Ginza Ginger Kiwi ginger kakigori: Ginza Ginger is a kakigori shaved ice shop in downtown Ginza. They specialize in ginger-milk-flavored syrups that are served alongside fruit computer that you add to the shaved ice to your taste. I shared the kiwi kakigori (I think it would be too much to eat on your own and could possibly serve 3-4 people even). It came in an impressive mound with the ginger syrup already added and a small jar of kiwi fruit compote. The shaved ice was airy and light and impressively held its texture until ... (read more) 4.0/5.0
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Gjusta Miso date cookie: Gjusta, the sister bakery of Gjelina in Venice, LA, is apparently popular enough to not need any signage. It’s unlabeled storefront conceals a narrow counter and dining area, where patrons wait for a variety of pastries (cakes, cookies, croissants) and hot and cold prepared items (pizza, salads, pâtés). Luckily, their express line was relatively short, which meant purchasing this miso date cookie took just a few minutes. The sizable cookie contains a single date at its center. Its texture is... (read more) 4.0/5.0
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Gjusta Lemon Cake: This slice of lemon cake from Gjusta in LA is thickly sliced and has a decently tart flavor. Texturally, though, it eats a bit dry. In the landscape of lemon desserts, this one falls somewhere in the middle - not bad, but not particularly notable. 3.0/5.0
losangeles pastry dessert gjusta lemon cake 3.0
Golden Gate Bakery egg tart: Back in 2010, I came across this legendary Chinatown institution notable for its long lines of Chinese patrons. I ordered a single egg tart and sat on the curb on Grant street savoring the best egg tart I'd ever had. Unlike most I had previously tasted, which tend to sit out in display cabinets, this tart came out hot, giving the custard a glistening glow and a silky texture that was almost pudding-like. Ever since that day, I've gone out of my way to buy another on almost every trip back to... (read more) 4.5/5.0
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Golden Steamer Egg Yolk Bao: This is one of my favorites from Golden Steamer, which I liked so much that I purchased it twice (I haven't done that for any other bun, mostly because I wanted to try buns I hadn't had before every time I went). It is a steamed white bun filled with an egg custard, textured like a cross between pudding and paste. It is very simple yet delicious and costs only $0.90. The best of the dessert bao offerings at this hole-in-the-wall bakery in NYC's Chinatown. 4.0/5.0
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Grom Strawberry and yogurt popsicle: Popsicle half dipped in a tangy yogurt followed by freshly sweet strawberry. Like their ice cream, the popsicle uses no artificial ingredients. I preferred the strawberry half, but the yogurt became more pleasantly tart the more I ate it. Purchased from their West Village shop. 3.5/5.0
recommended icecream dessert grom strawberry yogurt popsicle 3.5