TLDR
Unique South Asian-inspired, eggless ice cream. Must-try flavors like masala chai & pistachio soft serve.
Details
Malai Ice Cream in Brooklyn is celebrated for its distinctive eggless ice creams featuring South Asian-inspired flavors. Originally a stand at Hester Street Fair, it has blossomed into a beloved scoop shop offering about a dozen unique options. Highlights include popular choices like masala chai, Turkish coffee, rose, and baklava, with many praising the creative and delicious combinations [1], [2].
Food Overview
Malai specializes in eggless ice creams with South Asian flavors, offering unique options like masala chai, Turkish coffee, rose, and baklava [1], [2]. Their pistachio soft serve is a frequently mentioned favorite, often hailed as the best in the city [1], [2]. Other praised items include a rose ice cream with cinnamon almonds and a vanilla saffron flavor described as superior to store-bought options [1], [3]. Ice cream cakes are also noted as visually appealing and recommended [1], [4].
Caveats
No negative or neutral comments were found for the month of August 2025, indicating overwhelmingly positive feedback during that period. Similarly, in January 2026, the sole mention was a positive recommendation for ice cream cakes, with no other opinions shared.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About MALAI ICE CREAM
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Looking For Unique Dessert Spots In Nyc With
"Malai Ice Cream is listed as a recommendation for interesting flavored ice cream."
NeutralFrom post: Best Bagelsbreakfast Near Barclays My Wife Put Me
"Malai Ice Cream is recommended for its unique flavors and late hours, located on Smith Street near Smith St. Bagels."
PositiveFrom post: Ice Cream Cake
"Malai was listed as a recommendation for ice cream cakes in NYC."
NeutralFrom post: Ice Cream Cake In Nyc
"The user expressed a strong desire to try Malai's ice cream cakes, noting that they look amazing."
PositiveFrom post: Which Ice Cream Places Have The Best Top Tier
"This user recommended Malai in Brooklyn for their vanilla saffron ice cream, stating it's so good it will ruin grocery store ice cream."
PositiveFrom post: Soft Serve In Nyc
"The author considers Malai's pistachio soft serve their favorite in the city, also mentioning the saffron flavor is good but pistachio is preferred."
PositiveFrom post: Rose Flavored Gelato
"The commenter mentioned that Malai has a rose ice cream with cinnamon almonds. Another user expressed excitement about this suggestion."
PositiveFrom post: Hanis Soft Serve
"The commenter agrees with the recommendation for Malai, noting that their soft serve swirl, specifically cardamom and mango sorbet, was amazing."
PositiveFrom post: Hanis Soft Serve
"Malai in Brooklyn is highly recommended for its soft serve, with pistachio being a favorite flavor. The soft serve is noted to have flavors similar to their hard ice cream."
PositiveFrom post: Best Ice Cream In The City Not Gelato
"Malai in Cobble Hill is mentioned as a good ice cream spot, though it's noted that they wouldn't typically have maple walnut."
Positive