Malai

Ice cream shop · U Street

Malai

Ice cream shop · U Street

3

1407 T St NW, Washington, DC 20009

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Highlights

Unique South Asian-inspired ice cream with creative flavors  

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1407 T St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Get directions

malai.co
@malai_icecream

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1407 T St NW, Washington, DC 20009 Get directions

+1 202 579 9425
malai.co
@malai_icecream

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Aug 14, 2025

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@eater

A Beloved Baltimore Scoop Shop Busts Into D.C. — And More Openings - Eater DC

"Malai, NY’s essential ice cream shop with a unique Southeast Asian spin, debuted its first D.C. outpost on Saturday, May 18. Founder Pooja Bavishi brings down best sellers from her 5-year-old Brooklyn flagship like Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds, Masala Chai, and Alphonso mango and cream. In addition to eggless scoops and pints, there’s also ice cream cakes and cream sandwiches, kulfi pops, and soft serve." - Tierney Plumb

https://dc.eater.com/2024/3/18/24104971/dc-restaurant-openings-march-2024
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@eater

NYC’s Essential Ice Cream Shop Malai Expands to D.C. Next Year - Eater DC

"Malai is expanding to D.C. with a new location in Logan Circle, offering its Indian-influenced ice cream flavors. Known for popular flavors like Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds, Masala Chai, and Mango & Cream, Malai's D.C. shop will also feature ice cream cakes, cream sandwiches, kulfi pops, and soft serve. The shop is expected to open next spring or summer, and will be joined by local delivery and catering services." - Alyssa Langer

https://dc.eater.com/2023/10/2/23899013/nyc-essential-ice-cream-shop-malai-dc-coming-attractions
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@eater

12 Comforting Desserts for Cold Fall Weather in D.C.

"For those unfamiliar with the layered dessert drink popular in South Asia, falooda may feel like a throwback to rice pudding. At Union Market, they come with rice noodles, pomegranate-ginger jellies, basil seeds, paprika-infused milk, vanilla ice cream and house-made rosewater syrup." - Rebecca Gale

https://dc.eater.com/maps/best-desserts-for-fall-in-dc-pies-milkshakes-oreos
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David Lazar

Google
I really like the unique flavors and styles offered by this Indian ice cream shop. They sell hand dipped, soft serve, and popsicles. The star though, is the fact that the flavors are different and, in some cases savory. I was there on a Sunday afternoon and it was pretty crowded. I got a cardamom yogurt soft serve cone and it was delicious! Definitely give this place a try.

C

Google
This frozen dessert parlor has more than just ice cream to beat the Summer heat! At Malai, a South Asian ice cream store, unique flavors are a plenty! While on the pricier side, they are delicious ($6 for the Mango Lassi Swirl Ice Cream, $2 for the waffle cone = $8 in total)

Tye Lovato

Google
It was a hidden gem, finding this place was so fun! Gotta be open-minded about exotic ice cream; it has unique flavors. I tried the "Holi," it's got this special sweet milk base with colorful swirls. Even got a recipe book so I can make my own unique ice cream at home! You gotta try it on a date or during a food adventure!

Mallory Abell

Google
The flavor of the ice cream was great but the overall experience was not. The staff was not friendly and the quantity(see photos) of “one scoop” was NOT worth $6. I felt like I was inconveniencing the staff and I wish my scoop was proportionate to the others I had seen in the photos of other reviews. The shop was clean and I thought the flavors were fun, but unfortunately the atmosphere was not welcoming and ice cream was overpriced for the amount I got.

Aparna D

Google
Tried this place on a Friday night and waited in a long line to finally try the flavors. The staff was courteous and friendly and provided the requested samples for us to help decide on our order. For the split icecream scoop with orange fennel and shahi tukda, we paid 7.50$. The flavors were enjoyable but had icy chunks in them!? And a tad too sweet. In the recipe book, looks like a lot of the ice cream recipes used corn syrup. Would be good if they were able to make these without it. The place seemed uncared for - in terms of the overflowing trash bins and peeling wall paper etc. Overall experience was meh.

S B

Google
I sampled the cilantro mint sorbet, the curryleaf creamsicle, and the rose with cinnamon toasted almonds. The flavours are so experimental but interestingly paired that they taste unexpectedly amazing. Loved all the flavours. :)

taral ajmera

Google
Ordered a $62 Gulab Jamun Cake for my sister’s birthday — they delivered a $12 ice cream instead. I tried calling multiple times but no response. Totally disappointed. Not only was there no birthday cake, but I also lost $50. This is unacceptable. Attaching the receipt and photo of what was delivered.

