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One of my favorite ice cream spots in DC! I love the South Asian inspired ice cream flavors... you can't go wrong with any of the flavors to be honest. Although prices may be steep compared to other ice cream places, I think it's worth it. The service is pretty well as they let you sample flavors and give you their two cents. There is seating outside.
This place genuinely makes me soooo happy. Malai is the kind of ice cream spot where every flavor sounds so good you immediately panic because you can't choose. I ended up doing a half scoop of rose (with cinnamon roasted almonds) and a half scoop of chili chocolate and it was sooo worth it. The rose is floral in a really cozy way & the cinnamon almonds add the perfect crunch. The chili chocolate had this super interesting texture and a little kick that made it feel extra special. If you need a quick serotonin boost, come here. Periodttttt!
it's finally actually warm in dc and i'm on spring break so obviously we had to get ice cream and sit in the park!! malai has so many delicious sounding flavors but i was enticed by their flagship rose with cinnamon roasted almonds. this was one of the most delicious scoops i've ever had and it was absolutely perfect on a warm day like this. my friends all got different flavors - the tamarind spice, mango & cream, saffron pistachio, and cardamom pistachio crumble. i tried all of them and each and every one was absolutely delicious. they also have ice cream sandwiches, cakes, and popsicles for sale plus soft serve!! and i would truly be happy to have anything on the menu. i can't wait to come back and try something new!!
Aesthetic: Hip ice cream shop with unique South Asian flavors and toppings. My Favorites: The Rose Soft Serve! Experience: This place was the cutest. They had so many delicious flavors, we had to try a scoop. The Rose Soft Serve was fantastic, I added sprinkles for an extra flair. My husband tried the Cardamon Pistachio Crumble and the Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds which were also great, but mine was the best! I will definitely make this a staple when we're in DC.
Located near 14th Street NW, Malai is a delicious, egg-free ice cream shop. The shop has indoor and outdoor seating, as well as merchandise for sale. We shared a two-scoop cup, which was plenty! We tried the Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds and the Coffee Cardamom, both paired really well. We especially liked the crunch from the almonds and the bold coffee flavor. One thing to note: they don't offer lids, so with the generous portions, it was a bit tricky to take leftovers home. Service was okay. We were the only ones there, but the staff member was mostly on her phone with loud music playing. It felt a bit off for an ice cream shop, though it didn't ruin the experience.
Surprising flavors that also feel nostalgic. I loved that they have so many Asian flavors, from their guava chili to their curry leaf creamsicle. I tried a few flavors and one of their ice cream sandwiches. The rose with cinnamon toasted almonds ice cream flavor is average, but their guava chili is divine. It's sweet and the unexpected heat is delicious. I also really loved their Chai Molasses Cookie with Masala Chai Ice Cream sandwich. You can order at the counter and it's overall a clean establishment. The tables could be bussed more often between groups though.
Honestly, Malai keeps getting better. When I went last year, I wasn't impressed, but the few times I've gone recently, I've been pleasantly surprised at the flavor innovation and the service -- always incredibly kind! The line moves slowly though since it's a popular area, flavors run out, and some flavors are a miss for me, lacking the texture I desire -- it's definitely not too sweet which is appreciated.
The Tulsi chocolate chip was BOMB! The line moved quickly. They have a rewards program. You can try up to four flavors. $6 single scoop $7.50 double Vibe here is casual and cute. Mix of girls who just came from brunch, families, and random people stopping through. The service was nice. Would return.
Loved trying this place! Their ice cream is so packed with spices and flavors and is very unique! The staff were all so friendly and happy to give samples and their opinions on the favorite flavors. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, so it's a great place to hang out with friends regardless of any weather. I got the Ghughra flavor, and I absolutely loved the cardamom flavor coming from the ice cream. Even in small quantities, the other flavors I sampled were delicious. Can't wait to be back!
I was so excited to try the Indian flavors of ice cream here! Malai ice cream is usually one of my favorite! I was a bit surprised that they didn't have a basic malai flavor at this store though. I got a split scoop with rose and cinnamon covered almonds and lychee. The rose was my favorite but both were delicious! I usually love eating tulsi raw but the tulsi ice cream was a bit too strong for me. They had some other very interesting flavors that I would love to try next time. They do have a small restroom at this location that requires a code. They also sell t shirts and cook books and pints of the ice cream flavors in case you would like to take some home to your family.
