5 Brooklyn Ice Cream Makers Named Among Best In The Nation

BROOKLYN, NY — Brooklynites will have no shortage of options this summer when looking for a refreshing scoop of ice cream, according to a new ranking.

Five ice cream makers from the borough were recently named by Today among the 41 best ice cream and frozen treat brands across the country. A total of 13 ice cream shops from across the five boroughs made the list, according to Today's rankings.

In Brooklyn, the options reflect the full scope of the borough's residents, including two shops with Asian-inspired flavors, scoops made with ingredients sourced from Mexico, a Caribbean-infused menu and a newly-launched Flatbush business with vegan favorites.

The ice cream makers can be found in their own shops or through delivery options, according to Today.

Here's what the outlet wrote about the five Brooklyn spots:

1. Malai Ice Cream: Brooklyn, NY

"Operating out of its Smith Street storefront in Brooklyn, Malai is also available in select stores all around the U.S. and for delivery through Goldbelly. Founder and owner Pooja Bavishi creates new flavors inspired by South Asian ingredients and aromatic spices from her childhood. Crowd favorites include Masala Chai, Mango & Cream and Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds (my personal favorite). The ice creams are made eggless and also available in vegan options.
Malai will also be expanding into a new venture this season, selling its new Weekender Ice Cream Bars on Governor’s Island on summer Saturdays and Sundays."

2. Noona's Ice Cream: Brooklyn, NY

"Hannah Bae founded Noona’s Ice Cream to meet the need for more diverse ice cream flavors in the American market, especially for Asian flavors made by Asian American companies. All of Noona’s flavors are ethically sourced, with their dairy options made with hormone- and antibiotic-free local milk, and vegan ice creams are made with organic coconut milk. Though her Green Tea ice cream is my favorite, popular flavors also include Dalgona Coffee, Thai Iced Tea, Makgeolli Blues and Toasted Rice. Pints are available at select stores and for delivery throughout the U.S."

4. La Newyorkina: Brooklyn, NY

"Though the West Village location closed in January 2021, the Mexican sweets business owned and operated by chef Fany Gerson carries on with its Red Hook tienda and online orders. A business that started out selling summertime paletas is now selling sorbets and ice creams, too. Gerson uses organic, locally sourced ingredients with some imported ingredients from Mexico, such as tamarind, Mexican vanilla beans and dried chiles. Among customer favorites are Horchata, Oaxacan Chocolate, Avocado Ice Cream and Hibiscus Sorbet. Local delivery is available on its website; nationwide shipping is available on Goldbelly."

10. Dre’s Desserts: Brooklyn, NY

"A new ice cream brand launched during the pandemic from civil engineer Andre Olivier, creating and delivering pints throughout the Flatbush area of Brooklyn. He created his company after being furloughed from his job, found a thriving fanbase for his homemade ice cream and quickly sold out. He serves both dairy and vegan flavors inspired by family and childhood favorites: Peanut Butter and Jam French Toast, Sticky Icky Cinnabun, Lemon Blueberry and Court Street Theater — a combination of all his favorite movie snacks, including popcorn, pretzels and M&M’s. Along with your ice cream, you can also order a batch of cookies made by his sister, Simone.
Orders are available during the week for weekend delivery in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan."

11. Crème & Cocoa Creamery, Brooklyn, NY

"Husband-and-wife team Omar and Astrid Thorpe have been serving customers out of their Prospect Lefferts Gardens shop since 2017. On the menu of artisanal ice creams and sorbets are flavors inspired by their Brooklyn community and Caribbean upbringing, like Tamarind Orange and Caribbean Queen, made with coconut milk and soursop. If you can't make it to the shop, their pints are also available to order nationwide on Goldbelly."