Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, May 23: Indian-origin entrepreneur Pooja Bavishi has transformed a simple homemade ice cream experiment into a thriving business in the United States, with her brand Malai now generating nearly $2.8 million in annual revenue.

Founded in 2015, Malai has grown into a profitable wholesale and e-commerce ice cream company with four outlets spread across New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC. The brand has gained popularity for introducing Indian-inspired flavours such as cardamom, saffron, rose and nutmeg to mainstream American consumers.

Before entering the food business, Bavishi studied urban planning at London School of Economics and worked as a civil rights project coordinator at the Equal Rights Center in Washington DC.

The idea for Malai began during a dinner gathering with friends, where Bavishi served homemade ginger-star anise ice cream. The unique flavour received an enthusiastic response, encouraging her to explore the concept further.

Determined to understand customer preferences before expanding, Bavishi spent time testing flavours and studying consumer behaviour to build a sustainable business model. Her venture later gained attention after being praised by a food writer from The New York Times.

With support from a small friends-and-family funding round in 2017, she launched pop-ups and temporary food hall outlets across New York, gradually expanding the business.

Bavishi says her goal has always been to showcase Indian flavours as globally familiar tastes rather than ‘experimental’ options. Today, Malai stands out in the American dessert market by blending traditional Indian ingredients with modern ice cream culture.