Liu’s Creamery: A Sweet Escape into Taiwanese and Hong Kong Dessert Culture in Koreatown
Since its grand opening in early 2023, Liu’s Cafe has garnered attention as a beloved daytime spot in Koreatown, Los Angeles. This charming eatery has successfully introduced the vibrant flavors of Hong Kong and Taiwan to the neighborhood. Building on its success, the team behind Liu’s Cafe is excited to unveil their latest venture: Liu’s Creamery. This Asian-inspired ice cream shop, which began scooping delicious flavors in mid-December, is quickly making a name for itself in the local dessert scene.
A Flavorful Beginning
Liu’s Creamery is located adjacent to Liu’s Cafe at 3913 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90020. The cozy storefront is adorned with vintage furniture and a curated gallery wall, creating an inviting atmosphere that pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the dishes it serves. The inception of Liu’s Creamery dates back to early 2024, when the team began to brainstorm dessert-focused menus that would complement the cafe’s offerings. The goal was to channel childhood nostalgia while incorporating the same Taiwanese and Hong Kong influences that have made the cafe so popular.
According to co-owner Patrick Liu, the decision to create an ice cream shop stemmed from the desire to tap into Taiwan’s robust dessert culture, which is renowned for its array of sweet treats like shaved ice, bubble tea, and pineapple cake. This focus on authenticity and cultural representation is what sets Liu’s Creamery apart from typical ice cream shops.
Meet the Creative Mind Behind the Flavors
Leading the culinary charge at Liu’s Creamery is pastry chef Isabell Manibusan, who also oversees the dessert menu at Liu’s Cafe and the modern Korean restaurant Danbi. Manibusan has a deep appreciation for the flavors of her childhood and aims to translate familiar tastes into the creamy delight of ice cream. Her innovative approach has resulted in a menu that not only features traditional flavors but also introduces a modern twist.
An Exquisite Menu of Flavors
The opening menu at Liu’s Creamery features five unique flavors, each crafted with care and precision. Among these delightful offerings is a secret special: the Tea Egg, made with black tea, braising spices, and soy sauce, and topped with cured shaved egg yolk. This adventurous flavor exemplifies the creative spirit of Liu’s Creamery.
Manibusan has also made it a priority to reinterpret popular flavors into ice cream form. For instance, she has transformed the beloved Ovaltine and honey toast into frozen treats, appealing to both new customers and those familiar with these nostalgic tastes. The menu is designed to keep customers intrigued, with a mix of consistent flavors and rotating seasonal specials based on inspiration and availability.
More Than Just Scoops
Liu’s Creamery goes beyond standard ice cream offerings by featuring a full sundae bar that boasts 22 toppings. Some of the standout toppings include red bean, granola, grass jelly, and condensed milk, allowing customers to customize their desserts to their liking. One of the must-try combinations is the Night Market Special, which combines Taiwan milk ice cream with cilantro oil, cilantro chiffonade, and candied sesame peanut powder. Another popular choice is the Pineapple Cake, featuring Taiwan milk ice cream, pineapple jam, butter cookie crumble, and pineapple cake cookies.
Each cup of ice cream comes with a choice of two toppings and a small cookie at no additional charge, making it an even sweeter deal. Prices are reasonable, with scoops starting at $5 for a mini serving and going up to $7.50 for extravagant sundaes.
Looking to the Future
While Liu’s Creamery currently focuses on ice cream, Isabell Manibusan has grand plans for the future. She envisions expanding the menu to include more delectable sweets such as ice cream floats, warm pies, and additional Asian-inspired desserts. This evolution of the menu reflects the ongoing commitment to innovation and quality that Liu’s Creamery embodies.
Visiting Liu’s Creamery
For those eager to experience the delightful fusion of Taiwanese and Hong Kong flavors, Liu’s Creamery is open from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday through Sunday. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat to cool down on a warm day or a unique dessert experience, Liu’s Creamery promises to deliver a taste of nostalgia and culture right in the heart of Koreatown.
Conclusion
Liu’s Creamery is more than just an ice cream shop; it is a celebration of Taiwanese and Hong Kong dessert culture reimagined for a new generation. With its carefully curated menu, inviting atmosphere, and commitment to authentic flavors, Liu’s Creamery is set to become a must-visit destination for dessert lovers in Los Angeles. As they continue to innovate and expand their offerings, there’s no telling what delightful surprises await customers in the future. Make sure to stop by Liu’s Creamery and indulge in a scoop—or two—of their delicious creations, and experience the magic of Asian-inspired desserts.
