Malai Introduce
Nestled in the heart of Greenwich Village, Malai is not your average ice cream shop. It's a destination for the curious and the culinary adventurous, a place where traditional South Asian flavors are reimagined into delightful, creamy, and completely unique ice cream creations. In a city known for its diverse food scene, Malai stands out by offering a refreshingly different take on a classic treat. The shop's name itself, "Malai," is a nod to the rich, clotted cream used in many South Asian sweets, and it perfectly encapsulates the creamy, luxurious texture of their products. This isn't just about dessert; it's about a cultural and sensory journey, with each scoop telling a story of spices, fruits, and traditional sweets. From the moment you step inside, the clean, bright, and inviting space welcomes you, promising an experience that is both familiar and excitingly new. It's a testament to the idea that some of the most memorable flavors come from unexpected places, and Malai has mastered the art of blending the old with the new. This commitment to innovation while honoring tradition is what makes Malai a true gem in New York City's vibrant dessert landscape, offering a cool escape and a warm welcome all at once.
Malai's dedication to quality is evident in their use of high-quality ingredients and their commitment to creating eggless ice cream, making it accessible to a wider range of customers. Each flavor is a carefully crafted masterpiece, designed to surprise and satisfy. The shop's ethos is built on a foundation of creativity and respect for the ingredients they use, resulting in a product that is not only delicious but also incredibly thoughtful. This focus on detail and a passion for flavor innovation has earned them a dedicated following among locals and tourists alike who are constantly seeking out new taste sensations. Whether you are a long-time resident of New York or just passing through, Malai offers a unique opportunity to explore new flavor profiles that you won't find anywhere else. It’s a place that encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and be rewarded with an unforgettable treat. This fusion of tradition and modernity, paired with an unwavering commitment to quality, is what truly sets Malai apart and makes it an essential stop for anyone with a sweet tooth in the city.
Malai is conveniently located at 9 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014, USA. Situated in the vibrant and easily accessible Greenwich Village neighborhood, the shop is a breeze to get to from many parts of the city. The area is well-served by public transportation, making it an ideal spot for a quick dessert stop after exploring the sights. You can easily reach Malai by hopping on the subway. The Christopher Street-Sheridan Square station is just a short walk away, served by the 1 and 2 trains. Other nearby stations like West 4th Street-Washington Square (A, B, C, D, E, F, M trains) also provide easy access, putting Malai within a comfortable stroll from multiple transit lines. For those who prefer to walk, the shop is perfectly positioned to be included in a leisurely tour of the charming and historic streets of Greenwich Village. Its location makes it a perfect sweet treat destination whether you're a local resident or a visitor enjoying the city's unique neighborhoods.
The shop's presence on a well-known street adds to its appeal, making it a visible and inviting spot for passersby. The surrounding area is bustling with other small businesses, cafes, and shops, creating a lively atmosphere that enhances the overall experience of visiting Malai. The accessibility of the location, combined with the welcoming environment of the shop itself, makes it a hassle-free and enjoyable outing for anyone looking to satisfy their ice cream cravings. It’s an easy-to-find and easy-to-love spot in one of New York City’s most iconic neighborhoods, solidifying its place as a go-to dessert destination.
Malai offers a wide range of delicious products that showcase their innovative approach to ice cream. The menu is crafted to cater to various preferences, from single-serving pints to larger desserts perfect for sharing.
Services Offered:
- Ice Cream Desserts: Malai provides an array of spectacular ice cream cakes and specialty items. Options like the Founder's Favorite Ice Cream Cake, Gulab Jamun Ice Cream Cake, and Spiced Crumb Ice Cream Cake are perfect for celebrations. They also offer unique treats like the Kulfi Pop Pack and the Ice Cream Sando Pack, which are great for a fun and easy dessert experience.
- Ice Cream Pints: The core of Malai's offering is its extensive selection of artisanal, eggless ice cream pints. Each pint is a journey of flavor, with options that include both classics and groundbreaking new creations. Some of the highly sought-after flavors include Gulab Jamun, Cardamom Pistachio Crumble, Masala Chai, Sweet Roti & Ghee, Fig On Fig, and Pumpkin Garam Masala Crumble.
- Merchandise: To help you bring a piece of Malai home, the shop also sells select merchandise. This includes items like the Chai Masala Jar for making your own spiced tea, a convenient Insulated Bag to keep your pints cold on the go, and the Malai Cookbook for those who want to try their hand at making these incredible flavors at home.
Malai's unique qualities are what make it a standout destination for ice cream lovers in New York City. The shop's features and highlights are what truly define its character and appeal.
Features and Highlights:
- Unique, South Asian-Inspired Flavors: The most significant highlight of Malai is its one-of-a-kind flavor profile. The shop specializes in creating artisanal ice creams using spices, herbs, and ingredients commonly found in South Asian cuisine. This results in an incredible variety of flavors that you won't find anywhere else, such as Curry Leaf Creamsicle, Red Chili Chocolate, Guava Chili, and Cilantro Mint.
