Chris S.
Yelp
When visiting Little Italy, you might want to skip the gelato parlors and shaved ice shops and grab a hearty bowl of rice pudding studded with chunks of chocolate chips.
Rice to Riches was a must-visit on my cousin's holiday weekend itinerary.
She's here visiting from Guyana, and as her host, I wanted to show her some of the city's most unique and buzzworthy spots.
I'd seen this place recommended all over Instagram. The bright lights of the store caught our attention, and the food looked luminous in those reflective bowls.
I thought to myself, I have to try this. But, based on past experiences, rice pudding has always been a missed opportunity for me.
My biggest concerns? The texture and the taste. I had no interest in eating something that felt like slimy boogers with candy sauce on top.
But Rice to Riches completely shattered those expectations.
This has to be one of the best original spots in the city--one that fully lives up to its surging popularity.
The moment we walked in, we were hit with the vibes.
The space is a bright, quirky, candy-colored wonderland, the kind of place where you half expect Willy Wonka to pop out with a spoon and start handing out samples.
And samples--there are so many samples. I tried six flavors before committing, and honestly, each one was better than the last.
I've had my fair share of rice pudding over the years--Indian, Caribbean, even the deli-cup variety--but this is nothing like that.
No weird gluey texture, no sad, bland spoonfuls. This is smooth, creamy, luxurious. Imagine ice cream's hip, health-conscious cousin who still knows how to have a good time.
I landed on Tiramisu and Rocky Road with a topping called Spirit--basically caramelized crumble magic.
My cousin chose French Toast and Coconut, and honestly, both were so good I almost wished we'd swapped cups halfway through (we didn't--family has limits).
What really impressed me was the flavor intensity. You're not just tasting rice with a hint of something; these flavors are full-on experiences. The Tiramisu could almost pass for an actual tiramisu, with all the coffee and cocoa notes hitting just right.
The Rocky Road had the perfect balance of creamy chocolate, marshmallows, and crunch, while the Spirit topping added a texture that makes you think, Oh, this is why people love parfaits.
The service at Rice to Riches was just as impressive as the dessert itself.
Despite the constant stream of customers, the place ran like a well-oiled machine.
This spot is popular, and for good reason--people were coming in droves, snapping pictures, lounging, and debating their flavor choices.
Even with the heavy traffic, the staff didn't miss a beat.
There were at least four or five people working behind the counter when I visited, and every single one of them was attentive and accommodating.
They made sure everyone, including me and my cousin, felt taken care of.
What stood out the most was their patience. My cousin and I couldn't decide which flavors to choose (it's a big decision, okay?), but the staff let us sample a generous number of options without rushing us.
They offered suggestions, answered questions, and genuinely seemed to care about making sure we left happy with our picks.
It's rare to find a spot in the city that's so busy yet still takes the time to give each customer a personal experience. The staff here nailed it. They were friendly, understanding, and made the whole process smooth and enjoyable.
Here's the kicker: the whole experience was shockingly affordable for Manhattan. My two-flavor cup with a topping came to $13.
While it's not corner-store cheap, it's a bargain for dessert that feels like it belongs in a fancy Michelin-starred tasting menu.
Plus, they're open until 11 PM, even on Sundays, which is practically unheard of for a dessert spot.
Rice to Riches is the kind of place you take someone to when you want to impress--whether that's a cousin visiting from abroad, a date who doesn't care about calorie counts, or yourself, because self-care sometimes looks like a heaping cup of French Toast rice pudding.
So yes, it's rice pudding. But it's also kind of life-changing. Five stars, no hesitation.