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This summer, Washington D.C. welcomes Malai, a unique ice cream shop offering scoops bursting with the aromatic flavors of South Asia.
A Decade of Deliciously Different Ice Cream
Malai isn't new to the ice cream scene. For almost a decade, their New York City location has been a haven for those seeking ice cream that goes beyond the usual chocolate and vanilla. Founder Pooja Bavishi, a first-generation Indian-American, draws inspiration from her heritage to create a one-of-a-kind ice cream experience.
A Perfect Fit for D.C.'s Diverse Food Scene
Located at 1407 T St. NW, Malai fills the void left by Ice Cream Jubilee, just off the 14th Street Corridor. This new addition joins the ranks of D.C.'s booming and diverse food scene, offering a unique perspective on everyone's favorite summertime treat.
A World of Flavors Awaits
Step inside Malai's charming salmon-hued storefront and prepare to have your taste buds tantalised. Over a dozen flavors are available, including the unexpected yet intriguing red chili chocolate and the refreshing passionfruit cilantro. Don't worry if your favorite isn't there today – new creations appear bi-monthly, but one constant crowd-pleaser is the rose with cinnamon-roasted almonds.
Sweet Treats Beyond the Scoop
Malai offers something for everyone. Indulge in a classic single scoop for $6 or a flavor trio for $9. Add a touch of textural delight with toppings like crunchy peanut chikki (Indian brittle) or decadent cacao-nib cardamom shortbread pieces for an extra dollar.
Looking for a grab-and-go option? Malai offers ice cream cakes, ice cream sandwiches, creamy kulfi popsicles, and even a cup of their signature soft-serve, currently featuring a delightful pistachio and saffron swirl. Keep your eyes peeled for a wider selection of pint flavors available for purchase in-store and at local grocery stores soon.
D.C. Gets Its Own Exclusive Flavor
To celebrate their grand opening and show love for their new city, Malai is introducing a cherry black cardamom flavor, exclusive to the DC location. The smokiness of the black cardamom perfectly complements the sweetness of D.C.'s official fruit, the cherry.
A Celebration of Heritage
Malai isn't just about offering unique flavors; it's about celebrating cultural heritage. Remember the "Madam Vice President" flavor created to honor Kamala Harris' inauguration day? Look out for pints of this delightful mango-coconut fusion with candied lotus seed mix-ins in the freezer aisle.
More Than Just Ice Cream
"We want to change how people perceive ice cream in America," says Bavishi. "There's a whole world of flavors beyond chocolate and cookies and cream." Malai doesn't just replicate traditional Indian flavors; they use South Asian ingredients as a base to create exciting new ice cream experiences.
Celebrate the Grand Opening!
Join Malai for their grand opening on May 18th at noon! Enjoy all single scoops for just $3 all day, and be among the first 50 customers to receive a complimentary Malai tote bag. Regular hours are noon to 10 PM Sunday through Thursday, and noon to 11 PM Fridays and Saturdays.
So ditch the ordinary and treat yourself to a scoop (or three) of something truly special at Malai. Your taste buds will thank you!