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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Chinatown's best

Cheap desserts

A small, inexpensive dessert is the perfect way to round out a meal without breaking the bank.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Taiwan Pork Chop House image 1
Taiwan Pork Chop House image 2
Taiwan Pork Chop House image 3
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Taiwanese restaurant

Outdoor seating channels cool alley wind with plastic red chairs and cafeteria style setup, creating a nostalgic Asian vibe. Indoor space feels cramped but authentic with faded walls and reusable menus. Atmosphere stays chill and lively, reflecting a no-frills, affordable spot off main tourist routes.

Mango ice dessert stands out with its refreshing sweetness. Traditional treats like shaved ice with taro balls and sweet beans and the taro and grass jelly dessert offer authentic flavors.

Food costs stay extremely low while maintaining high quality. Options like chopped ice let you pick three ingredients for just five yuan, and meals often come in under $20 per person.

People are saying

"I loved the rich and comforting flavor of their soup."

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

"The shaved ice desserts are the best part of my meal."

Good to know

1

This restaurant is cash only, so be sure to have cash on you.

2

You can get a huge portion for around $8.

3

The total cost for the pork chop over rice and a tea egg is $9.

02
Tai Pan Bakery image 1
Chinese bakery

Tiny bakery with chaotic atmosphere and long lines creates a fast-paced environment. Limited seating area offers brief spots to enjoy pastries. Only cash payments accepted, adding to the straightforward, bustling vibe.

Desserts offer a wide variety with a perfect balance of sweetness. Pastries avoid heavy icing and excessive sugar, keeping flavors clean and enjoyable.

Prices stay very cheap across bread, buns, and pastries. The fish sandwich also offers a cheap and tasty option.

People are saying

"These pastries are light, fluffy, and not overly sweet."

"The desserts here are perfectly balanced and not too sweet."

"I found the baked goods here to be very cheap and fresh."

Good to know

1

The bakery only accepts cash for all purchases.

2

There is no place to dine in; everything is takeout.

3

Customers should not lose their place in line.

03
Mott Street Eatery image 1

Old-school Chinese banquet hall converted into a food court with cafeteria-style seating and multiple Asian food stalls. Atmosphere feels raw and low-key, with a homey, hawker center vibe distinct from modern, flashy spots. Space is crowded and lively, attracting a mix of locals including many seniors.

Silky smooth tofu fa dessert stands out with balanced sweetness and a perfect hint of ginger. The soybean dessert from Yan Wo Dou Bun offers a soft, smooth texture and gentle sweetness.

Food costs are insanely cheap and surprisingly good. Most stalls accept cards, which is rare in a cash-heavy area.

People are saying

"I loved the tender beef and firm, chewy noodles in the Chinese food."

"The tofu pudding here is simple, comforting, and refreshing."

"The hot tofu dessert is so smooth and silky."

Good to know

1

You can eat for 8-10$ at this restaurant, which is hard to beat in Manhattan.

2

Seats are first come only, so arrive early during peak hours.

3

The vendors accept card and tap payment, but prefer cash for small orders.

04
Kong Sihk Tong image 1
Hong Kong style fast food restaurant

Hong Kong style fast food restaurant offers a tasteful modernization of traditional 茶餐廳 with authentic local vibe and classic Chinatown setting. The space feels cramped and crowded but includes comfortable booths in the back for larger groups. It accepts only cash or Venmo for payment.

Golden lava French toast stands out as a sweet dessert rather than breakfast. Classic Hong Kong desserts like red bean with coconut milk offer authentic flavors and satisfy the sweet tooth.

Prices stay shockingly cheap for NYC with large portions that feel like a solid deal. Food tastes better than expected given the moderate pricing.

People are saying

"The golden lava toast is amazing and so buttery."

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

"You've got to try the toast dessert; it's perfect."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash or Venmo for payment.

2

You will likely have to wait 20-30 minutes for a table on weekends.

3

Lunch is only served after 11:30.

05
Uncle Lou 快樂人 image 1
Cantonese restaurant

Spacious dining area with Asian decor featuring lanterns and a lion head on the wall creates a modern Chinatown vibe. The atmosphere is loud and lively due to popularity, making conversation challenging. Lazy Susan tables facilitate sharing dishes, enhancing the communal dining experience.

Complimentary desserts include a warm rice pudding-type dish and a traditional sweet Chinese soup with taro and sweet potato. The menu features a surprise taro sago dessert and tapioca treats like bobo chacha.

Prices stay fairly cheap here. Portions come large, making it a solid choice for budget meals.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here is excellent, especially the Peking duck and dim sum."

"I look forward to returning for more delicious food."

"The food here is so delicious and top-notch."

Good to know

1

Prepare for a long wait during dinner time.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

3

Cash payments warrant a 9% discount.

06
House of Joy image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Traditional dim sum carts circulate through a bright, spacious dining room with well-spaced tables and a renovated interior. The atmosphere is busy and noisy, filled mostly with local diners, creating an energetic vibe. The experience blends authentic Cantonese dining with a lively, communal setting.

Warm desserts include durian custard fried desserts and piggy custard buns with a sweet glaze. Mochi sesame buns come filled with a nutty paste.

Prices stay between affordable and mid-range, not dirt cheap but far from steakhouse levels. Food portions satisfy without stretching the budget.

People are saying

"I loved the traditional dim sum carts going down the aisle."

"The steamed buns and dumplings here are fantastic."

"I found the food to be good and cheap."

Good to know

1

Go early to House of Joy on weekends to avoid long waits.

2

Making reservations for Chinese New Year dinner is highly recommended.

3

Dim sum is served from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

07
Kiki's image 1
Greek restaurant

Greek restaurant with rustic decor and laid back atmosphere evokes an old Mediterranean tavern. The space includes outdoor seating and a lively, often crowded environment with loud music. Offers an affordable Greek wine selection that complements the energetic vibe.

Meals end with a delicious dessert featuring cherries and yogurt. Desserts provide a perfect ending to the food experience.

Offers cheap, delicious home style Greek food and good, cheap wine despite lackluster service.

People are saying

"The Grilled Octopus was perfectly charred and tender."

"The wine and beer selection here is affordable and delicious."

"You have to try the cheesecake; it's a blissful food coma."

Good to know

1

No reservations are accepted; you need to put your name down and wait.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak hours.

3

Come early or you might have to wait a bit to get in.

08
Nom Wah Tea Parlor image 1
Dim sum restaurant

Dim sum restaurant preserves an authentic 1920s Chinatown atmosphere with old-school decor like lumpy red vinyl booths and faded calligraphy. The space feels shabby and cramped, reflecting decades of minimal renovation. It offers a quiet alleyway terrace option and serves unique dishes alongside traditional Chinese beers.

Desserts feature red bean buns that are fluffy with a hint of sweetness and fried sesame balls filled with lotus paste. The sesame lotus flower dessert also stands out as a unique option.

Food comes with large portions and cheap prices. Tea offers high quality at a low cost.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is authentic and delicious, especially the soup dumplings."

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

"The fried sesame balls with lotus paste are delicious and sweet."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash or American Express.

2

Expect to wait for at least 15-20 minutes during weekends.

3

You should book a reservation at Nom Wah because this iconic spot is always bustling.

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