Well parking was very difficult to find on a Friday night. It took about 30 mins to find parking. The line out the door was look, but it moved fairly quickly. We were served very quickly and found a place to sit outside in the patio area. The shop is rather small and the seat indoors were limited. The ice cream flavors we tried were interesting and unique! We got the two flavor scoop in the cup. The ice cream was really sweet. I did struggle to finish my scoops.
Appreciate the cultural representation and bold creativity. First impression: the decor is bright and inviting. The rose flavor was surprisingly floral and light, while the roti and ghee was well-balanced. A gentler touch on the sweetness and a smoother texture could take it even further--but honestly, this treat is perfect for a nighttime stroll. Desi flavors in modern desserts are herculean to pull off, but it's still refreshing to see. I really can't wait to bring my parents here. Rooting for this place--and the location couldn't be better. Thank you!
So excited to finally try this place. The first few months they opened the line was always long and I was too impatient to wait. I went yesterday and there was no line at all! The summer crowds are gone and the Christmas crowds were as well. I read previous comments about the poor customer service but I had a pleasant experience. The workers answered all my questions and I was able to sample some flavors. I asked the workers what flavors they recommended and ultimately went with that. I got the baklava and the rose with roasted almonds. The flavors were amazing! I think the hype is worth it and I can't wait to try some of the other flavors.
1 year ago
Malai is a NYC-based ice cream shop with South Asian flavors. It has flavors such as cardamom, cinnamon and rose, apricot and mace, lychee, and passion fruit and cilantro. I've had both the cinnamon, cardamom rose ice cream, as well as the saffron and pistachio soft serve, and they were both delicious! The pistachio soft serve had bold pistachio flavor that did not taste artificial (artificial pistachio flavor is a pet peeve of mine-lol). The soft serve flavors rotate periodically. They have a freezer case where you can buy pints of ice cream, and there are more flavors as well. The space is cute and chic on the inside, with plenty of seating, and they let you try samples before you buy. The service was friendly as well. Overall, I think this ice cream shop is a great addition to D.C., and I will be coming back again to try more flavors! read more
1 year ago
Expect long lines, but well worth it! The pistachio cardamom crumble was so delicious, and the chili chocolate had a secret, hidden, spicy note at the end. I will be back!!!!! read more
After hearing such rave reviews, I was so excited to try Malai! My siblings and I ventured here on a Sunday afternoon and were eager to dig into a few different flavors. The ambiance is very clean, super colorful, and is a fun spot to enjoy a sweet treat with friends. Love the sleek look! We got a triple scoop of Tulsi Chocolate Chip, Coffee Cardamom, and Sweet Milk - the ultimate combination! Each scoop was so flavorful. You can tell there is high quality ingredients in the mix that pair well with one another. To drink, we got an Iced Chai that was nice and strong to keep us energized. Despite there being so many people in-store, the service was very speedy and accommodating! Appreciate being able to try so many of the flavors - the unique Indian spices and influences made this such a fun experience :) Will most certainly be back! read more
Soooo good! the hype was worth it! I sampled a couple of flavors and decided to get split scoop of sweet cream and rose with almonds. The combo was elite! sweet cream sounds like a simple flavor but the flavor profile was so deep and rich there's definitely sobering for everyone in the flavor selection. I also tried the iced masala chai and personally it was not a hit for me (too sweet!) but I am definitely coming back for more ice cream read more
2 years ago
Recently opened a week ago where Ice Cream Jubilee used to be and the line is still way out the door, but for good reason! We came Sunday Memorial Day Weekend and waited about 45 minutes in line. It moved fairly quickly. The flavor options are so unique it was hard to choose. I went with one scoop of the mangoes and cream ice cream. My friend got the saffron soft serve. Both were delicious! Even the texture and taste was different than normal. There's some seating inside, a couple tables but their patio area is a bit bigger. Overall I loved my ice cream and I can't wait to try more. read more
