![\"Brigadeiro](\"https:\/\/www.amny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IMG_4869.jpeg\" "\\"Check")
<\/a>Brigadeiro Bakery\u2019s storefront.Photo by Alice Ellis<\/p>\nWhen asked why she decided to open a Brazilian bakery in New York, she reflected that food has a power which goes beyond our control. You can\u2019t trick your palate; if you like or dislike a taste, that imprint carries connotations so powerful they can create connection between people and, in the case of Brazil, a nationwide unity revolving around a sweet.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mariana Viera said, \u201cWe grew up in Brazil admiring things that come from abroad and moving here and seeing that even smaller countries they step up towards their representation (\u2026) That\u2019s like why, when I opened the shop, I didn\u2019t want it to be like just within the community; I wanted to be in this bigger conversation because we are all learning about each other\u2019s culture, and that\u2019s the richness of the city\u201d<\/p>\n
Brazil might be known for its meat, music, caipirinhas, and more\u2014but National Dessert Day tells us that brigadeiro is not only a sweet treat, but also a reminder of how influential food can be.<\/p>\n
Brigadeiro Bakery is located at 156 Sullivan St.\n<\/p>\n
Ray\u2019s Candy Store<\/p>\n
Ray\u2019s Candy Store still embodies the spirit of the East Village after 52 years, despite minor adjustments.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
As owner, Ray Alvarez nears 94 years of age, has filled the shop with the playful turquoise, yellow, pink and red colors of the interior. The walls are drenched in photos, drawings and pictures of specialty treats and snacks. Above the blue counter, customers can select various desserts such as their famous deep-fried Oreos. And if the deep-fried part was not enough, Ray makes sure to douse the golden-crusted Oreos with powdered sugar.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ray\u2019s offers salty options as well, which are of course fried. There are French fries, fish and chips and popcorn shrimp to choose from. However, most people stick to what he\u2019s known for best, which are the deep-fried Oreos and egg creams.\u00a0<\/p>\n Whitney Browne was struggling with insomnia. Walking the New York City streets one night, she entered Ray\u2019s Candy Store and asked if she could work for him. Ray agreed to take her on. She ended up publishing a book<\/a> about her time at Ray\u2019s and a love letter to Ray.<\/p>\n Ray\u2019s Candy Story is located at 113 Avenue A.\n<\/p>\n Chinatown Ice Cream Factory<\/p>\n Chinatown\u2019s Ice Cream Factory has been open since 1978 and has been a neighborhood staple for generations. Located at 65 Bayard Street, it was originally founded by current owner Christina Seid\u2019s father, Phillip Seid.\u00a0<\/p>\n Phillip Seid was an entrepreneur at heart. Before opening the ice cream shop, he tried to open a sandwich shop. However, the business didn\u2019t catch on, so he decided to join the ice cream industry after realizing an opening in the market for new flavors.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a>A fresh batch of deep-fried Oreos from Ray\u2019s Candy Store.<\/p>\n