cream comes with mango sticky rice for dessert, offering a delicious and not overly sweet treat. The crew sings a happy birthday song while serving ice cream.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the crab rangoon."

"The fried ice cream here is still great."

"The duck bao buns were soft, rich, and perfectly balanced."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available Monday to Friday, including a spring roll and an entree.

2

The restaurant gets packed quickly, so making reservations is recommended.

3

They do not accept Apple Pay; credit cards are preferred.

02
Blue Blossom 青花 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious interior with elegant Chinese porcelain-inspired decor creates a sophisticated and relaxing atmosphere. Open kitchen showcases chefs crafting dishes like soup dumplings, adding a sense of ceremony. Guests enjoy authentic, elevated Chinatown cuisine with bold flavors and well-made cocktails.

Sheng jian bao stands out as the most legit in the city. The signature bao platter features black truffle and chicken xiao long bao, with the truffle one being very truffle forward and the chicken one having a clearer broth.

Soy Bean Pudding topped with Ube Ice Cream offers a mild sweetness with a strong soy bean flavor. The ice cream complements other dishes like mushroom clay pot rice and green beans well.

People are saying

"The fish dishes here are delicious and flavorful."

"The service at these dinner spots is so attentive and friendly."

"The signature bao platter here is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

It is worth booking ahead to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

You can walk in for dim sum and Peking duck without a reservation.

3

Order salted chicken in advance, as it takes over 30 minutes to prepare.

03
Tenichi Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Tiny space with an open kitchen and windowsill bar offers a cozy, classic Japanese atmosphere. Music plays softly while guests watch chefs prepare meals, creating a welcoming vibe ideal for solo diners or small groups.

Duck bao bun offers a savory, light starter with a delicious flavor. Bao buns pair well with ramen, making them a popular choice for a satisfying meal.

Mochi ice cream stands out with its divine texture and perfect sweetness. Ube and mango flavors appear as popular options, sometimes offered on the house during busy times or special occasions.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was delicious and authentic."

"I tasted the best mochi ice cream here."

"The duck bao buns are light, fluffy, and savory."

Good to know

1

Tenichi Ramen is cash only but accepts Venmo and other digital payments.

2

They take your name for the waitlist if the wait exceeds 10 minutes.

3

No credit card payments are accepted.

04
Momofuku Noodle Bar image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space with open kitchen and minimalist warm interior creates an intimate setting. Loud atmosphere fills the room, especially around long communal tables. Bar seating offers a preferred spot to watch food preparation and enjoy the energetic vibe.

Bao buns feature large slabs of perfectly cooked pork that stand out in both soup and buns. The shrimp bao impresses with its spectacular flavor, while the mushroom bao offers a delicious alternative.

Soft serve stands out with its vanilla miso flavor and classic vanilla. Spicy ice cream adds a unique twist to the dessert options.

People are saying

"The ramen here is rich, satisfying, and has bold flavors."

"The pork belly steamed buns are a delicious treat for Date Spots."

"The pork belly bao buns were the best bites."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table due to high demand.

2

Street parking is difficult; using the subway is a better option.

3

The restaurant can accommodate larger groups, despite its small size.

05
Madam Ji Ki Shaadi image 1
Indian restaurant

Small, cozy Indian restaurant with bohemian decor and lively atmosphere. Music plays loudly, creating a vibrant but noisy environment not suited for quiet conversations. Popular brunch spot with interactive elements like a pani puri stand and unique cocktails.

Bao buns come in unique flavors like Ajwani Fish and Paneer Chilli, offering a tangy and delicious taste. The paneer bao buns and chilli baos stand out as especially flavorful and popular choices.

Desserts feature unique ice cream flavors like pista kulfi paired with Rooh Afza rose syrup and vermicelli in falooda. Gajar halwa often comes with Malai ice cream, creating a sweet but balanced finish.

People are saying

"I found the food to be amazing and delicious."

"The bao buns here are so delicious and well-seasoned."

"The gajar ka halwa with Malai ice cream is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Gratuity is already included in the bill.

2

They offer a bottomless option of $45 for an entree and 60 mins of unlimited mimosas.

3

Happy hour ends earlier than what the website states, so plan accordingly.

06
Bua Thai Ramen & Robata Grill image 1

Elegant dining space features floral decor with hanging flowers and butterflies, creating a cozy yet stylish atmosphere. Covered outdoor patio with heaters offers a comfortable seating option. The vibe suits celebrations and gatherings, blending Instagram-worthy aesthetics with inviting warmth.

Bao buns come with pillow-soft bao and fillings like crispy pork belly glazed sweet and savory or shrimp. Options include Chicken Bao Buns and Organic Pork Belly Bun with a balance of textures and flavors.

Warm, crispy, and creamy describes the fried ice cream here. It serves as a satisfying, rich dessert option.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"The fried ice cream is super creamy and crispy."

"These Bao Buns were soft and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with limited drink specials.

2

Reservations are recommended for birthday celebrations and large groups.

