I went in with high expectations and walked out utterly disgusted. I ordered a split scoop, left the shop, and within two minutes the ice cream had already melted into a soupy mess. It wasn’t ice cream at all — it was basically soft serve trying (and failing) to hold its shape. By the time I took two bites, it was literally turning into a milkshake in my hand.
I brought it back immediately, hoping they would recognize how unacceptable it was, but the product itself was beyond redemption. For a place branding itself as an artisanal ice cream shop, this was a complete joke. When you pay premium prices, you expect premium quality — not something that melts faster than it’s served.
If you’re looking for real ice cream with actual texture and stability, skip Malai. Don’t waste your time or money here.
You've lost a loyal customer together with friends and family.
Fahamida Jewel
Unique ice cream flavors
Naima’s Channel
Customer service was excellent . Great location . Little expensive and biggest issue is no restroom
Jonny
Fantastic taste! Dominique was amazing and so helpful. Wow wow
Riddhi Jhunjhunwala
This has easily become my most favorite ice cream place in New York!
Joel Kasparian
I've been coming here a while, and leave happy every time. This place is such a a gem when it comes to unique ice cream. If you've never had indian flavors and are scared to commit to a meal, try the flavors here. The mint cilantro sorbet is perfect for walking around the neighborhood.
mel
best pistachio soft serve ive ever had
Rosa Silver
Cardamom pistachio- period! I just returned from Italy where I ate a lot of incredible gelato and this is comparable in taste! But this recipe uses a unique process of sugaring the cream- watch the video on the website. It enhances the flavor of each ingredient- wow in the mouth! I had the fig- yum but the star is the cardamom!
djkitnicky
I came with a dog in a bag and I was asked to leave. She wasn’t touching the ground or coming out, 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻
Delicious ice cream with such a cute ambiance, the staff was super friendly and the flavors were all different yet delicious.
Suhas Khamgaonkar
We went to the Smith St Malai store in B’klyn on Thursday, July 31st. We were drenched in the cloudburst storm that broke out that afternoon walking over to the Malai store. We requested to taste their exciting flavors before finally choosing a flavor we liked. However we were told by the sales person that they were out of tasting spoons and could not let us taste any of their flavors. Nor were they allowed to use the full sized regular spoons for tasting. Despite speaking to the manager, Jody over the phone and requesting that we were really interested in buying the ice cream. She said, “The tasting spoons are meant for customers!” So who were we?! Attention the founder and owner Pooja Bavishi, if you’re out of tasting spoons at your stores, please, have your staff stay on top of this issue because you’ve lost two honest, earnest customers for good! We will not return to any of your stores again. I’m forced to give this review at least one star when it’s not worth even a half or else it won’t let me post the review! We wound up at a coffee shop down the road instead and experienced great service.
Rabina B
Omg, everyone visiting NYC should try this icecream place. They have such unique flavors. I had many favorites. If someone enjoys tangy flavor then must try chilli Guava which is avaliable in the summer. The cardamom rose flavor is also too good.
KATHIE ALLI
THE BEST ICE CREAM FLAVORS.
Shuba Rao
Totally overrated. Not worth it. Don't waste your money.
Review for Malai (Smith Street location):
I went in with high expectations and walked out utterly disgusted. I ordered a split scoop, left the shop, and within two minutes the ice cream had already melted into a soupy mess. It wasn’t ice cream at all — it was basically soft serve trying (and failing) to hold its shape. By the time I took two bites, it was literally turning into a milkshake in my hand.
I brought it back immediately, hoping they would recognize how unacceptable it was, but the product itself was beyond redemption. For a place branding itself as an artisanal ice cream shop, this was a complete joke. When you pay premium prices, you expect premium quality — not something that melts faster than it’s served.
If you’re looking for real ice cream with actual texture and stability, skip Malai. Don’t waste your time or money here.
You've lost a loyal customer together with friends and family.
Unique ice cream flavors
Customer service was excellent . Great location . Little expensive and biggest issue is no restroom
Fantastic taste! Dominique was amazing and so helpful. Wow wow
This has easily become my most favorite ice cream place in New York!
I've been coming here a while, and leave happy every time. This place is such a a gem when it comes to unique ice cream. If you've never had indian flavors and are scared to commit to a meal, try the flavors here. The mint cilantro sorbet is perfect for walking around the neighborhood.
best pistachio soft serve ive ever had
Cardamom pistachio- period! I just returned from Italy where I ate a lot of incredible gelato and this is comparable in taste! But this recipe uses a unique process of sugaring the cream- watch the video on the website. It enhances the flavor of each ingredient- wow in the mouth! I had the fig- yum but the star is the cardamom!
I came with a dog in a bag and I was asked to leave. She wasn’t touching the ground or coming out, 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻
Absolutely amazing.
Restaurantji Recommends
Delicious ice cream with such a cute ambiance, the staff was super friendly and the flavors were all different yet delicious.
We went to the Smith St Malai store in B’klyn on Thursday, July 31st. We were drenched in the cloudburst storm that broke out that afternoon walking over to the Malai store. We requested to taste their exciting flavors before finally choosing a flavor we liked. However we were told by the sales person that they were out of tasting spoons and could not let us taste any of their flavors. Nor were they allowed to use the full sized regular spoons for tasting. Despite speaking to the manager, Jody over the phone and requesting that we were really interested in buying the ice cream. She said, “The tasting spoons are meant for customers!” So who were we?!
Attention the founder and owner Pooja Bavishi, if you’re out of tasting spoons at your stores, please, have your staff stay on top of this issue because you’ve lost two honest, earnest customers for good! We will not return to any of your stores again. I’m forced to give this review at least one star when it’s not worth even a half or else it won’t let me post the review!
We wound up at a coffee shop down the road instead and experienced great service.
Omg, everyone visiting NYC should try this icecream place. They have such unique flavors. I had many favorites. If someone enjoys tangy flavor then must try chilli Guava which is avaliable in the summer. The cardamom rose flavor is also too good.
THE BEST ICE CREAM FLAVORS.
Totally overrated. Not worth it. Don't waste your money.
Loading...