Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate
Steps from Dunn Loring Metro, this Asian dessert café brings innovation and indulgence in every bite
BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
If you’re ever riding the Orange Line train and find yourself hopping off at Dunn Loring with a sweet tooth, there’s one spot you absolutely can’t miss—Rice Culture. This hidden gem, tucked just a short walk from the metro, is the ultimate late-night dessert destination for adventurous foodies and soft-serve enthusiasts.
Self-described as a place “where tradition meets innovation in Asian desserts,” Rice Culture takes that mission seriously—and deliciously. Their star attraction? A $10 soft serve that’s anything but ordinary. Swirled into a cup or cone, these unique soft serves come crowned with a golden, crispy taiyaki—a fish-shaped waffle filled with a choice of custard, cookie butter, red bean, Nutella or even Oreo cream. And the best part? Unlimited toppings. Yes, that’s correct—unlimited.
Flavor-wise, Rice Culture doesn’t shy away from the bold or the beautiful; floral sakura milk, delicate lychee, vibrant ube and the ever-popular cookies and cream. Every flavor delivers a distinct experience, marrying Asian-inspired roots with modern presentation. As sophomore Alia Daniels, describes it, “Rice Culture is great—the ice cream flavors were really good, not too sweet. Thai and Sakura taiyaki are my favorite.”
But the magic doesn’t stop at the soft serve. The café offers an impressive range of drinks, from colorful refreshers to classic coffees, alongside jar desserts that range from fizzy floats to creamy, traditional rice puddings. Each item is crafted with a focus on aesthetic and flavor, truly Instagram-worthy and unforgettable. Sophomore Taylor Jackson, raved, “Rice Culture taiyaki with Nutella filling was the BOMB.”
Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate
Rice Culture has two other locations in Chantilly and Tysons, though the menu offerings at each spot vary, making every visit a fresh and flavorful experience. Whether craving something cool, creamy or culturally rich, Rice Culture is the spot worth coming back to—especially on the summer nights in the Northern Virginia area when only a taiyaki-topped treat will do.
