How Smoove is Redefining Ice Cream with Asian-Inspired Flavors and Bold Creativity
Discover how Smoove, an Asian-inspired ice cream shop in Chinatown, is redefining dessert with bold flavors like Ube Boba Floats and Durian Ice Cream. Learn about co-founder Christy's creative journey, innovative offerings, and exciting expansion plans!
When Christy left her finance career during the pandemic, she wasn’t just seeking a new path—she was chasing a dream. A lover of food and creativity, Christy combined her passion for dessert with her knack for business, launching Smoove, an ice cream shop that’s anything but ordinary. Together with her business partner, an experienced pastry chef, Christy set out to bring Asian-inspired fusion ice cream to the heart of Chinatown, and the results have been nothing short of delicious.
“I’ve always loved dessert,” Christy shared, reflecting on how her entrepreneurial journey began. “Ice cream is such a creative medium—you can transform so many flavors into this frozen form. It felt like the perfect way to combine my background in business with my love for food.”
At Smoove, the creativity shines through in every scoop. From their signature Ube Boba Float to a crowd-favorite Thai Tea Ice Cream, the menu offers a delightful twist on classic Asian flavors. And the innovation doesn’t stop there—Smoove has built a reputation for pushing boundaries, testing bold ideas like their seasonal Cheeto Ice Cream and introducing items like Croffles, a croissant-turned-waffle creation served warm with ice cream and toppings.
“We want to take ice cream beyond the traditional chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla,” Christy said. “By turning popular drinks like jasmine tea, matcha, and Thai tea into ice cream, we’re offering customers something familiar but in a whole new way.”
A Commitment to the Community and Craft
Smoove’s Asian-inspired focus is deeply personal to Christy and her partner, both of whom are Chinese. Many of their flavors are drawn from their cultural experiences or trips abroad. For example, the idea for the Croffle came from a dessert Christy tried during a visit to Korea. “We’re always finding inspiration when we travel,” she explained. “We want to bring those unique flavors to our customers.”
For those looking to try Smoove’s most unique offerings, Christy recommends the Durian Ice Cream, made with real durian fruit, and the Lychee Rose Ice Cream, a fragrant and fruity treat. “Durian isn’t for everyone,” Christy laughed, “but for those who love it, it’s an unforgettable flavor.”
Big Plans on the Horizon
Smoove’s success hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, the shop is set to open its second location in California, and Christy is gearing up to expand their wholesale business by participating in New York City’s prestigious Restaurant Show in 2025. “We’re looking at new ways to grow,” Christy shared. “Wholesale is an exciting avenue for us, and we’re even considering franchising down the line.”
But at its core, Smoove remains about more than just growth. For Christy, the most rewarding part of running the shop is hearing positive feedback from customers. “When someone tells us how much they love our ice cream, it’s the best feeling. It makes all the hard work worth it.”