When it comes to cold sweets Malai is redefining the D.C. ice cream scene with its unique and delightful South Asian-inspired flavors. Located near Logan Circle in Washington, DC, Malai offers amazing ice cream made with numerous flavors and special ingredients that stand out from the typical ice cream shops in the area. Opening just two months ago in May 2024, this new ice cream shop is now a local favorite, attracting numerous customers on any given day.
Founder Pooja Bavishi first started selling her special homemade ice cream in 2015. Four years later, she grew the business, eventually opening her first flagship store in Brooklyn. Now with rapidly growing success, Malai decided to open a branch in DC, a close city with a bustling food scene. Known for its diverse options and high demand, D.C. was the perfect location for the store to expand.
A Taste of South Asia in Every Ice Cream Scoop
Malai’s flavors are inspired by the rich and diverse cuisine of South Asia. Many of the flavors highlight specific spices or flavors not typical in cold desserts, ranging from saffron to guava chili. The interesting combinations of flavors are bound to create something new and original. Every two months, the menu changes, offering a new surprise for visitors. With always at least ten flavors on rotation, there’s no limit to finding something you’ll like. There are both dairy options and vegan options, perfectly inclusive for customers with all types of dietary restrictions. When I visited in July, the selections included:
Ice Cream Flavors During My Visit (mid-July 2024)
- Sweet Milk
- Mango and Cream
- Masala Chai
- Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
- Sweet Corn Saffron
- Tulsi Chocolate Chip
- Guava Chili
- Orange Fennel
- Red Chili Chocolate
- Coffee Cardamom
- Pineapple Pink Peppercorn
These flavors are crafted with unique ingredients and spices, creating an unforgettable dessert experience. Not only are the flavors innovative, but the quality is also exceptional—some of the best ice cream I’ve ever tasted.
Where is Malai?
Malai has only two locations in the whole country: one in New York City and the other in Washington, D.C.. Malai’s D.C. location, near Logan Circle, is charming and vibrant. Lined up next to numerous restaurants and residential homes, the tiny shop can be recognized by its salmon/gold exterior and blue chairs. Although parking can be challenging because of the lack of parking lots and parallel parking spots available, Malai is close to the metro station. From the U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial station, it is just a seven-minute walk away, making Malai easily accessible.
The shop’s interior is clean and cute, with about four small tables, each seating two to three people. Outdoor seating is also available, but because of the heat in DC lately, most customers opt to sit and wait inside. The interior decor features vibrant colors and traditional South Asian design elements, creating a welcoming and lively atmosphere.
Malai’s operating hours are 12 to 10 pm every day. However, on Fridays and Saturdays, Malai stays open until 11 pm.
A Variety of Options
In addition to their unique ice cream flavors, Malai also offers two soft serve options on rotation. During my visit, the soft-serve choices were Mango and Coconut. You can sample flavors before making your decision, ensuring you find the perfect one for your taste.
Prices for the ice cream are on the higher side, with a single scoop costing $6, two flavors for $7.50, and a cup with three scoops at $9 (as of 2024). However, the quality and generous portion sizes make it worth every penny. Malai also sells baked goods, kulfi pops, ice cream cakes, sandwiches, drinks, and even Malai merchandise. Pints of pre-made ice cream are available for takeout as well. You can also add a variety of toppings ($1) to your ice cream, ranging from cardamom shortbread to cacao nibs.
My Honest Review
I stopped by Malai on July 7 with some friends for a small get-together. We’ve all seen this store on TikTok and were dying to know what some of these flavors tasted like. I got two flavors, trying the Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds and Sweet Corn Saffron flavors. The Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds had the perfect crunch, with a light and airy texture. The subtle yet lingering scent of rose combined with the gentle hint of cinnamon created a harmonious blend of flavors that was simply delightful.
The Sweet Corn Saffron was equally impressive. It had a heartwarming flavor reminiscent of a big bite of cornbread. The light yet creamy texture of the ice cream melted in my mouth, leaving me craving more. I normally dislike super thick and creamy ice cream as it makes me feel overly nauseous because of the sweetness. However, this was the perfect amount of sweetness and creaminess for me. This sets a new bar for ice cream I try now.
Final Thoughts
Although Malai’s prices are relatively high, the quality and unique flavors make it a must-visit destination for ice cream lovers. Whether you’re a local or just visiting DC, make sure to stop by Malai and indulge in their extraordinary ice cream creations. You won’t be disappointed!
For more flavors and updates on Malai, check out their Instagram page.
For more articles on the DC such as a post on interesting museums you have to visit while in the city!