How did your career in the ice cream industry begin?
My career in ice cream began long before I officially entered the industry. I’ve always loved sweets and hospitality, and I’ve always been fascinated by the way food can bring people together. The first time I made ice cream flavored with Indian spices, I immediately knew there was something special there. It felt both deeply personal and completely new, and that moment ultimately became the foundation for Malai.
Tell us about your South-Asian inspired ice cream brand, Malai!
Malai is the first mainstream Indian-inspired ice cream brand in the U.S.! Our mission is to expand the way American flavors are perceived, and who gets to define them. We celebrate the diversity of American taste by incorporating flavors and spices from my childhood, like cardamom, saffron, rose, and ginger, into ice cream in a way that feels innovative, approachable, and nostalgic all at once. Today, we’ve grown to four scoop shops – two in New York City, one in Washington, D.C., and one in Philadelphia – and we also ship nationwide, cater events, and sell through grocery stores and restaurants. At the end of the day, we’re focused on making the best ice cream in the world!
What’s your favorite part about the New York culinary community?
I love how supportive the New York culinary community is. Whether I was just starting out and trying to understand the basics of running a business, scrambling to find insulated shippers for an ice cream delivery, or navigating new small business regulations, there has always been someone willing to help. People genuinely pick up the phone, answer emails, and share advice. It’s an incredibly collaborative and generous community, and I feel very lucky to be a part of it.
We love that Malai’s flavors blend rich cultural heritage with a classic treat. How do you get inspired for new flavors?
Inspiration comes from everywhere: a dessert I loved as a child, a specific ingredient, a memory, or even a feeling I want to recreate. What I love most about Malai’s flavors is that they may begin as a nostalgic moment from my own life, but when customers try them, they often connect to a completely different memory or experience of their own. That emotional connection through flavor is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
Congrats on your newest location in the West Village! How has expanding to new locations and now shipping, impacted the brand?
Every part of our business strengthens the others. Our scoop shops drive awareness for grocery and nationwide shipping, while grocery customers often discover us there first and then seek out our shops. Having multiple ways for customers to experience the brand has been incredibly valuable. More than anything, though, scoop shops are essential because they allow people to fully experience Malai – trying flavors for the first time, interacting with the brand in person, and giving us immediate feedback. They’ve been a huge driver of both community and brand awareness as we continue to grow.
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