- Artisanal and Eggless Production: All of Malai's ice cream is made in small batches with a focus on quality and freshness. Importantly, all of their ice creams are eggless, which not only gives them a unique texture but also makes them a suitable option for a wider audience. This commitment to quality and inclusivity is a major draw for many customers.
- Welcoming and Bright Atmosphere: The shop itself is described by customers as a "great clean, bright space with a few tables and seats." This inviting atmosphere makes it a pleasant place to sit and enjoy your treat, whether you're on a solo trip or with friends and family. The modern and minimalist decor allows the vibrant flavors of the ice cream to take center stage.
- Diverse Product Range: Beyond just scoops, Malai offers a diverse selection of products. From customizable ice cream cakes perfect for birthdays to convenient pint sizes for at-home enjoyment, and even unique merchandise like their cookbook, there's something for everyone. This variety makes Malai a go-to spot for more than just a single scoop.
Contact Information:
Address: 9 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014, USA
Phone: (646) 371-9859
Mobile Phone: +1 646-371-9859
Choosing Malai is an opportunity to step outside the familiar and experience something truly special. The primary reason it's worth a visit is its unparalleled commitment to flavor innovation. While many ice cream shops stick to traditional flavors, Malai has created a niche by expertly blending creamy textures with the bold, aromatic, and sometimes surprising tastes of South Asian spices and fruits. This creates a memorable and delightful experience that is far more than just a dessert—it's a cultural exploration in every bite.
The glowing reviews from customers highlight this fact, with one stating, "My favorite ice cream shop ever. Malai always has incredible flavors that will leave you shocked, delighted, and satisfied." Another customer simply shared, "We tried all of the flavors and everything was just amazing!" These testimonials speak volumes about the quality and originality of Malai's offerings. The consistency of positive feedback, emphasizing both the unique flavors and the high quality of the products, solidifies Malai's reputation as a must-visit destination. Whether you're a New York local or a visitor, Malai provides a refreshing alternative to the usual ice cream fare, making it a compelling choice for anyone looking for a sweet, surprising, and truly satisfying treat.
Malai Food & drink
Ice Cream Desserts
- Founder's Favorite Ice Cream Cake $54.00
Chocolate cake with coffee cardamom and orange fennel ice creams, chocolate cake crunch, and topped with a chocolate glaze. 6" serves 10-12.
- Kulfi Pop Pack $24.00
Try our kulfi pops: dense, chewy, rich, and a super craveable frozen treat! Grab one of each of our traditional flavors: sweet milk, saffron, mango, and rose - to help ring in the summer season! A kulfi pop pack comes with 1 sweet milk kulfi pop, 1 saffron kulfi pop, 1 mango kulfi pop and 1 rose kulfi pop.
- Gulab Jamun Ice Cream Cake $54.00
Six inch eggless cardamom cakes, soaked with a saffron syrup, sandwiching our signature rose with cinnamon roasted almonds ice cream. It's just like the gulab jamun dessert - except frozen! 6" serves 10-12.
- Spiced Crumb Ice Cream Cake $54.00
Vegan. Chai crumb cake with royal cinnamon with black salt caramel ice cream and crumb topping. 6" serves 10-12.
- Ice Cream Sando Pack $24.00
Vegan. In the box, you will receive four sandwiches in a variety of delicious and unique flavors: cardamom snickerdoodle with rose with cinnamon roasted almonds ice cream, chai molasses cookie with masala chai ice cream, perfect chocolate chip cookie with star anise ice cream and chocolate chili cookie with spiced peanut crunch ice cream (this one is vegan!).
Merchandise
- Chai Masala Jar $12.00
This blend is based on pooja's family recipe for chai spices - heavy on the ginger and black pepper, and rounded out with cardamom, cinnamon and clove. Use the spices in any of your baked goods, or traditionally in a cup of tea. These spices, sourced from burlap & barrel, will warm your day right up!
- Insulated Bag $6.00
Carry home your pints in one of our branded insulated bags! Each bag holds 6-8 pints so you can fully stock up on your favorite flavors!
- Malai Cookbook $35.00
Signed copy of the new cookbook, Malai: frozen desserts inspired by south asian flavors.
Ice Cream Pints
- Gulab Jamun $12.50
Cardamom syrup-soaked doughnuts are blended into a saffron and rose ice cream, capturing the iconic milk-powdery, buttery richness of the classic Indian sweet, gulab jamun.
- Cardamom Pistachio Crumble $12.50
Inspired by an Indian shortbread called nankhatai. A nutty, caramelized crumb topping is folded into rich cardamom ice cream. Decadent with bursts of spice and pops of pistachio that adds just enough crunch.
- Sweet Milk $12.50
Think: condensed milk in ice cream form. Sweet simplicity.
