ICE CREAM in New York: Sundaes Best

I first visited Sundaes Best shortly after they opened. It was a very rainy day and I had to catch a bus. Perhaps the zombie-like staff felt my energy because they did not respond well to my questions and made clear the limitations on sampling. I can’t say it was a great experience.

I never ended up putting together my review of that visit and I’m glad I didn’t because my second visit was completely different and a much more positive experience. I do like to rave about a new place rather than be so critical.

Sundaes Best opened in the summer of 2023 and brought a much needed ice cream option to the neighborhood of Koreatown. There are lots of chain bakeries from Asia in this neighborhood and quite a few dessert/tea cafés, but no place specifically for ice cream. And what unique ice cream this is!

I did my usual examination of the flavors to make my plan. I tried three, as usual, and chose two others.

First up was the Banana Milk which I could see being reminiscent of childhood (although I did not have any immediate personal flashbacks). It was a bit overly sweet and creamy and not exactly for me, but I could tell the appeal. The garnished cacao nibs (even on the sample) were a nice touch.

Next was Honey Makgeoli, which is a Korean alcoholic drink that I have come to like quite a bit. It’s a flavorful sparkling rice wine that often has a similar flavor to saké. I really enjoyed this flavor – sweet, tangy, with a little kick.

My last sample was Puffed Rice, which was explained as the flavor at the bottom of the pan where the rice starts to get a little crispy. The ice cream had a subtle roasted flavor but mostly tasted of fresh cream. This one also featured a garnish, this time of the namesake itself. I actually found the rice to be a bit too soft and would have liked a crunchier juxtaposition.

I liked the Makgeoli flavor so much that I broke my own unwritten rule and ordered a scoop of a flavor that I had already tasted. I wanted to taste it again and again.

To pair with it, I went with something a bit more refreshing and light – Thai Basil Pineapple.

The Pineapple flavor was so nice with lots of herbal sweet notes and a very refreshing flavor that stayed consistent throughout. The alcohol bite from the Honey Makegeoli started to dissipate as my mouth numbed, but I still really enjoyed the flavor.

Despite my initial visit, I believe this is a fantastic addition to the neighborhood. And I can’t wait for the next time someone needs a good ice cream recommendation near their hotel in the West 30’s and I can blow them away with this place.

Is Sundaes Best the best ice cream in NY? It’s incredibly unique with their Asian-inspired flavors, going much deeper than the usual Green Tea and Ube. The texture is creamy, the flavors are well-thought out, and on most days, the staff is great. 9 out of 10.