In the San Gabriel Valley, dessert isn’t an afterthought — it’s the main event. And while my list below only scratches the surface, there are countless delicious Asian cafés, tea houses, bakeries and dessert shops flooding the San Gabriel Valley.
A 2024 Los Angeles Times analysis of U.S. Census data revealed that out of 14 Asian-majority suburbs in L.A. County, all but one are in the San Gabriel Valley. That means you can get boba, Japanese soufflé pancakes and dim sum all in the same afternoon.
You could spend years eating your way through the SGV (I’m up for the challenge). But if you want a teaser, spend this holiday season indulging in the unique sweet treats this food mecca has to offer.
MeloMelo Coconut Dessert
529 E. Valley Blvd., San Gabriel (with additional locations in City of Industry, Rowland Heights, Koreatown, Westchester, Sawtelle and Irvine)
This dessert shop does one thing, and it does it well: coconut jelly pudding. With a rotating list of seasonal flavors, plus a wide variety of staples like red bean, ube, matcha, mango and dragon fruit, you can come back again and again to try something new. Not too sweet and surprisingly refreshing, each dessert comes in a cute little glass jar, making it perfect for holiday picnics or a hostess gift. melomelo.us
Jiu Ji Dessert
1261 E. Valley Blvd., Alhambra
Like many hidden gems, this place is in a strip mall with an unassuming exterior. But walk inside and find an open, inviting dessert shop specializing in the Cantonese-style sweet dessert soup known as tang shui.
I’m a dessert soup novice, but the kind employees tried to explain to me their signature ingredients, including peach gum and snow swallow, assuring me they’re healthy and “good for the skin.” I opted for the Snow Swallow with Taro Balls in Coconut Milk, which you can order hot or cold — a sweet, colorful textured soup that is hard to explain; you’ll just have to try it! jiujidessert.com
With Love
819 W. Las Tunas Dr., San Gabriel
This Korean dessert shop specializes in soft serve topped with taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped cake traditionally filled with red bean paste. With Love lets you choose your filling: Nutella, custard, cream cheese and more. Soft-serve flavors include original milk, pineapple Dole whip, Ghirardelli chocolate and matcha. Add complimentary toppings such as Oreo crumbs or mini pretzels and you’ve got yourself a decadent, custom treat. dessertswithlove.com
Oh My Pan
801 E. Valley Blvd., San Gabriel
If you’re craving a little savory with your sweet, then add this Asian bakery and café to your holiday treats tour. Select from a variety of breads — green onion hot dog and spicy seaweed sausage, red bean bun or boba milk tea bun — but leave room for a slice of matcha tiramisu, a red velvet cupcake or the star of the show: volcano and honey toasts. Fluffy brick toast is piled high with strawberries, bananas, custard cream, marshmallows and the like. With a 20- to 35-minute toasting time, toasts are dine-in only. ohmypan.com
Other places to satisfy your sweet tooth this holiday season:
- Fresh Roast (308 S. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel), known for its Hong Kong egg “bubble” waffles.
- Motto Tea Café (250 W. Valley Blvd., San Gabriel), the spot to get those viral Japanese soufflé pancakes.
- Fujiwara Tofu Café (9216 Flair Dr., El Monte), inspired by the ‘90s street racing anime “Initial D” and specializing in soybean-based snacks and desserts.
Nina Harada is an artist, writer, mom of two and Digital Editor of L.A. Parent.