Vegetarian Friendly: Malai is a veggie-friendly for obvious reason haha but the twist was they even got three vegan options - because even plant-based folks deserve a scoop of happiness. Decor: Overall it's a very clean, minimalist vibe. But here's the twist - it's a bit too white. I felt like I'd wandered into a doctor's office. I think they need to add more color to really bring this place together. Food Breakdown: I sampled more flavors than a kid in a candy store. My eventual winner was a tie between Tulsi Chocolate Chip and Sweet Corn Saffron (yee this is a real flavor haha). Not every flavor hit the sweet spot, but these two? Pure bliss in a cup. Portion Size: The scoop size is just right. I finished mine and felt like I'd conquered Everest (or at least a sugar peak). Secretly wanted more, but contentment won the day. Service: The staff were very kind and overall very easy to talk to :) Price: It's a tad pricey. But hey, this is DC, where even squirrels charge rent. Would I Go Back?: Absolutely! Malai's flavor lineup is something to behold. I can't wait to go back and try the rest of the flavors! read more
A good if overrated ice cream chop and pricey ($6 per scoop). I went on a weekday afternoon before 5 PM which I highly recommend if you can, as the lines at Malai are extremely long on the weekends especially when it's hot. There was no line when I arrived and I liked the simplicity of the small store front. However, it was disappointing that Malai only has 12 of its 60 flavors available at once-I would have liked for there to be at least 20 with Malai's 3-4 most popular and unique flavors always available. The selection on the day that I was there underwhelming as there were few truly unique flavors other than Rose with Cinnamon Roasted and Sweet Corn Saffron. I got the Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds after trying a few flavors. I enjoyed the unique flavors and there were a good amount of crunchy almonds; however, the ice cream could have been richer. read more
I think this is my new favorite ice cream shop for sure. The flavors are all so interesting and all so delicious. I just had to sample so many out of curiosity - what would this taste like??? I ended up getting the rose cinnamon almond and the sweet corn. The ice cream shop is always busy! So many customers because it's that good haha. Few tables, if the shop is busy you're most likely going to have to take it to go. But super cute interior with nice fun bollywood music playing. Cute for informal dates or small get meet ups with friends. A bit on the pricier side for ice cream but the serving size was massive and the flavors are so worth it. Rose one was super refreshing and light but so delicious and addicting. The crunch was good and the cinnamon was light! The sweet corn one was for sure my favorite. A bit more creamy and resembled corn bread in an ice cream!! So delicious. Definitely will be back. read more
1 year ago
We drove from VB to get this amazing ice cream experience. I loved the rose and almond crunch. The service was prompt and friendly. I loved everything about this experience and will definitely be back! read more
A new contender for best ice cream has arrived! The uniqueness of the flavors offered here immediately sets this ice cream shop apart. My friends and I could not wait to try some of the options here and they didn't disappoint. We waited 1.5 hours on opening day to try and bought almost one scoop of each flavor. All of them were unique. I particularly liked the Red Chili chocolate that had a rich chocolate flavor that turned into a rich spicy slow burn at the end. You just felt compelled to take another bite afterwards. The Apricot Mace was a big surprise and tasted just like a perfectly ripe apricot that turned into a medley of flavors. I couldn't eat a whole bowel of this cause it's so rich but unique and delicious. Masala Chai really brought out the chai flavor and all those spices you crave. We also met the owner who is the kindest person and spent some time talking with us at the stores opening day. Definitely a must try! read more
2 years ago
I DREAM ABOUT THIS ICE CREAM!! It is just so so so good - super creamy, many selections of flavors. I wish they have more flavors that is available in the tub on sale as a scoop, but unfortunately they only have a selection of the flavors. I got the Masala Chai and the Cardamom Pistachio Crumble and they were out of this world - so flavorful and creamy, while my friend got Lychee and let me tell you this is the best lychee ice cream I have ever had. It is a cute little store on 14th and T, plenty of seats indoors and outdoors to sit and enjoy your scoop/soft serve. read more
If you want unique Indian inspired ice cream, this is it! The new DC location is beautiful and offers plenty of seating inside and an outdoor patio. There is also a single restroom. There were so many great flavors it was hard to choose. Luckily they allow you to try samples before you choose. The shop can get busy very quickly depending on time of day, but staff tries their best to keep things moving. I tried the 'kaju Katli' flavor which is a cashew based Indian dessert. The creamy ice cream had pieces of the dessert mixed in. Delish! $6 for a scoop in a cup. Can be shared. They also sell pints of some of their popular flavors. Will be back to try more flavors soon! read more
2 years ago
