Towa (NYC - Pop-Up)

Fun spot. Plenty of hard-to-find specialty items, although it’s a small store so it’s strictly speciality. Certainly a bunch of clean small businesses promoting unique flavors and ideas. Pad Thai popcorn for example— was delicious! There is a small cafe in the middle of the store serving your regular latte/coffee varieties. It’s a clean space with a good conscience for aesthetic and appearance.

It is a must stop for me whenever I am in NYC. As a lactose intolerant, I come here for their delicious Cashew creamy cheese. Along that I try different vegan snacks every-time. Last time I tried their hot Matcha Pistachio Milk, I like it but I want to try the cold one next time. The shop is a bit on the pricey side but for me it’s worth it once in a while.

Nice corner shop with fun, sometimes hard to get finds which rotate (such as Green Girl Bakeshop ice cream sandwiches and Nekohama chocolate bars). Has vegan pastry and grocery items as well as some gluten free selections; it would get 5 stars if it was fully vegan but worth a visit when you’re in the area. Super friendly staff as well.

I’d attribute the success here to the location. I would not choose to come here if it were located elsewhere. It’s just easy to walk into. I thought my matcha lemonade would be awesome but the matcha is premade in the squirt bottle set up and kinda chunky. Their drinks do the job though, which is why i keep coming back. That’s all I’ll say. Can’t tell if the barista hates me particularly or is irritated by everyone equally. @kismette on substack for my reviews!

I follow this account on IG and have been wanting to check out their first permanent store. It’s small but cute inside with lots of snacks & treats from up and coming new brands. They also have a café and coffee bar with made to order food. I tried the spicy cornbread, which was pretty tasty. I’m not sure how many people actually shop here so hoping they can stick around…