Sonya Hu

Google
Super fun ice cream shop with a ton of unique, Indian-inspired flavors! I stopped by Malai on a Sunday evening in July, just a few weeks after they first opened. There was still quite a long line, but it moved pretty quickly and we were soon able to escape the swampy DC heat and cool off with a bit of ice cream (and AC). My friend and I were feeling indecisive about which of their many flavors we should get, so we ended up both getting two flavors and splitting them. She got the mango cream and fig on fig, while I got their two sorbets -- the pineapple pink peppercorn and guava chili. Each of the flavors were phenomenal, but both of our favorites were the pineapple peppercorn and fig on fig. Both ice creams were rich and creamy, but the mango cream was a bit lacking in mango flavor. The fig, however, absolutely delivered on their promise of fig on fig, and had plenty of the complex, honey-like sweetness from the fruit. It had bits of fig mixed in, so there was the occasional crunch from the tiny seeds or bit of chewiness from the flesh of the fruit. The sorbets were also both delightful, but it was a bit too much to get two spicy flavors together. It would have been a bit more balanced to get one peppery sorbet and pair it with a complementary ice cream, but we ended up basically achieving that outcome by sharing with each other. The guava chili had quite a kick, so it definitely would have needed creamier, richer pairing, but the pineapple peppercorn was a bit more subtle and leaned further into the pineapple.
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Brittney S.

Yelp
Malai promises a taste of India in every bite, and they did not disappoint! The flavors were some of the most unique I've ever seen. I went with a scoop of the baklava ice cream, and the flavors were so perfect! Service was friendly and straightforward. Thankfully it wasn't busy, so we were helped right away and allowed to sample up to 4 flavors. The space has a few tables and chairs inside and outside to sit and enjoy your treat. I also saw a few people coming in to pick up online orders, so that's also an option.
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Ailun H.

Yelp
I stopped by Malai with a couple friends this past Friday evening. I've been wanting to try this ice cream shop for awhile but I never find myself in this area. There was a decent sized line when we got here but it wasn't anything more than 10 minutes. We were able to sample 4 flavors -- all were so unique with various spices and quite a few options had pistachio in it. I appreciate that the pistachio-based flavors here actually tasted like pistachio and not some artificial flavoring like a lot of other places. I ended up getting the Masala Chai ice cream which had a melty/slushie texture that wasn't present in the other flavors I tried. The Masala Chai flavor was solid but I was not a fan of the texture. However, my friend got the Masala Chai soft serve which was super smooth and creamy. I didn't know they had a masala chai soft serve, otherwise, I would have just gotten that HAHA. We agreed that the soft serve was much better in terms of texture, but it's possible that the Masala Chai ice cream just had an off day? Overall, I'd be back to try their other flavors in a scoop. Very unique South Asian flavors that you really can't find elsewhere.
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Savannah L.

Yelp
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.
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John B.

Yelp
There was no line when I visited, a fact that others commented on with some surprise so I'm assuming it can get busy at peak times. This place offers Indian ice cream flavors, and it's really full-on South Asian, not like one or two flavors added on to the standard American lineup. They had some special Diwali flavors on when I stopped in, which I tried but which didn't convince me off of my desire to try their chai flavor and their vegan flavor. Strangely enough, the two actually tasted quite similar. Both heavily of cinnamon with other interesting spice notes. I suppose it's to their credit that the difference between dairy and non-dairy was not huge. If you asked me to say which was which in fact, I'm not 100% sure I'd get it right. They had some interesting options in the freezer including ice cream sandwiches, and some distinctive toppings as well. I credit them for going for it; it would have been easy to offer some more conventional American options than they do, but the Indian flavors certainly seem to be enough to sustain a business.
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Kinjal S.

Yelp
Ice cream was delicious. I got a scoop of coffee cardamom and it was delectable. Super creamy. They had very interesting flavors. The pints of puran poli and thandai were so intriguing
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Christina B.

Yelp
Rooted in the founder's South Asian background, Malai is a refreshing take on unique ice cream flavors. Most of the flavors are those you can't get anywhere else -- not even the popular local shops like Jeni's. The staff was very nice and allowed us to sample various flavors. My favorite was the guava chili because it had a very nice spicy kick to each bite! My friend got the spiced peanut crunch, which (in my opinion) wasn't as strong in spiciness as my guava chili. I understand the hype now! The wait was long (20-30 min the day I went) but 100% worth it. I would definitely go again if I'm in the neighborhood.
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Neha G.

Yelp
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!
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Simer C.

Yelp
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.
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Samina M.

Yelp
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!
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Grace B.

Yelp
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:)
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Urooj F.

Yelp
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
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Ava C.

Yelp
THEY DIDNT EVENT HAVE WATER. Imagine waiting in like for 1+ hour and an ice cream shop doesnt event have water. not worth it to wait in line for 1 hour. not worth it. get the coconut mango tho, fhat was fire. other than that, not worth
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Danny S.

