Little Bowl Cake Cart (Put Chai Ko)

New York City's vibrant culinary scene is a tapestry of global flavors, and few neighborhoods embody this spirit more than Chinatown. Amidst the bustling streets and aromatic eateries, you can find hidden gems that offer a true taste of international traditions. One such treasure is the Little Bowl Cake Cart, affectionately known by its Chinese name, Put Chai Ko. This unassuming food cart is a beacon for those seeking a unique and authentic Hong Kong street food experience, right here in the heart of NYC. Specializing in steamed pudding cakes served in small, traditional bowls, this cart has quickly become a local favorite for its nostalgic flavors and innovative creations.

Put chai ko, which translates to “little bowl cake,” is a time-honored snack that has captured the hearts of many. Made from a combination of rice flour, sugar, and often with added ingredients like red beans, these pudding-like cakes are steamed to perfection. The result is a dessert with a delightful texture—chewy yet soft, with a subtle sweetness that is both comforting and satisfying. At Little Bowl Cake Cart, this classic snack is elevated with a dedication to quality and a touch of modern creativity, making it a destination for both those who grew up with the treat and curious newcomers. The owners have mastered the art of creating these nostalgic delights, ensuring each bite is a perfect blend of tradition and deliciousness.

This food cart is a testament to the enduring appeal of street food and the rich cultural heritage it represents. It’s a place where tradition meets innovation, where classic recipes are honored, and new flavors are embraced. For locals and visitors alike, it offers a moment to pause and savor a piece of Hong Kong's culinary history. The simple pleasure of enjoying a perfectly steamed put chai ko, whether it’s a classic brown sugar and red bean variety or a more adventurous mango or ube flavor, is an experience that resonates deeply with the soul of New York City's food culture. This is more than just a place to grab a quick snack; it’s a place to connect with a story, a culture, and a community.

The accessibility of Little Bowl Cake Cart is one of its key features, making it a convenient stop for anyone exploring the Chinatown area. It is perfectly situated on Bayard Street, a bustling thoroughfare that is easy to find. Specifically, you can locate the cart right in front of Xi Ne Du, a well-known landmark in the neighborhood. This central location means it’s just a short walk from several major subway stations, including the Canal Street stop, which is serviced by multiple train lines. Whether you’re coming from Uptown, Downtown, or Brooklyn, getting to this little gem is straightforward and hassle-free.

The vibrant street life of Bayard Street provides the perfect backdrop for this authentic street food experience. The cart itself is a small, charming fixture that adds to the neighborhood’s character. It’s a spot where you can see the hustle and bustle of Chinatown while enjoying a quiet moment with a delicious treat. While some online sources might suggest it’s closed on weekends, many customers have noted that the cart is often open, proving that it's worth checking out even on a Sunday stroll. This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the people who run the cart, always ready to serve the community and anyone who happens to be passing by.

The convenience of its location is complemented by the cart’s straightforward nature. There's no need for reservations or a long wait for a table; you simply walk up, place your order, and your treat is ready for you. This makes it an ideal choice for a quick snack, a light dessert after a meal, or a sweet pick-me-up during a day of shopping and sightseeing. The Little Bowl Cake Cart truly embodies the spirit of New York City street food—accessible, delicious, and always ready to serve.

Services Offered

• Traditional and modern put chai ko: The cart offers a wide range of flavors, catering to both purists who love the classics and adventurous eaters looking for something new.

• Classic flavors: The menu includes the two traditional varieties of put chai ko—brown sugar and white sugar, which can be made with or without red beans. The brown sugar with red beans is often cited by regulars as a top-tier choice, providing a rich, nostalgic flavor that is both sweet and satisfying.

• Creative and seasonal flavors: Beyond the classics, the cart provides a rotating selection of innovative flavors. These have been known to include unique options like osmanthus, black sesame, pineapple, ube, and mango. These creative additions allow customers to experience familiar textures with new and exciting tastes.

• Affordable pricing: The cakes are priced at $2 per piece or a more economical $5 for four pieces, making it a very affordable and accessible treat for everyone.

• Dual-language menu: The cart’s menu is available in both English and Chinese, making it easy for a diverse range of customers to understand and order their preferred flavors.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Hong Kong street snack: This is one of the few places in New York City where you can find genuine, high-quality put chai ko, a beloved snack from Hong Kong's vibrant street food scene.

• Nostalgic and comforting taste: For many, the brown sugar and red bean cakes evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminding them of childhood memories and traditional flavors. It is a taste that is both simple and deeply resonant.

• Unique flavors and textures: The variety of flavors, from the subtle floral notes of osmanthus to the nutty richness of black sesame, and the fruity sweetness of mango and pineapple, provides a diverse tasting experience. The texture is consistently praised as being chewy and pleasant.

• Visual appeal: Customers often note the pieces of fruit or flowers visible within the cakes, such as the water chestnut bits or the floral pieces in the osmanthus cake, which adds to their charm and a sense of handmade quality.

• Perfect for any season: While flavors like mango and osmanthus are described as particularly refreshing for the summer, the classic brown sugar and red bean cakes are perfect for a comforting snack year-round, making the cart a great destination no matter the weather.

Contact Information

Address: 43 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013, USA

Phone: There is no publicly available phone number for this food cart.

In conclusion, the Little Bowl Cake Cart (Put Chai Ko) is a true culinary treasure in New York City’s Chinatown. Its commitment to preserving the authentic flavors of Hong Kong street food while also embracing creative, new ideas makes it a standout destination. For locals, this cart offers more than just a delicious snack—it’s an opportunity to connect with a different culture, to experience the rich tapestry of flavors that make New York’s food scene so special. Whether you’re a seasoned food adventurer or simply looking for a new favorite dessert, this place is a must-visit. The combination of classic and innovative flavors, the friendly street-side service, and the unbeatable value make it a suitable and highly recommended spot for anyone in the neighborhood. Its presence adds a unique and essential piece to the local food landscape, making it a beloved institution for those in the know.

Little Bowl Cake Cart (Put Chai Ko)

43 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013, USA