DISH OF THE WEEK: Everything Bagel Mochi at MOCHIDOKI

Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City

For people reading this in the future, you will either have very little memory of this topic or you will wonder about this historical ingredient called cream cheese.

As I write this, New York is apparently still dealing with a cream cheese shortage. Who knows how long this will go on. I imagine bagel shops will eventually be able to replenish their supply and we can go back to our lives. Or I suppose we will have to find something else to schmear on our breakfast and cream cheese will eventually become a thing of the past.

That being said, cream cheese is still a thing and I’m excited to tell you that bagel shops aren’t the only ones who make good use of it.

I randomly walked by a new location of mochidoki tucked away on the southern end of the Upper East Side. I had been wanting to check out the mochi dedicated shop and so figured I’d take a look. But one flavor in particular caught my eye and compelled me to get a taste.

This locally based chain makes a special flavor just for the neighborhood and as you might have guessed by now it involves cream cheese.

The Everything Bagel mochi puts all the things you expect from a New York bagel into a tiny little dessert bite. The only thing missing is gluten. Since this is mochi, it is made from rice flour and is completely gluten free.

I thought this could go many different ways. Bagels are not usually what you think of for your dessert flavor. But this worked really well.

For the uninitiated, mochi is a chewy rice dough that is often encompassing a layer of ice cream in the center. They’re textured and yummy.

The mochi itself was studded with all the usual everything spices, including garlic, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, and salt. Inside, of course, is a delectable luxurious cream cheese ice cream.

This really worked on all levels. Not too sweet and not overly savory. The chewy textures and creamy center were both pleasant and the flavor was bold enough but not overwhelming. It was really just right.

So perhaps it’s a Christmas (or Hanukkah?) miracle. Cream cheese is still available on the Upper East Side, but it might not be in the package you expected. Price: $7