Yelp
For the price, the portions are definitely smaller than other ice cream places in general - Two scoops are about the same size of one scoop that you could get at Jeni's for example. The flavors here are clearly unique that can't be found any where else. Got two flavors: Fig and Saffron Corn! I really liked the fig as it had chunks of fig inside. This was the first time I got to try an ice cream flavor like this. Saffron corn although didn't have a strong saffron flavor, the corn was very creamy and yummy. Inside has a few seating and tables for small groups of people. The cashiers were patient when I asked for multiple samples which is appreciated.
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Ankush K.

Yelp
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!
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Sanchita G.

Yelp
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.
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Durvank Y.

Yelp
Exemplary ice cream and place. We were recommended this place and it was well worth it with the seasonal flavours such as chai or mango. I have heard every flavour is great but can't think of a reason why not. However, 1 star less, as the crowd management was poor. It was an hour line with everyone taking 3-5 mins. NY lines are much better and given Malai has NY branch, they should have brought some of the crowd management piece in DC
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Joshua K.

Yelp
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.
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Julie K.

Yelp
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.
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Rai R.

Yelp
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.
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Neelam B.

Yelp
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
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Anushka M.

Yelp
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.
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Stephanie T.

Yelp
I had been wanting to try this ice cream because of its popularity and it did not disappoint! I ordered the mango & cream and I loved it! It was creamy and sweet enough. There were a couple of mango chunks in it which added to the flavor. The place is colorful and the menu is easy to follow. There are a couple of tables inside as well as an outside patio. I think the prices are quite reasonable for the portion size. The reason why I am not giving 5 stars is because the customer service could've been better. I asked for 2 samples and the employee seems annoyed and frustrated. However, I still recommend this place!
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Daniel A.

Yelp
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!
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Sharyn L.

Yelp
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.

MeetMeInDC ..

Yelp
The ice cream is fantastic! I've had the Tulsi Chocolate Chip, Ghughra, Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds. I've visited during the day when it isn't too crowded. The service isn't the best (as others have noted) and the staff can come across as annoyed when you ask questions. My only advice to Malai would be: 1) Have some water in the store. Many stand in line for a while and there's no water. Other ice cream stores offer this, and Malai should too. 2) Please communicate with the staff as to when new flavors can be expected. 3) I wish some of the more traditional "Indian" flavors would be available year round, such as Gughra, Shrikhand, etc. Definitely worth a visit the next time you're in DC.
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Christine L.

Yelp
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.
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Mira S.

Yelp
Super busy place but ice cream did not disappoint! I got the strawberry pie because most of the flavors were out by 9 pm. I will be back to try other flavors though! Service was great though and quick.
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Krishna T.

Yelp
Wow! I can't explain how happy this place makes me. South Asian inspired ice cream is the perfect addition to 14th street and is going to be my new go to dessert spot after a nice dinner in the area. Yes, there is usually a huge line out the door, but it's so so worth it! I've gone three times now since opening and I will continue to go back until I've tried all the flavors Despite the long line, the service is great and I didn't feel rushed at all when it was my turn to order and try different flavors. I liked there there is an assortment for flavors to appease all palettes - whether you're accustomed to traditional south Asian flavors or just looking for a new spin on the classics! Here is my assessment on the flavors I've tried: - Masala chai: tastes just like *real* chai - but not overwhelming at all - cilantro mint: dairy free, reminded me of mint chutney, and was incredibly refreshing - almost like a palette cleanser! - cardamom pistachio crumble: classic Indian flavors, delicious and creamy. - lychee: sorbet, super refreshing and tastes just like lychees without any artificial aftertaste
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Josselyn M.

Yelp
Ok people. This is for you. If you are going to rate bad this place right now. May be you shouldn't because it's a NEW business. So much logistics and operations to fix, bad reviews hurts businesses. 100% write feedback for them. I saw a review saying they were not giving samples of their ice creams, now they do. Now, if you are going right now prepare for a long line. But is not a much wait time. The place is beautiful, it has pretty colors. Don't be shy put more seating outside. They also have to go pints of ice cream with different flavors, And something that looks like popsicles but they have their own name. I'll try them next time. While you wait in line they have arranged pictures and readins so you can know more about Malai. I do appreciate the details. The ice cream itself is really good. Very interesting and delicious combinations. I tried the cardamom and pistachio sooo good. My boyfriend had the lychee, and it tasted like Lychee which is amazing not always you can get the full lychee flavor. Price: I mean everything is super expensive in DC. Let's be grateful that we have the privilege to go out and afford it. Customer service is good. I mean those long lines are not easy to handle specially when some of us want to try every single flavor (let's be emphatic) for employees and people in the line. Can't wait to go back for the passionfruit Cilantro so refreshing !
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Micaela W.