- Sea Salt Vanilla $12.50
A bit of sea salt to take away the sweet edge of vanilla; this flavor is a satisfying twist on the classic.
- Pineapple Pink Peppercorn $12.50
Vegan. This refreshing flavor mixes the tanginess of pineapple with the sweetness of coconut and white chocolate while a touch of pink peppercorn adds a soft spicy note.
- Coffee Cardamom $12.50
A robust coffee flavor, with granules for some texture, paired with cardamom. Just like the drink in ice cream form.
- Lychee $12.50
Vegetarian. This sorbet is lychee in frozen form - sweet, floral with just a touch of tang. It's refreshing and satisfying.
- Orange Fennel $12.50
Citrusy with an herbal, slightly licorice note from the fennel, this pairing is familiar, yet surprising, and just happens to be pooja's favorite.
- Sweet Roti & Ghee $12.50
Bread, sugar, and butter -- we take that and 'indianize' it with ingredients like roti, jaggery, and ghee.
- Fig On Fig $12.50
Summer seasonal. Infusing the ice cream base with toasted fig leaves, and swirling in a dried fig jam, this flavor has as much delicious summer fig flavor as possible.
- Curry Leaf Creamsicle $12.50
Bright lime-vanilla ice cream steeped with earthy curry leaves.
- Carrot Halwa $12.50
Slow-cooked carrots caramelized in ghee and cardamom, folded into sweet milk ice cream.
- Rose With Cinnamon Roasted Almonds Saffron Pistachio $12.50
Our most popular! Sweet, floral and spiced - there is nothing that this ice cream doesn't hit. It's unlike anything you've had before, in the best possible way!
- Passion Fruit Cilantro $12.50
Vegetarian. This refreshing dairy-free sorbet hits you with the brightness of passion fruit and finishes with the distinct grassiness of cilantro. It's tangy and sweet, and pairs brilliantly with our pineapple pink peppercorn. A scoop of this is all you need in those dog days of summer.
- Masala Chai $12.50
A little sweet, and a little spicy. You will get hints of ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper in this flavor inspired by the classic tea.
- Strawberry Pie $12.50
A star anise ice cream base with the swirl of strawberry fennel jam and a tea biscuit crust - the perfect start to the summer.
- Tamarind Spice $12.50
Vegetarian. Tamarind sorbet with subtle notes of fragrant cinnamon, aromatic clove and a hint of cayenne pepper.
- Sweet Corn Saffron $12.50
Summer seasonal. Using the natural sweetness of summer corn, mellowed by the honey-like notes of saffron, this pairing is perfect for the warmer months.
- Guava Chili $12.50
Vegan. Guava sorbet elevated with a hint of mildly spicy kashmiri red chili to take you on a flavor journey.
- Pumpkin Garam Masala Crumble $12.50
Pumpkin ice cream spiced with sweet-and-savory garam masala, studded with pieces of smoky black cardamom graham crackers.
- Cilantro Mint $12.50
Vegan. Refreshing and herbaceous, this dairy-free sorbet is crafted to mirror spicy green chutney.
- Red Chili Chocolate $12.50
A rich chocolate ice cream with a kick. The heat of the chili will make you want to go back in for another bite!
- Apricot Mace $12.50
This light sherbet lets the tart apricot flavor shine, and combined with sweet and piney mace (think: Nutmeg but more delicate), apricot mace is the summer flavor combination that you didn't know you were craving.
- Tulsi Chocolate Chip $12.50
Tulsi-infused ice cream with streams of chocolate sauce and cocoa nibs.
- Mango & Cream $12.50
The flavor combines the simplicity of sweet milk with a fruity, tangy and sweet mango and purée. It's almost an ice cream and sorbet in one!
- Cashew Raisin $12.50
Black raisin ice cream studded with roasted, salted cashews.
- Hibiscus Chaat Masala $12.50
Vegetarian. Floral and fruity with a hint of tartness - the chaat masala is a blend of spices that adds a nice savory umami to this unique sorbet.
Malai Photos










Malai Location
Malai Reviews
pistachiocardamomsaffron
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1My favorite ice cream shop ever. Malai always has incredible flavors that will leave you shocked, delighted, and satisfied. A great clean, bright space with a few tables and seats. Check out their ice cream cakes, pints, ice cream cookies, and kulfis.
August 31 · Eunice KimWe tried all of the flavors and everything was just amazing!
August 28 · mani aggAs a south asian person who grew up with these flavors, I have to say they’re NOT good. Flavors are not great and taste awful
August 29 · TanimaMy favorite flavor is the mango followed by cardamom coffee and cardamom pistachio.
September 10 · Stephanie ChengThe offerings as always were great. While they will close for this winter of 2025 for renovations they said they should be back for Spring of 2026.
August 16 · Leonardo Torres
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