Waited in line 2 hours for the grand opening and Malai did not disappoint! We also got to meet the founder! The rose cardamom was so creamy, nutty and fragrant, yet not too heavy, and I really liked the passion fruit cilantro--the notes of cilantro come through at the end but aren't super overpowering. Also tried the Madam Vice President but I didn't loveee that one (maybe the lotus seeds threw me off, they were also kind of hard to eat and might make more sense being chopped up). A few tables inside and outside but you might as well take a nice stroll through U or T street :) read more
2 years ago
I got three different flavors of ice cream that they had! I really liked the chai flavor that I got. I was not a big fan of the rufafja one. The service was super Duper fast and super good and it was a cute little ice cream shop that had plenty of seating inside and outside. I would definitely come back. read more
Malai in Washington DC offers a unique ice cream experience with a variety of flavors like Mango flavour, cinnamon , roasted almonds and orange flavour. The shop serves ice cream in both cones and cups, catering to different preferences. It's a popular spot, so be prepared for a big queue, especially during peak times. The wait is worth it for the rich, creamy flavors that stand out from typical ice cream options. Eggless options is there. One serving is good for two people . I liked icecream even kids liked icecream read more
After a great dinner at Pappe, our cousin walked us to Malai, ice cream inspired by south Asian flavors. Owned by someone wo started in New York its now expanded in DC and doing very well given the constant flow of people. Take a look at the pictures and I can say well worth the visit. Clean bathroom. read more
Ambiance: (5/5) Really liked the decor and the indoor and outdoor seating. Price: (5/5) $6 for a scoop seems like a lot but considering it is DC and for me two people could eat one scoop, it's a good price. Food: (4/5) They have some really interesting flavors. I tried the coffee cardamom and chai, both were really good. I tried one of the chilli flavors but it was too spicy for an ice cream for me. Service: (3/5) I came when it wasn't super busy but the staff seemed like they were bothered that I was asking to try flavors. We even tried to share what we tried among our party of 4 so she wouldn't have to get us more. The line was super long and they were treating everyone the same way. Personally, I liked the ice cream, but service is a huge part of going to a restaurant, so I don't think I would come back. read more
Malai has a lot of things going for it- Lively location, super trendy, friendly staff, unique flavors, non dairy options. Great choice for a cold scoop on a hot day. There's no indoor seating however and the outdoor seating is limited. The lines can be long at times too. read more
2 years ago
I first came here when they first opened on a really busy Saturday night. We waited almost 30 or 40 minutes to just get inside. The flavors that they have are so interesting and we wanted to try them all so we got three different scoops in 3 cups so we could try most flavors. I've come here again more recently, and the flavors have changed, which is so fun. I will say, though the staff doesn't really necessarily know the flavors very well. Since they're all Indian flavors I'm not really familiar with them and I had to ask about them so I didn't have to sample each and every one, but the staff wasn't too helpful. My favorite flavor from the last visit was the Kaju Katli which is a type of cookie. I also really like how you can buy a pint of ice cream for home. I can't wait to come back here again. read more
Stopped by briefly while in area.. no line, smiling employees that greet you, wonderful. No hassle, let me taste 3 flavors- the rose with almond, the mango cream, and guava chili which i knew i would love. Did not expect that one to be spicy, but it has a GREAT spice level, caught me off guard and i immediately fell in love lol. The mango cream sample was only the 'cream' part so idk wat the mango in it tastes like. Rose one didnt have much flavor to me but i would taste it again- the spice from prior was on the forefront of my tongue. One scoop guava chili to go (nice size scoop)! Look forward to returning to try other flavors. read more
Service is friendly and they have a cute outdoor patio. Inside is bright and cheerful. I got the mango ice cream which was good but nothing special. At $7 for a small scoop I thought it was a bit overpriced. My friend also thought her two flavors were mediocre. read more
Very unique concept and flavors and will always support a South Asian/Indian business! Tried the tulsi chocolate chip, corn, rose, and fig! Definitely get the rose for its original texture and flavors! Wish the ice cream quality was a little big better though, with a denser texture. Staff was so friendly and let us try a bunch of flavors! Space is adorable with limited inside and outside seating. Loved the vibrant colors:) read more
