Taiyaki NYC in Chinatown
Taiyaki NYC helped kick off the fish-shaped soft-serve craze in the city, and its Chinatown flagship on Baxter Street is still the spot people line up for. The signature move is a crisp, chewy taiyaki cone piped full of artisan soft serve, with the black sesame and red bean combo a standout. You can also get traditional filled taiyaki in flavors like red bean, custard, Nutella, ube, and matcha cream.
This is a quick, photogenic dessert stop rather than a sit-down destination, with limited seating and a fast-moving counter. On weekends the Manhattan location adds fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes from late morning into the afternoon. It sits right at the Chinatown, Little Italy, and Nolita seam, so it is an easy add-on to a downtown wander.
What to Expect
There is no happy hour here. As a dessert and soft-serve shop with no bar, Taiyaki NYC does not offer discounted drink windows. The closest thing to a running deal is its rotating limited-time taiyaki fillings, plus weekend souffle pancakes served Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
The Room
A small, brightly branded counter-service shop with limited seating and a steady line, especially on weekends. Expect to order at the counter and take your cone to go or grab one of the few seats. The vibe is casual, fast, and built for photos.
Who Taiyaki NYC Is For
| Occasion | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Dessert on the go | Grab a fish-shaped soft-serve cone while exploring Chinatown and Little Italy. |
| Instagram moment | The taiyaki cone is one of the most photographed desserts downtown. |
| Weekend souffle pancakes | The Manhattan shop serves fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm. |
| Post-dim-sum treat | An easy sweet finish after a meal in the neighborhood. |
More NYC Happy Hours
Wo Hop · Chinatown
Wo Hop has anchored the corner of Mott Street since 1938, making the downstairs basement one of the oldest restaurants in Manhattan’s…
Xi’an Famous Foods · Chinatown
Xi’an Famous Foods turned Shaanxi hand-pulled noodles into a New York obsession, and the 45 Bayard Street shop puts it right in the heart…
Buddha Bodai · Chinatown
Buddha Bodai is the original location of the kosher vegetarian Chinese restaurant that has been serving Chinatown since 2004, tucked at 5…
Taiyaki NYC FAQ
Does Taiyaki NYC have a happy hour?
No. It is a fast-casual dessert shop with no bar, so there is no happy hour or drink specials.
What is Taiyaki NYC known for?
Its fish-shaped taiyaki cones filled with artisan soft serve, most famously the black sesame with red bean, plus filled taiyaki in flavors like ube, matcha cream, and Nutella.
Where is Taiyaki NYC located?
The flagship is at 119 Baxter St in Chinatown, a short walk from the Canal St subway station. There is also a Williamsburg location.
Does Taiyaki NYC serve souffle pancakes?
Yes, the Manhattan shop serves Japanese souffle pancakes on weekends, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.
Happy hour times and deals last verified June 2026. Details can change — confirm with Taiyaki NYC before visiting for a specific deal.