3

Customers typically wait about 15 minutes for a table during peak hours.

07
Kuu image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small, cozy ramen restaurant with clean interiors and a real Japanese vibe. Atmosphere feels comfortable and friendly, enhanced by a great RnB music playlist. Seating is tight but comfortable, with options for solo diners.

Bao buns come with karaage chicken or shiitake mushrooms glazed in teriyaki sauce. They offer a flavorful combo that pairs well with other appetizers like spicy wings and gyoza.

Black sesame ice cream stands out as a recommended choice, paired well with the green tea and matcha ice cream options. Ice cream servings come with a candle and a birthday song for celebrations.

People are saying

"The ramen here is insanely good and delicious."

"I'm a ramen snob, and this ramen hit the spot."

"I thought the matcha ice cream was pretty good."

Good to know

1

They have a 'Buy One, Get One' promotion on select dishes.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm.

3

The price for dishes is generally not more than $20.

08
Suzume image 1
Asian fusion restaurant

Tiny space feels like a cozy pub with dim lighting that creates an intimate vibe. The atmosphere stays cool and relaxed, attracting small groups and couples for quiet dinners. Gluten-free and vegetarian options stand out alongside a notable drink program featuring unique cocktails.

Bao buns feature a super crunchy chicken filling that feels satisfying. The texture and flavor make these buns stand out.

Soft, smooth, and creamy ube ice cream features crunchy bits on top. It has a mild sweetness that balances the dessert well.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was superb and delicious."

"The fried chicken bao buns are unreal and super crunchy."

"The ube ice cream is soft, smooth, and creamy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a table.

2

Suzume offers a variety of gluten-free options clearly marked on the menu.

3

Happy hour is available, offering discounts on drinks and appetizers.

09
Beyond Sushi image 1
Vegan restaurant

Vegan restaurant offers beautiful design with an intimate, vibrant atmosphere and open kitchen. It features a full bar with an excellent sake selection and a well-curated playlist. The space suits fancy meetings or dates with phenomenal dish presentation and caters well to dietary restrictions.

Crispy cauliflower and fried chick'n bao stand out with bold textures and a tasty meat-alternative flavor. The menu includes a big variety of bao options alongside chili noodles and beef dumplings.

Taro ice cream stands out as a very delicious and highly recommended dessert. The menu also features mango rice pudding as a notable sweet option.

People are saying

"The vegetarian sushi here is so flavorful and perfectly balanced."

"The grilled chicken bao buns are flavorful and well-prepared."

"You have to try the taro ice cream; it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Both the nutty buddy wrap and the spicy mang roll are gluten free.

2

Beyond Sushi is 100% vegan and has a comprehensive allergy menu.

3

Happy hour on Wednesdays offers half-off on beer, wine, and sake.

10
TIPSY SHANGHAI 蘇杭餐厅 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Interior showcases traditional Chinese style with intricately carved partitions and soft lighting, creating an elegant and calm atmosphere. The space feels welcoming and clean, with complimentary ice cream adding a unique touch. The vibe blends authentic Shanghainese charm with a setting that appeals broadly.

Xiao long bao here have delicate wrappers that burst with meaty juiciness. Pan fried versions add a crisp golden bottom for extra texture.

Complimentary small sides of ice cream arrive after meals. The ice cream is creamy and rich, served alongside candies sometimes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and flavorful."

"I got free ice cream after my meal."

"The pan-fried bao buns have a juicy filling and crispy bottom."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for Saturday night for a group of 7.

2

The lunch special includes many food options, including entrees and sides with meat.

3

They can cook special dishes even if they are not on the menu if you order in advance.

11
53 image 1
Restaurant

Two-story restaurant combines intimate upstairs with lively downstairs for varied dining moods. Interior showcases stunning, sophisticated design that feels cozy despite no windows. Unique Asian fusion menu pairs with standout cocktails and carefully curated wine selections.

Xiao Long Bao stands out with a superior quality compared to other major spots, available only at Sunday lunch. Other notable options include Bao Soup Dumplings and the chicken bao, alongside beef and salmon carpaccio.

Nama Chocolate pairs with Tahitian vanilla ice cream for a smooth, rich dessert. Mango Pudding with pomelo and sago offers a refreshing, fruity finish.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, truly made with love."

"The ice cream sandwich was amazing."

"You have to try the eel club; it's a beautiful balance of flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are needed for lunch at this place.

2

You should book your table immediately.

3

Expect to spend over $200 for two people.

12
Hutong New York image 1
Chinese restaurant

Sleek interiors blend Art Deco style with Shanghai and New York influences, creating a stylish, futuristic vibe. Live jazz and a chilled bar atmosphere add to the sophisticated energy. Signature cocktails and a flaming Peking duck presentation highlight the experience.

Bao buns come in many varieties like mushroom bao and wagyu beef mille-feuille. Desserts include a bao and soy milk combo with caramel and soy ice cream.

Soy milk ice cream with sesame and caramel flavors pairs with a soft bao for a nostalgic dessert. The bao comes with a white chocolate shell and soy milk gelato, creating a unique texture and taste.

