There used to be a Beard Papa’s in the East Village (anyone old enough to remember that?) where I’d got whenever I had cream puff cravings. I know there are a couple of locations in Midtown and Upper West Side, but both are a bit of a trek for me. That’s why I was so happy to find Alimama! It’s a new-ish tea/dessert place in the heart of Chinatown that specializes in mochi desserts and cream puffs. I haven’t had a chance to try the mochi donuts yet, but the cream puffs are to-die-for! The crust reminds me of a pineapple bun, and the filling is incredibly airy and fluffy. Out of the 3 flavors I’ve tried (ube, vanilla, yuzu), ube is the one that really works well with the crispy shell. It also helps that the ube filling is in a gorgeous pastel purple. The shop is small, but there is limited seating along one of the walls. Next on my list: boba milk tea cream puff!