I'm not a huge fan of ice cream butttt..... this place can change my mind! Super delicious unique flavors. Had the chili chocolate and adored it. Can't wait to try their new flavors too!! Such a great addition to the area read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Such a cute little ice cream shop serving up really unique, South Asian inspired flavors! I got a single scoop of the Holi Sweet Cream and the scoop was definitely generous. I loved it, and the service was quick and easy. This is a great spot a sweet treat to take on a walk over the summer. read more
I was super pumped to try out this new ice cream shop that recently opened here (first opened in NYC Brooklyn by a former DC resident) which has been the talk of the town. Apparently they serve different types of flavors daily. Masala chai is a classic and I got the split scoop - Mango + Rose Cinnamon. I was intrigued by the Guava Chili and other spicy flavors but Guava seems to be out of stock. Since we went in the evening at 8PM, we could sit at the seats at the adjacent shop - Colada shop because the outdoor seating is full. Would love to try other flavors in the future! read more
My friend and I waited in line on their opening day and it was well worth it! The founder was at the door to greet us and the ice cream flavors were unlike any other ice cream shop in DC. The ice cream is so creamy! I got the mango & cream and the sea salt vanilla flavors and immediately wanted to go back to get more! read more
I have been seeing this all over TikTok and social media, so I went with a friend last night to check it out. The line was going down the street! Thankfully it moved at a decent pace. There was a good amount go indoor seating and also some outdoor tables to enjoy. The staff were all very friendly and let you sample whichever flavors you like. I had the mango and cream and my friend had lychee. They were both delicious! Just a few things to note- they do not allow pets inside the icecream shop and there is limited street parking. I'll definitely be back read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
This place has such fun flavors. I went late afternoon on a Sunday and there were only three flavors left. I really liked the chai ice cream. I would definitely come back to try different flavors. I tried the passion fruit cilantro, but didn't love cilantro flavor in my ice cream. Although it was very busy, the line moved quickly. They offered as many samples as you want. read more
This is about to be ice cream shop of the summer. Cardamom is my absolute favorite flavor so I would like it injected in my veins. I got a pint of the black cherry cardamom flavor and it was excellent. So flavorful and rich! I can't wait to go back and try their other flavors. read more
I think they're doing a great job with their opening! I got a red chili chocolate scoop - at $6, it's a little less pricy than other ice cream places around here. They moved the huge line quickly, communicated proactively about which flavors were sold out, and the space is SO charming. They had way more flavors in pints that I'd love to try, as well as soft serve, ice cream sandwiches, and popsicles. The staff let us know that so many people came by on opening day, they went through a week of stock in a day. There are dairy and non-dairy options, and it's woman-owned - all pretty cool. read more
2 years ago
My new favorite ice cream shop! What a concept of combining south asian flavors in ice cream! The wait is long! So be prepared to wait outside in this Dc heat! But 30-40mins wait for the ice cream IS WORTH IT!!! I got the Mango Cream and Chocolate Chili & my friend got pistachio! All the flavors were 10/10 and excellent! Can't wait to go back to try even more new flavors! Run Don't walk to Malai! read more
Incredible ice cream! I waited in line at the opening today and it was worth every second. The cherry black cardamom was incredible! Perfect texture, stunning flavors, everything. It was rich and had generous mix-ins. I only wish I'd brought more people to mix and match flavors with - next time! I tasted mango cream (delicious, 10/10) and chocolate chili (also 10/10, great kick) and will be back for those and more! Instantly my favorite ice cream spot in the city, and everyone was so nice! I loved getting to meet the owner's sister and mother. 1 scoop is $6, so comparable to other DC scoop shops, and so delicious and unique flavor-wise. read more
More info about Malai
1407 T St NW
Washington, DC 20009
U Street Corridor
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(347) 889-5789
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https://www.malai.co
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Hi, what are the vegan options?
all their flavors are on their website, and some often rotate! the current vegan options are tamarind spice and spiced peanut crunch, and there's also a vegan coconut soft serve!
Is it expensive?
Yes. One tiny scoop for $7.50 plus that doesn't include the cone. The cone cost $2 more for a total of $9.50. Pints are $12.
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3 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
1 year ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
Malai - icecream - Updated May 2026
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