As I stepped into 1NY Bakery & Café, the air was thick with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread. I followed the rich, sweet scent of cinnamon to the counter.
The bakery, though named after America’s largest city, clearly draws inspiration from Asian culinary traditions to offer a unique fusion that sets it apart from other local bakeries. Whether it’s a quick bite with friends or a quiet moment to yourself, 1NY Bakery & Café is a good option.
Savor the Perfect Cup
The moment I walked into 1NY Bakery & Café, I was welcomed with a warm smile. Curious about what to try, I asked for a recommendation, and the server suggested the signature milkshakes. I decided on the mango flavor.
The drink arrived in a sleek, clear cup with the 1NY logo. The first sip hit with a strong burst of mango flavor, balanced by the creaminess of the milk.
The only downside is that we regretted not adding toppings to our drinks even though the server recommended it to us.
Fresh Baked Bliss
Emma Jiang, the owner of 1NY Bakery & Café, said that bread I smelled when I first walked in is baked fresh every day.
They have a wide variety of baked goods for customers to choose- from the soft sweetness of a pineapple bun to the cream cheese bread to the buttery goodness of their Japanese-inspired pastries.
I treated myself to the Pork Floss Cake and the Tiger Skin Cake Roll, and let me tell you, the Tiger Skin Cake Roll absolutely stole the spotlight.
It’s a popular Asian dessert, named for the golden, striped appearance of its outer layer, which resembles the stripes of a tiger’s skin. The roll itself has a soft, spongy texture and is typically filled with a light cream or custard.
As for the Pork Floss Cake, it’s another intriguing treat, often found in Chinese bakeries. It combines savory pork floss (a dried, shredded pork) with a sweet, delicate cake base, perfect for those who enjoy a mix of flavors.
Popular Baked Goods- Other Baked Goods
If you’re a scone lover, 1NY Bakery & Café offers an intriguing selection that might surprise you at an Asian bakery.
They have several flavors to choose from, including classic strawberry, chocolate hazelnut, and their popular Oreo cream scone. Interestingly, these scones aren’t the traditional English kind—they’re lighter and a bit more cake-like.
The only thing to note is that a scone is half the size of a traditional English scone and will cost you $6. But I think these little things are worth trying once.
The cake box is one of the most popular items in the store. It’s a convenient treat where slices of bread, cream, and various ingredients are layered in a transparent plastic box, making it easy to enjoy a variety of flavors in one serving.
According to Emma, the “Red Velvet Cake Box with Spicy Pork and Mochi” is her latest creation.
This unusual combination isn’t something you’d expect at first, but it reflects a common trend in some Asian bakeries where sweet and savory flavors are creatively paired.
Emma was inspired by the way pork floss is often combined with sweet breads in Chinese bakeries, and she wanted to push the boundaries further by incorporating spicy pork into a traditionally sweet dessert. The addition of mochi adds a chewy texture that contrasts with the rich red velvet cake.
They also sell pretzels but don’t expect to find a simple yeast pretzel with salt. They offer four flavors you wouldn’t expect: Matcha, Black Sesame, Chocolate, and Orleans Chicken. Matcha flavor is the best flavor sold here, made with authentic Japanese matcha powder that offers a refreshing twist on the classic pretzel.
During my visit, I had the chance to meet the bakers behind 1NY Bakery & Café.
Emma, the owner, is an experienced baker known for her beautifully customized birthday cakes. Her team consists of skilled Chinese aunties, each with years of baking experience. Every auntie greeted me very kindly. Although they are not good at speaking English, their baking skills are clear.
Their day starts early to ensure that everything is freshly made by the time the bakery opens and everyone is greeted by that same fresh baked smell that I was.
Purdue University Student, Yixuan Yuan (Celia), shares this blog. This blog is part of a series of articles submitted to Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette through a cooperation with a 400-level travel writing class at Purdue University.
