noona’s story
Blazin’ a trail of sweetness with Asian American flair ~
It all starts with the word, noona. Noona means big sister in the Korean language. My first happiest memory was becoming a big sister, and my second happiest memory was discovering ice cream. Hence, Noona’s Ice Cream. <3
For me, a good noona feeds you good food. And at Noona’s, I hope to always feed people damn good ice cream.
As a pastry chef and creative fascinated with ice cream, I experience most things with heightened sense. I can taste my feelings, and I find joy in making flavors out of the most memorable moments in life… perhaps to recapture them over and over again. I’m sure a perfumer approaches scent in a similar manner. :)
But how Noona’s actually came into existence started in 2014. I found myself at a crossroads, trying to figure out my professional love and career path. I was working in operations for a small family-owned company and found myself immersed among entrepreneurial spirits. On my spare time, I’d make ice cream and share it with neighbors and friends. The small gesture of sharing ice cream created significant moments in time, sparking joy and indelible connections that continue to inspire me to this day.
In the Summer of 2016, I officially launched Noona’s into the world on the same day as NYC’s annual ice cream contest held by Hester St Fair on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. I figured if I won best flavor, I was on to something special. I debuted with only 2 flavors: my Toasted Rice ice cream (my own flavor creation) and a classic Black Sesame ice cream. Sure enough, I won best flavor for my Toasted Rice ice cream and it’s the flavor that gave Noona’s a name and a loyal following. Fast forward 8 years and I’m proud to have Noona’s be recognized as making some of the best ice cream around and the go-to choice when seeking Asian-inspired ice cream flavors. Recently, in Dec 2024, I opened Noona’s Ice Cream & Bakeshop, my first brick & mortar shop to merge my love of baking with my love and expertise of ice cream. As a native New Yorker with a fondness for the East Village, opening a little shop on E 5th Street is special. Expect a greater assortment of Asian-American flavors and some of that NYC flair as well. Imagine ice cream flavors like Banana Pudding Mochi and Fiery Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough (made with gochujang - Korean chili) and baked sweets like our signature Sesame Black & White Cookie.
Whether you’re very fond of us or new to discovering Noona’s, it is a great joy to have Noona’s be part of your life or be part of it very soon!
xx,
Hannah Bae
aka your ice cream noona