There are some things in life that instantly bring a smile to your face. For me, soft serve ice cream has always been one of them. Soft serve has always felt like a small piece of happiness, a sweet escape on a hot day. Carvel, the company that created soft serve in 1934, was finally making its way to India, and I knew this would be something special.
And it wasn’t just about reading the news. Before it formally opens to the public on October 4, 2025, I had the opportunity to visit their first Indian store in Connaught Place, Delhi. This wasn’t just about sampling the perfectly crafted ice cream there; it was also a chance to step back in time with a healthy dose of nostalgia and creativity.
Entering The First Carvel Store In India
The moment I walked into the first Carvel store, situated in the busy Outer Circle, L Block, Connaught Place, I realised this wasn’t your typical ice cream shop. The sleek and modern interiors mixed with playful and vibrant colours and images narrated the tale of soft serve ice cream inventor Tom Carvel.
I sensed the excitement even before I tried anything. People passing by were curious, and some even walked in asking if the cones were ready to be sold. They couldn’t wait. But they’ll only have to hold on a little longer until October 4, when the store finally opens to the public.
Now to the best part: the ice cream itself. Carvel is famous worldwide for its Flying Saucers, Carvelanches, Dashers, and Shakes, but what really stood out to me were the India-first creations they’ve crafted just for us.
I tried the Cassata Dasher and the Filter Coffee Dasher. To be honest, I thought I would prefer the Filter Coffee one since I don’t usually have a big sweet tooth. But the Cassata completely won me over. The way the flavours and textures came together, the creamy soft serve, the richness of ingredients, the layers – it was indulgence done right.
A Menu That Mixes Global Icons With Indian Favourites
The one thing I liked the most about Carvel’s menu was how it incorporated flavours from Indian desserts. Yes, you get the global favourites like Flying Saucers and Carvelanches. However, the new treats, such as the Gulab Jamun Sundae, Biscoff Carvelanche, Mango Swirl, and, of course, the Cassata Dasher, are here to delight you. There’s truly something for everyone, whether you’re a student looking for an afternoon snack, a professional needing a sweet pick-me-up, or a family out for a late-night dessert run.
I also had the chance to speak with Sumer Sethi, Founder of Unify Foodworks, the man who brought Carvel to India. His vision for the brand here is crystal clear, and he shared it with both passion and simplicity.
When asked about Carvel’s big vision for India, a country already obsessed with kulfis, mithais, and new-age dessert cafes, he shared, “Carvel has always stood for more than just ice cream. At its heart, the brand is about joy, comfort, and those small moments of celebration that bring people together.”
“Our vision is to take the legacy that has delighted families for over 90 years and reimagine it for the Indian palate. That means pairing classics like Flying Saucers and Carvelanches with creations that feel familiar yet fresh, such as the Gulab Jamun Lava Sundae or the Filter Coffee Dasher. We are not here to replace kulfis or mithais, but to add a new layer to how people experience indulgence,” he added.
On a lighter note, I asked him what Tom Carvel himself would think if he saw his invention finally landing in India. Sumer replied: “Tom Carvel was a dreamer who built this brand on innovation and a desire to make people smile. If he saw Carvel arriving in India, I believe he would be thrilled. He would see a country that loves sweets, celebrates togetherness, and values tradition, which is exactly what Carvel has always been about. He would probably smile at the idea that his invention has not only travelled the world but has also been embraced in India through flavours like Tutti Frutti Carvelanche and Cassata Dasher. For him, this moment would not be about opening a new market; it would be about creating new memories and giving people another way to celebrate the everyday joys of life.”
More Than Just Dessert
Carvel’s arrival is also going to make a real impact beyond just sweet treats. With plans to create over 1,000 direct jobs across key Indian cities, this launch shows that the brand isn’t here for a short stint; it’s a long-term commitment to India’s dessert culture.
Joy has always been at the heart of soft serve, but with Carvel, that joy feels more expansive, audacious, and thrilling. This is only the beginning, and Carvel will quickly become the comfort dessert in India.
Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied and Mallika Khurana
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: September 29, 2025 1:37 PM