Westchester’s first taiyaki and dessert bar has opened at Rye Ridge Shopping Center

April 18, 2024 at 4:06 a.m.

Taiyaki Japanese ice cream served at Mama Mia Dessert Bar in the Rye Ridge Shopping Center.

Mama Mia Dessert Bar has opened at Rye Ridge Shopping Center.

They recently signed a long-term lease for 1,500 square feet in the space formerly occupied by Red Mango in the main portion of the shopping center.

The management of the shopping center believed it was important to replace Red Mango with another “frozen concept” as the use was well loved by the community and has been greatly missed.

Mama Mia is the first Westchester location to feature taiyaki (Japanese ice cream). They also serve mochi donuts, shaved snow and Korean corn dogs.

This lease follows the recent one to Japanese powerhouse Daiso which opened not long ago.

Lovers of taiyaki and mochi donuts will no longer have to travel to New York City to indulge. Taiyaki ice cream, easily recognized due to the fish-shaped cone similar to a waffle, is popular in NYC and LA and the management is honored that it’s making its Westchester debut at Rye Ridge.

Customers have the option of choosing signature taiyaki creations such as “Straight Outta Japan” made with matcha black sesame ice cream, red bean taiyaki cone, unicorn ears and horn topped with unicorn sprinkles.

Mochi donuts are made from sweet gluten free Japanese flour that gives them a chewy, springy texture yet they are light. Mochi donuts have 50% less calories than regular donuts. They are shaped into rings and each donut is comprised of eight rings fried together. Mamma Mia will feature imaginative mochi donut selections such as churro, nutella, black sesame and guava pineapple. They are literally works of art.

In addition, Mama Mia serves Japanese corn dogs with unique creations available such as “Original Crispy Ramen Hot Dog” and “Hot Cheetos Mozzarella.” They also plan to serve elegant shaved ice this summer and bubble tea.

Erin Hinchey, leasing agent for the shopping center, said: “We really felt it was vital to replace the Red Mango with a frozen concept. It’s essential to a well-rounded shopping center. I am personally excited for people to discover taiyaki ice cream, mochi donuts and Korean corn dogs for the first time. Having a dessert bar that features delicacies that no other shopping center offers is obviously pretty special.”