0 Followers
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Master Critic Review
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
8.6
A classic Chinatown scoop shop known for Asian pantry flavors that actually taste like the real thing—lychee, black sesame, taro, and red bean—served in a fast, no-seating setup. It’s best as a post-meal dessert stop where the line moves and the flavors do the talking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lychee ice cream, Black sesame ice cream, Taro ice cream
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Old-school Chinatown ice cream with signature Asian flavors done right.
Who should go: Chinatown crawlers and flavor explorers
When to visit: Afternoons on weekdays for shorter lines
What to order: Lychee, black sesame, taro
Insider tip: Sample first—pick one classic + one adventurous flavor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; best reached on foot or via subway. Metered street parking nearby but can be competitive, especially afternoons and weekends.
Dress code: Casual—anything goes. This is a quick-stop scoop shop, not a sit-down destination.
Noise level: Low—no seating and quick turnover, but street noise outside.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak dessert hours
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes, often faster earlier in the afternoon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—most flavors are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited—select fruit-based or sorbet-style flavors may be available depending on the day.
Gluten-free options: Mostly—ice cream itself is generally gluten-free, but cones may contain gluten; opt for a cup to be safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, as a casual add-on. It’s great for a low-pressure dessert stop after dinner, but not ideal as the main event due to the lack of seating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables—plan to eat standing outside or while walking.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—kids love the flavors and quick service, but strollers may need to wait outside during busy times.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Asian-inspired flavors you won’t find at standard scoop shops, served fast with no gimmicks.
Skip if: You want seating, elaborate sundaes, or a long hang—choose a sit-down ice cream parlor instead.