The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory New York

A Sweet Slice of New York History

Nestled in the heart of Manhattan’s vibrant Chinatown at 65 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013, The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory has been serving up unique frozen treats since 1978. This iconic parlor blends traditional American ice cream craftsmanship with bold Asian-inspired flavors, creating a one-of-a-kind dessert experience.

The shop’s retro-chic interior features nostalgic decor with red accents, vintage photos of New York, and the constant happy chatter of satisfied customers. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon pick-me-up or a post-dinner sweet finale. You can reach them at (212) 608-4170 for questions or special requests.

Menu Highlights: A Flavor Adventure

What makes this ice cream shop truly special is its inventive menu that fuses Eastern and Western influences. Here are their standout offerings:

Black Sesame – Nutty, toasty, and wonderfully creamy Asian classic.
Lychee – Floral, fruity delight that’s refreshingly light.
Pandan – Vibrant green Southeast Asian flavor with vanilla notes.
Durian – The “king of fruits” for adventurous taste buds.
Taro – Purple-hued, subtly sweet root vegetable goodness.
Red Bean – Traditional Japanese-inspired treat with earthy sweetness.
Matcha Green Tea – Earthy, antioxidant-rich Japanese favorite.
Zen Butter – Creamy peanut butter with a sesame twist.
Almond Cookie – Crunchy almond bits in vanilla ice cream.
Chocolate Five Spice – Rich cocoa with warm Chinese spices.
Vietnamese Coffee – Strong, sweet condensed coffee flavor.
Mango – Tropical sunshine in every creamy scoop.
Coconut – Dairy-free option bursting with island flavor.
Vanilla – Classic done right with Madagascar beans.
Chocolate – Deep, dark, and satisfyingly rich.

More Than Just Ice Cream

Stepping into The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is like entering a sweet time capsule. The narrow shop bursts with character – red walls adorned with vintage New York memorabilia, the constant hum of the ice cream machines, and the cheerful banter of staff who clearly love what they do.

The service is fast and friendly, with staff happy to let you sample multiple flavors before deciding. Prices are reasonable for New York, with single scoops around $5 and sundaes/specialties topping out at $12. Cash is preferred, though they do accept cards for larger orders.

The vibe is authentically New York – a mix of tourists making pilgrimages for Instagram-worthy cones and locals who’ve been coming for decades. There’s often a line out the door in summer, but it moves quickly and becomes part of the experience.

Final Scoop: Is It Worth the Trip?

Without question, The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory delivers a unique dessert experience you won’t find anywhere else. Their Black Sesame and Pandan flavors have achieved legendary status among ice cream aficionados, while the Zen Butter offers the perfect balance of nutty and sweet.

This spot is perfect for:

Adventurous eaters looking to try new flavors
Families wanting a fun, affordable treat
Foodies seeking authentic New York experiences
Anyone needing a sweet break while exploring Chinatown

In my many visits, what stands out most is how the flavors transport you – one bite of the lychee ice cream and you’re momentarily in a Taiwanese night market; a spoonful of the Vietnamese coffee version and you’re at a Hanoi street stall. That magical quality, combined with the shop’s undeniable charm, makes this a must-visit for anyone in New York.

Some of the images and information is taken from other sources

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