Little Guyana Bake Shop

- 116-04 Liberty Ave, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419

If you’re a New Yorker seeking an authentic culinary journey that transports you straight to the heart of the Caribbean, specifically the unique cultural fusion of Guyana, a trip to Little Guyana Bake Shop in South Richmond Hill, Queens, is essential. Situated on the bustling, culturally rich corridor of Liberty Avenue, this establishment is far more than a simple bakery; it is a foundational pillar of the community, serving as both a source of daily sustenance and a vibrant cultural hub for the Guyanese diaspora and curious food lovers across the Tri-state area.

The bakery's enduring legacy is built upon its commitment to traditional, freshly baked Guyanese breads and pastries. These products represent a distinct blend of culinary traditions, reflecting the country's diverse heritage, which includes influences from India, Africa, China, and indigenous peoples. New Yorkers rave about the baked goods, which are made with care and traditional ingredients, creating flavors that feel genuinely "home cooked." Specialties like Chinese Cake—a flaky, sweet pastry filled with a thick, sweetened black-eyed pea paste—and Plait Bread (a buttery white loaf) are top-selling items that attract customers not just from Queens, but from as far as New Jersey.

What makes Little Guyana Bake Shop particularly notable for the New York consumer is its dual function as a small grocery store. Half of the space is dedicated to selling an impressive, wide selection of specialty West Indian products, hard-to-find Guyanese ingredients, and spices like curry powder and garam masala. For New Yorkers who cook at home, this is an invaluable resource. The grocery section stocks unique items such as various Guyanese seafood (including Gilbacker and different types of shrimp), pickled items like Pickled Mango, and bottled sauces, making it a one-stop shop for creating an authentic Guyanese meal right in your own kitchen. This blend of fresh bakery goods and specialty groceries makes it an indispensable neighborhood institution.

The bakery’s importance is rooted in its role as a cultural anchor within the Little Guyana neighborhood, an enclave that stretches for about 20 blocks along Liberty Avenue. Customers refer to it as "the pride of this community," underscoring its cultural significance. While the business is celebrated for its authentic, delicious products, it is important to note the candid feedback from some long-time patrons regarding the customer service experience. Reviews have occasionally pointed to the service at the counter as a challenge, which is a key element for the owners to address to ensure the cherished legacy continues smoothly for the next generation of New York customers. However, the quality of the products, which brings customers back faithfully for over two decades, is undeniable and speaks for itself.

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Location and Accessibility in South Richmond Hill, Queens

Little Guyana Bake Shop is perfectly situated on Liberty Avenue, the main thoroughfare of the Little Guyana neighborhood in South Richmond Hill, Queens (zip code 11419). This area is famously known for its dense concentration of Guyanese and West Indian businesses, restaurants, and cultural shops, making it the premier destination in NYC for Caribbean-Indian culture.

The specific address is 116-04 Liberty Ave, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419, USA. For New Yorkers relying on public transportation, the neighborhood is accessible via the MTA subway system, with the A train running relatively close by, making the full strip of Liberty Avenue easily reachable. Given the density and activity of Liberty Avenue, while the business notes "Paid street parking" is available, New Yorkers are advised to anticipate the typical urban challenge of finding a spot in this busy commercial district. The location is ideal for a quick visit ("Quick visit" planning is noted) and is a convenient stop for locals and those making a special trip to stock up on authentic Caribbean groceries and freshly baked goods before heading back to other parts of New York City.

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Services Offered

• Specialty Bakery: Offers a wide selection of traditional Guyanese breads and pastries, baked fresh daily.
• Grocery Store Hybrid: Stocks a comprehensive range of West Indian groceries, spices, frozen meats, and hard-to-find Guyanese products.
• Takeout Service: Primary service option for quick, on-the-go purchases of baked goods and groceries.
• Quick Visit Focused: Designed for efficient transactions, making it suitable for customers who know exactly what they want.
• Accepted Payments: Supports Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments, along with SNAP/EBT, ensuring broad accessibility for the community.

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Features and Highlights

• The Community Cornerstone: Widely regarded as the "pride of this community" and an iconic, long-standing institution in Little Guyana, serving generations of New York's Guyanese and Indo-Caribbean population.
• Authentic Guyanese Specialties: Features unique, top-selling items like Chinese Cake (a flaky pastry with black-eyed pea paste filling) and Salara (a red coconut rolled-up bread), which are essential tastes of home.
• Specialty Groceries and Seafood: Beyond baked goods, the shop is notable for its selection of specialty Guyanese products, including fresh and frozen seafood like Gilbacker (a fish highly prized in Guyanese cuisine), various types of shrimp, and Guyanese crab.
• Traditional Cakes: Offers specialty cakes for celebratory and daily consumption, including Sponge Cake and the famous Black Cake, a rich, dark fruitcake traditional for Christmas and weddings.
• Daily Baked Goods Variety: Regularly sells a dozen types of fresh bread and pastries, including beloved items like Tennis Rolls (sweet breakfast rolls), Plait Bread (buttery white loaf), Pine Tarts (pineapple-filled triangular pastry), and Cheese Rolls (flaky pastry with savory cheese).

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Contact Information

Address: 116-04 Liberty Ave, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419, USA

Phone: (718) 843-6530

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What is Worth Choosing at Little Guyana Bake Shop

For any New Yorker interested in high-quality, authentic Caribbean-Indian cuisine, Little Guyana Bake Shop is the definitive choice for two main reasons: specialized, traditional baked goods and unparalleled access to Guyanese culinary ingredients.

First, the baked goods are a true cultural experience. You must try the Chinese Cake (also known as Black Eye Cake). At $2.00 for three pieces, this flaky, thick pastry filled with sweetened black-eyed peas is a unique blend of Guyanese and Chinese influence not easily found elsewhere in the city. Equally essential is a loaf of their Plait Bread or Tennis Rolls, which are staple breakfast and snack breads that capture the authentic flavor of a Guyanese home kitchen. Another highly recommended choice is the Pine Tart, a pastry pocket stuffed with sweet pineapple jam, which customers consistently seek out for its authentic taste. For a savory option, the Cheese Roll is a popular choice, providing a flaky, savory counterpart to the sweet treats.

Second, the bakery’s selection of specialty groceries, especially the Gilbacker (a prized fish) and Pickled Mango, offers a resource for home cooks throughout New York City. The ability to purchase freshly baked goods and authentic, imported ingredients under one roof simplifies the process of bringing Guyanese cuisine into a New York home. Furthermore, for special occasions, the Black Cake and Sponge Cake represent traditional Guyanese celebration desserts, perfect for holidays and family gatherings.

While the business’s enduring reputation as a local landmark is a testament to its product quality, New Yorkers are advised to focus on the food and prepare for an efficient, takeout-style service experience. The exceptional value, authenticity, and range of products solidifies Little Guyana Bake Shop’s position as a cultural treasure and a must-visit culinary destination on Liberty Avenue for anyone in the New York region.

Little Guyana Bake Shop

116-04 Liberty Ave, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419, USA