People are saying

"The Peking duck here is the best in the city."

"The ambiance here is classy, intimate, and elegant."

"The Peking duck here is cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must, with a cancellation fee for late cancellations.

2

The Emperor Dinner Menu is available for a set price of $65.

3

Happy hour offers BOGO martinis, but the second one is charged initially.

13
Monarch Izakaya Restaurant image 1
Izakaya restaurant

Dark, romantic space with serene Japanese aesthetic and modern decor creates a chill, calming atmosphere. Two floors offer gorgeous outdoor seating, including a rooftop patio with Studio Ghibli projections. Drinks feature an extensive cocktail and sake list complementing the intimate vibe.

Fluffy pork belly bao buns come with rich flavor. Maitake mushroom bao adds an earthy touch. Chicken karaage bao features a yummy sauce.

Strong black sesame flavor stands out in the ice cream, which tops the brioche French toast. The ice cream pairs well with the decadent French toast and bananas.

People are saying

"The ube pancakes at brunch were not too sweet, just perfect."

"The dinner spots here are delicious, with layered flavors."

"The black sesame French toast had a strong black sesame flavor."

Good to know

1

Brunch is newly offered starting in October.

2

Reservations are recommended on busy weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

The restaurant has a vegan menu with several options available.

14
Kin ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space captures authentic Japanese bar culture with gorgeous decor and graphic design. Atmosphere feels relaxing and lively, blending cozy vibes with unique cocktail menu styled like an anime comic. Crowds often form outside, reflecting its popularity and energy.

Soft shell crab and pork baos stand out with fresh, tasty buns. Veggie and chicken baos serve well as appetizers with great flavor.

Matcha ice cream stands out with its balanced sweetness and lack of earthiness. Multiple servings highlight its delicious flavor and it pairs well with the matcha lava cake.

People are saying

"I considered this the best ramen I've had in New York."

"The bao buns here are fresh and tasty."

"I ate two servings of the ice cream; it was the best part!"

Good to know

1

Expect a wait of 10-15 minutes for 2 people around dinner time.

2

For 3-4 people, the wait can be closer to 15-25 minutes on weekends.

3

You should get there early if it’s a busy time.

15
Win Son image 1
Taiwanese restaurant

Dining space combines simple decor with a balanced lighting that supports conversation without overpowering. Music volume varies, creating a lively vibe at dinner but can be too loud for quieter occasions. Cocktails stand out as well-crafted and diverse, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Fluffy bao buns come with well seasoned meat that packs a super flavorful punch. The sloppy pork bao stands out as a notably good choice.

Fried sweet dough stuffed with sesame ice cream stands out, often drizzled with condensed milk. The ice cream sandwich features chewy bread, sesame paste, and strawberry jam around soft ice cream.

People are saying

"The food here is exceptional, truly a top meal."

"I would 100% order the sloppy bao again."

"The fried donut with sesame ice cream just melted in our mouths."

Good to know

1

Reservations can be made for up to 5 people; expect to wait if you walk in.

2

Customers should arrive 30 minutes early to account for wait times.

3

To order takeout, use their website for checkout.

16
Momofuku Noodle Bar Uptown image 1

Open kitchen with retro split flap display creates a cozy, playful vibe. Wooden finishes and a long bar encourage watching chefs at work. The atmosphere feels lively and kid friendly, blending casual mall setting with Michelin-level energy.

Shiitake mushroom bao buns stand out as a favorite, offering a unique flavor. The pork belly bao bun also delivers a rich, satisfying taste. The seared shrimp bao adds a nice variety to the selection.

Creamy, buttermilk soft-serve stands out with strawberry rhubarb compote and basil simple syrup. Vietnamese ice cream and mango soft serve with coconut also offer unique, memorable flavors.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the ramen, has delicious broth and noodles."

"You have to try the miso chocolate chip cookie; it's the best thing ever."

"The ice cream here is so creamy and unique."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation or be ready to wait for 1 hour to get seated.

2

The kitchen closes at 9:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

It takes 45 minutes to get Ramen at this location.

17
Buddakan image 1
Restaurant

Large dining space features candles and chandeliers with a dark, loud atmosphere resembling a nightclub. House music and a live DJ create a vibrant energy, while an upstairs room offers a quieter, cozy setting for conversation.

Pork bao buns have a kong ba bao flavor and stand out as very tasty. Other dishes lack flavor, making the bao buns the highlight.

Chocolate desserts come with coffee ice cream or pistachio ice cream that add crunch and flavor. Birthday celebrations include a lychee/toasted coconut sorbet and complimentary ice cream with drinks.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is amazing, especially the crispy tofu and dumplings."

"They served complimentary ice cream for a birthday celebration."

"The pork bao buns tasted like kong ba bao and were very tasty."

Good to know

1

Booking is essential, especially for large groups.

2

Making an early reservation is highly recommended to avoid long wait times.

3

Buddakan offers a unique Dragon show during special events.

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