Malai, a New York City-based ice cream shop, opens in DC at 1407 T Street NW on Saturday, May 18, at 12 p.m. The shop “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.” Malai is owned by Pooja Bavishi, winner of Food Network’s Chopped Sweets competition.
Per Malai: Bavishi founded Malai when she discovered that the same spices of her childhood–ginger, rose petals, saffron, and cardamom–could robustly flavor ice creams in a way that she had never tasted before.
“I founded Malai because desserts bring people joy, and I wanted to be in the business of delivering happiness,” shares Bavishi.
Bavishi continues to craft all of Malai’s flavors and has been hard at work on a new flavor to celebrate opening in DC–Cherry Black Cardamom–inspired by the official fruit of Washington, DC.
“Our DC scoop shop marks our inaugural step outside of NYC, so we knew we had to open with a delicious flavor,” Bavishi shares. “Here, black cardamom ice cream is layered with a sweet and tart chunky cherry compote. It’s fruity, a little smoky, it’s decadent, it’s spiced – everything that we do best.”
Bavishi started Malai in 2015, selling her ice cream at fairs and markets around New York City. Today, Malai is available at its Brooklyn flagship location, in grocery stores throughout the Northeast, and shipped nationwide via Goldbelly. In just the past two years, Bavishi has expanded her operation from a tiny kitchen in the back of her Brooklyn store to a 10,000-square-foot production space and fulfillment center.
Bavishi hopes to spread as much Malai joy to as many people as possible. She believes that DC is just the beginning before expanding to a nationwide and international fleet of stores.
Bavishi invites the DC community to join her in celebrating the shop’s opening on Saturday, May 18, at noon. The shop will offer discounted $3 scoops all day, and the first 50 customers will receive a free Malai tote bag.