Panya

“Should I have the octopus dumplings or the strawberry shortcake?” These are the kinds of decisions that must be made in the East Village. Neatly arranged display cases are shared by sedate, Western sweets and whimsical, savory, decidedly Japanese conceptions like panfried gingery yakisoba noodles in a sweet bun. Whichever side of the aisle you choose, Panya’s twists on traditional treats—green-tea tiramisu; thinly sliced avocado and tomato layered on cinnamon-raisin bread—are tasty and cheap, perfect pick-me-ups during a neighborhood stroll. Seats are only available on warm days, when several small tables extend the storefront onto the sidewalk.