Bryant Park’s Winter Village is a Manhattan staple during the holiday season. From October to January, the area is packed with festive food vendors, holiday shops, and an ice-skating rink. Although this seasonal market originally opened in 2002, it has grown in popularity in recent years due to its unique food vendors going viral on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I had to see for myself whether these picture-perfect dishes matched in deliciousness. I spent a day there ranking the most popular treats, discovering the true answer to the burning question: Is the Winter Village truly timeless or just a passing trend?
Mrs. Claus Cafe: While its original location is on Mulberry Street, this Italian cafe runs a stand in the Winter Village solely dedicated to one item: its parmesan wheel pasta. The massive pasta-filled wheel immediately caught my eye and was the first stop on my food adventure. My favorite part about the stand was that the chef created a memorable experience, preparing each dish fresh in front of customers. Although pricey ($24 for one serving), this pasta was worth every penny. Its generous portion, rich and creamy sauce, and freshly grated parmesan on top created a delectable bite and irresistible dish.
Gnocchi on 9th: With locations in the East Village, Lower East Side, and Upper West Side, Gnocchi on 9th has revolutionized a traditional dish by creating a convenient eating experience. The restaurant has gained Internet fame for serving its various gnocchi options out of “doggie bags,” and I was excited for the opportunity to try it at Bryant Park. It was one of the most popular spots, but the staff was efficient with crowd control, and I only waited about 10 minutes. I ordered the classic gnocchi alla vodka, and other options included original and black truffle cacio e pepe, and burrata could be added to any dish. The gnocchi was delicious but overpriced; I paid $15 for one small portion, and it was an extra $5 to add burrata. Although visually appealing, I found that the doggy bags took away from the taste; a traditional plastic container would have allowed room for more sauce and parmesan cheese. I am ashamed to say that I fell for Gnocchi on 9th‘s Instagram trap by taking part in this passing pasta trend.
Baked Cheese Haus: This artisanal cheese company went viral for its raclette, a technique where fresh cheese is melted then scraped off the wheel. I had seen numerous videos on the internet of the raclette and was determined to discover if it tasted as good as it looked. Although this stand had the longest line, it was worth the wait. I was blown away by the Jambon Cru sandwich, where the raclette was scraped over ham, onions, and pickles on a toasted baguette. The cheese was oozing out of the sandwich and was tasty. I was impressed with the sandwich’s size, which could feed multiple people for a reasonable $12. The raclette is a must-have experience for Bryant Park visitors, and I am eager to have it again.
Babka Bailout: Babka Bailout is another business that creates a twist on a classic dish. It is well known for its “babka pops”: mini loaves of babka dipped in rich white or milk chocolate and a topping of choice. I had trouble choosing from the unique variety of flavors but finally settled on s’mores with white chocolate and sprinkles for $12. As a babka lover, I do not say lightly that this was one of the best I have ever had. Although messy, the warm cake paired with melted chocolate was delicious. Along with the “babka pops,” the store also sells gourmet flavors like ube Nutella Oreo, brie guava, and butternut squash. Babka Bailout is dedicated to making a difference, donating 10% of all proceeds to those in need. Their “donation of the month” was to Bake for Ukraine, a nonprofit organization that helps Ukrainian bakeries contribute to the food supply during the war. Babka Bailout bakes for a cause, and their flavors do not disappoint; it is a timeless addition to the Winter Village.
Down the Chimney: I admit, I was skeptical about this stop and reluctant to spend $15 on the viral “chimney cake.” The Campfire S’more flavor, however, exceeded my expectations and was wonderfully addicting. The chimney itself is brioche dough topped with cinnamon and sugar and baked, then filled with toasty marshmallows, Nutella, and graham crackers. The flavors paired perfectly together, and I enjoyed the texture of the cinnamon sugar on the cone. With its unique options, Down the Chimney has built the foundation of a new Christmas tradition and is the perfect place for a delicious dessert.
With dozens of food vendors and small businesses, visitors of the Bryant Park Winter Village have endless options to explore diverse flavors. Many dishes have gained internet fame due to unique presentations and complex flavors, but foodies will not be disappointed; Bryant Park has (almost) perfected the art of a timeless holiday market.
