Introduction to Malai
Pooja Bavishi did not set out to become an ice cream entrepreneur. With a background in urban planning and civil rights work, she spent years advocating for fair housing policies in Washington, D.C. But at the back of her mind was always something sweeter — a dream to start her own dessert business called Malai.
The Birth of Malai
The dream became a reality in 2015 when Bavishi launched Malai, a South Asian-inspired ice cream brand that is revolutionizing the dessert world. Ten years later, the company has scoop shops in Brooklyn, D.C., Philadelphia—and now, a new summer pop-up in Manhattan’s West Village, just in time for National Ice Cream Day.
Changing the Ice Cream Experience
Bavishi is using ice cream as a cultural connector. A way to honor memory and identity in one bite. “We’re trying to change the way that ice cream is experienced in this county,” she said. In an interview with Great Jones, Bavishi reflected on her upbringing as a first-generation Indian American, where food was a constant source of comfort and community.
Upbringing and Inspiration
Her parents, who immigrated from India, instilled in her a deep appreciation for cooking and hospitality — making more than enough food for when guests come by. Sparking a lifelong love for being in the kitchen. Through Malai, she is introducing customers to ingredients they may have never tasted in ice cream before — like chai, saffron, or rose — and is constantly reinventing new ways to use her earliest memories in her approach to ice cream development.
Malai’s Unique Flavors
Malai’s ice cream comes in eight nuanced flavors in the West Village store: Rose with cinnamon almonds, butterscotch butter pecan, masala chai, toasted nutmeg, sweet milk, saffron pistachio, guava chili, and pineapple pink peppercorn. Still, she is always chasing the next best thing — constantly thinking of what she can surprise her palate with next.
Values-Driven Business
But Malai is not just defined by its vibrant flavors — it is also built on a strong values-driven foundation. “Malai has always been a values driven business, and we do that in a variety of ways, ” Bavishi said. All of Malai’s ice cream is eggless, and the company uses compostable materials wherever possible — even in shipping.
Community Connection
As Malai grows, Bavishi is finding new ways to connect with her community. Her cookbook, filled with 100 original South Asian inspired recipes, lets fans recreate the magic of Malai from their own homes. What started as a home activity for Bavishi has turned into a home activity for many.
Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
From making ice cream in her apartment to turning it into a multi-city business is a path that Bavishi hopes young entrepreneurs like her take. “I say go for it,” she said when asked what advice she has for South Asian women dreaming of launching a business. “You’ll never have enough information to be able to make this decision of launching into a business.
Conclusion
The Malai pop-up will be scooping until the weather is warm, offering pints, scoops, sandwiches, and the brand’s new Four Flavor Fight, where guests can pick four flavors of their choosing. From her kitchen to yours, and now the West Village, Bavishi is proving that sweet dreams really do come true.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Pooja Bavishi to start Malai?
A: Pooja Bavishi’s inspiration to start Malai came from her upbringing as a first-generation Indian American and her lifelong love for being in the kitchen.
Q: What makes Malai’s ice cream unique?
A: Malai’s ice cream is unique because it features South Asian-inspired flavors like chai, saffron, and rose, which are not commonly found in traditional ice cream.
Q: What values does Malai prioritize as a business?
A: Malai prioritizes values such as sourcing ingredients ethically and using compostable materials whenever possible.
Q: What advice does Pooja Bavishi have for young entrepreneurs?
A: Pooja Bavishi advises young entrepreneurs to take the leap and start their business, even if they don’t have all the information they think they need.
Q: Where can I find Malai’s pop-up shop?
A: Malai’s pop-up shop is located in Manhattan’s West Village and will be scooping until the weather is warm.
