Serving Up Soft Serve: This Japanese Ice Cream Shop in New York Won Me Over

Summertime is setting in around the city that never sleeps, which often leaves me wanting a refreshing treat. NYC is never short of excellent ice cream, of course, but for my money, the best soft serve in New York is found in a unique Japanese cafe.

Taiyaki NYC is the latest outpost of a popular chain that can be found around the country, and it's helped to popularize one of the most unique styles of ice cream I've ever seen. Sure, the soft serve offered here is delicious and comes in some unique flavors that you definitely haven't experienced at Mister Softee, but it's the cone that really puts this place on the map. Once you've tasted soft serve in a fish-shaped waffle, you might never want to go back!

You can probably find soft-serve ice cream on every street corner in NYC, and those ice cream trucks are a beloved local tradition. But when you feel like something completely new, head to Chinatown and discover how they do frozen treats in Japan at Taiyaki NYC. And no, regardless of the logo, this isn't a seafood restaurant!

The signature item at Taiyaki NYC is the Taiyaki waffles: cute, fish-shaped cakes that are split open at the mouth to allow them to be filled with treats. The waffles can be eaten on their own, filled with red bean paste or custard, but here they go really over the top!

At Taiyaki NYC, the waffles are just the vehicle for some seriously innovative soft-serve. You can have classic flavors like chocolate, strawberry swirl, or vanilla, or you can add some Japanese flavor to your cone with matcha or sesame-flavored ice cream. You can choose from some of the fan-favorite choices or create your own combo.

Not only are these treats delicious, but they also make an amazing photo op! Personally, I find it hard to imagine going back to a standard cone after tasting one of these indulgent Japanese delights. That's the great thing about dining in New York City: the entire world is hard at work bringing us new fusions of our favorite snacks.

Have you experienced the unique flavor combos at Taiyaki NYC? If you know someone who hasn't tried the best soft serve in New York, tell them about this article and make plans to head down to Chinatown! You can see the full menu on the Taiyaki NYC website, and keep an eye on the Taiyaki NYC Facebook page for announcements of all the new flavors they're cooking up! Chinatown is one of my favorite spots in the city, so if you're in town, make sure to pay a visit to Fried Dumpling—this street-food stand is undeniably the cheapest lunch in NYC.