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OUR STORY

Desserts Make
People Happy

Malai, figuratively meaning cream of the crop, draws inspiration from South Asian ingredients, aromatic spices, and our founder's upbringing. Our ice cream is all eggless, handcrafted, and churned with very little air, resulting in purer, more robust flavors, as well as the creamiest textures you can find. Malai's unique desserts have been giving our customers joy since 2015.

 
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Taste of India

Malai brings a taste of India in every bite and every cone, through its spice forward flavors, and its creamy textures. We are inspired by the traditions, culture, and heritage that India brings, and we show that through our products, hospitality and design.

Partners with Flavor

Malai is striving to be a triple bottom line company, making sure that we have positive social and environmental performance, as well as financial performance. Accordingly, we choose the same with the partners we collaborate with. Our partner companies hold the highest values, making us incredibly proud to work with them.

OUR STORY

Desserts Make
People Happy

Malai, figuratively meaning cream of the crop, draws inspiration from South Asian ingredients, aromatic spices, and our founder's upbringing. Our ice cream is all eggless, handcrafted, and churned with very little air, resulting in purer, more robust flavors, as well as the creamiest textures you can find. Malai's unique desserts have been giving our customers joy since 2015.

 
hero-image.jpg

Taste of India

Malai brings a taste of India in every bite and every cone, through its spice forward flavors, and its creamy textures. We are inspired by the traditions, culture, and heritage that India brings, and we show that through our products, hospitality and design.

Partners with Flavor

Malai is striving to be a triple bottom line company, making sure that we have positive social and environmental performance, as well as financial performance. Accordingly, we choose the same with the partners we collaborate with. Our partner companies hold the highest values, making us incredibly proud to work with them.

OUR FOUNDER & CEO

Pooja Bavishi

Pooja's interest in flavor and food can be traced back to her childhood. On any given morning, you could spot Pooja taking long whiffs of her parents' chai often before they took their first sip, a practice that they patiently indulged. She found their seamlessly and artistically throwing in spices to make delicious dishes to be utterly magical, and wanted to be a part of that herself.

This began a lifelong passion for experimenting with aromatic spices, global cuisines and unconventional flavor pairings. Pooja became particularly inspired by the blank palate of an ice cream base, when she discovered that the same South Asian spices of her childhood - ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, and saffron - could be used to robustly flavor ice creams in a way that she never tasted before.

In 2015, Pooja launched Malai, with flavors not only highlighting the culture and traditions that she grew up with, but also the magic that she felt in the kitchen at that young age.

Pooja continues to craft all of Malai's recipes, and is continually energized by bringing joy and happiness into people’s lives daily.

 
 
 
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THE TEAM

The Malai Family

 

DIRECTOR OF Operations

Benjamin Cook

Originally working in financial services, Ben developed a passion for hospitality while living in Hawaii and is dedicated to enhancing the guest experience in all areas of the business. Prior to joining the team, he worked operations at a vegan fast casual start-up and looks forward to seeing how far Malai can grow. Ben loves to travel and has worked and studied in places such as France, Costa Rica, and Madagascar, and has a deep appreciation for the unique cultures and flavors that are expressed through food.

Ben’s Favorite Flavor:
Sweet Roti & Ghee

Creative & Design

Evelyn Hou

Evelyn studied Graphic & Information Design at Northeastern University while working at a bakery & cafe as a barista with BOH and FOH experience, and co-oped at a design consultancy in Brooklyn with a focus on food & hospitality in 2021. Their love for the F&B industry is an integral part of their design practice, and they are so excited to be a part of the Malai family!

Evelyn’s Favorite Flavor:
Pineapple Pink Peppercorn

DIRECTOR OF Marketing & Communications

Kim McNally

Kim joined the Malai family in early 2023 and leads all things marketing and comms for our growing brand. Ever thought about partnering with us? Then Kim is your gal (and you can reach her at press@malai.co)! She has over 15 years of experience planning, designing, and managing marketing campaigns with a focus on food and food media. She’s worked for companies like SAVEUR Magazine, The Food Network, and Ovenly.

Kim’s Favorite Flavor:
Cardamom Pistachio Crumble

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Photography & Content
Morgan Ione Yeager

Morgan has been the primary photographer for Malai since the beginning. Over the years she has helped to define the Malai photography aesthetic and identity. Morgan has over 10 years of experience working with food, travel, interior, and lifestyle clients ranging in scale from startup to Starbucks. She loves helping brands share their stories, personalities, and culture through imagery.

Morgan’s Favorite Flavor:
Spiced Peanut Crunch