Yelp
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 :)
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Kelly M.

Yelp
I hope (and expect) to be able to give a better rating in the future, but please know that they are in the new-establishment-crazy period right now. Expect a long line. We were not able to get samples of any flavors before purchasing. This was a big disappointment since I truly couldn't imagine the flavor profile of most of the offerings. There's a very limited selection of scoop flavors and hardly any pints were stocked for to go. I ordered strawberry pie in a cone. $9.50, very tiny scoop of ice cream. And then, again, after not being able to sample and be sure I would like it. Do yourself a favor. Go visit in 3 months when the initial excitement dies down. It will most likely be a great shop by then.
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Kalila W.

Yelp
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.
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Sami A.

Yelp
I went here with a few friends during the weekend and it was sooo good. Definitely worth the hype and the long line! (We went on Sunday, midday and the line was very long, so be aware!) I got the pistachio cardomom crumble and it was so good. My friends also enjoyed the mango & cream, spiced peanut crunch and lychee flavors. Can't wait to go back during the summer.
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Allie H.

Yelp
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
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Namir S.

Yelp
Have a lot of respect for Pooja, her creativity, and the product. I have my favorite and less favorite flavors, but love the rotation and being able to try them. Especially the nostalgic return to flavors of my childhood. But dear lord, the staff here are awful. Some of the meanest employees I've seen anywhere. They yell at customers, they are rude, and look and act like they're unhappy at all times. Almost every customer sitting and eating their ice cream outside was just talking about how mean the employees were and warning customers going inside about it too. Will I keep going back? Yes, because it's a meaningful product for me. But I don't know if other people would make that tradeoff given how bad the experience is. I'm sorry that the company put trust into whoever is making hiring decisions here.
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Sandra B.

Yelp
Unique flavors, plus a little secret to service keep me coming back to Malai, an ice cream shop tinged with Indian-spiced flair that originated in NYC and expanded to DC this summer. Yes, the long lines are a drawback to the overall ambiance of the space, but here's the secret if you want a faster experience: Go straight to the counter, tell them you'd like to buy a pint. They will unlock the freezer right then and there. All you have to do is choose which flavor(s) you want. So far, the top flavors I would come back for are the chili chocolate, the coffee cardamom, chai and the mango & cream. Once you're done picking, they will take you right at the register. Easy peasy.
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Suzie Z.

Yelp
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!
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Alexis R.

Yelp
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!
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Abe K.

Yelp
While I mourned Jubilee's departure, I've been pleasantly surprised with Malai. I've gone here a number of times by now. I remember before my first time coming here, I read some reviews about how the chai flavor wasn't strong enough or how this and that missed the mark. They got to get their taste checked because the chai ice cream is one of my favorite ice creams I've ever had. I love the espresso paired with chai. Their other flavors are lovely too. Great service and I will gladly support this business any day!
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Salina P.

Yelp
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
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Alisha G.

Yelp
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!
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Priscilla T.

Yelp
Came on a busy Saturday night when they first open, and it was PACKED. We wanted almost 30 min in line. The flavors are super unique and South Asian inspired so it's refreshing to see a different ice cream place! The ice cream are made with quality and care for sure. Getting the Trio scoops for $9 felt worth it since single scoop is only $6, however they both come in the same size and we got less of the 3 scoops, but more variety. I got to enjoy the Spiced Peanut Crunch, Lychee, Cherry Black Cardamom, Mango & Cream, Apricot Mace, Cardamom Pistachio Crumble, Passionfruit Cilantro, Prose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds, and Masala Chai.
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Parisa A.

Yelp
This place was PACKED but it was a decent waiting time considering we went in on Pride weekend. The staff were all very friendly and letting everyone try different flavors. I personally really enjoyed the mango and cream flavor it was delicious and soo creamy! I wasn't the biggest fan of the black cherry cardamom but I'm willing to come back and try more flavors! I appreciated the decoration that was put into the store and there was some seating inside. There was plenty of seating outside as well.
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Alexandra A.

Yelp
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.
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Diana D.

Yelp
Yummy ice cream flavors!!! Tried the mango & cream and the spiced peanut crunch it was amazing! I definitely plan to come back to try their other flavors next time!
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Tatiana W.

Yelp
There was a line out the door for a reason! I loved the creamy texture of the ice cream and the interesting flavor combos! I feel that the flavors weren't as strong as I would have liked them to be, but I want to be punched in the mouth with flavor. It's so cute inside and so well lit. The service was so nice too, especially considering the high amount of people they had been helping all night.
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Chenée T.

Yelp
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.
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Maria S.

Yelp
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.
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Lauren F.

Yelp
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.