All Of It Podcast Summary: "Malai Celebrates South Asian Flavors in Ice Cream"

Episode Release Date: April 8, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, listeners are introduced to Pooja Bhavishi, the founder and CEO of Malai, a Brooklyn-based ice cream shop renowned for its innovative South Asian-inspired flavors. Pooja also shares insights about her newly released cookbook, Frozen Desserts Inspired by South Asian Flavors. The conversation delves into Pooja’s journey from an MBA graduate to a successful ice cream entrepreneur, the cultural significance of her creations, and the challenges of expanding her beloved business.

Pooja Bhavishi’s Journey to Malai

Alison Stewart opens the discussion by highlighting Pooja’s career transition. In [00:33], Alison recounts Pooja’s shift from pursuing an MBA to entering the ice cream business:

“In 2015 she switched careers. Pooja went from an MBA to the ice cream business. Pooja is a first generation Indian American and she wanted to create ice cream reminiscent of the South Asian flavors that she grew up with.” [00:33]

Pooja elaborates on her lifelong passion for desserts and the moment that sparked her venture:

“I honestly I've always wanted to have my own dessert business my entire life. It was something I just knew because I loved making desserts... I just knew that I wanted my own dessert business.” [01:53]

Despite not having culinary training, Pooja immersed herself in learning the craft, attending a renowned ice cream course at Penn State to refine her recipes into commercially viable products.

Creating Malai: Blending Culture and Flavor

The name Malai, meaning "cream" and figuratively "the best of something," reflects the brand’s essence. Pooja shares:

“Malai literally means cream and then figuratively can mean the best of something... I wanted the best ice cream that they've ever had.” [04:07]

Her goal is to mainstream South Asian flavors, making them as ubiquitous and beloved as traditional American ice cream flavors. Growing up in suburban North Carolina, Pooja was accustomed to flavors like masala chai, which became foundational in her creations.

Signature Flavors and Cookbook Highlights

Pooja discusses several signature flavors at Malai, including Rose with Cinnamon Roasted Almonds, Masala Chai, Orange Fennel, and Coffee Cardamom. She emphasizes the importance of a complete flavor arc in ice cream, ensuring that each scoop delivers a satisfying and nuanced taste experience:

“You want to feel really satisfied. And at the end of that, with that caramel note, you will.” [15:05]

Her cookbook, Frozen Desserts Inspired by South Asian Flavors, features recipes like Gulab Jamun Cake, which fuses the traditional Indian dessert with ice cream, offering two ways to enjoy this classic treat in a frozen form.

Listener Engagement and Personal Stories

Throughout the episode, Alison incorporates listener interactions, sharing personal anecdotes and favorite flavors. For instance, Alison shares her experience visiting Malai after receiving a gift card from a listener:

“I was blown away by the different flavors... I think I got the rose cinnamon. That’s our most popular.” [06:34]

Another listener recounts their delight in discovering Malai’s soft serve options, tailored for various dietary needs:

“We have dairy free options always available at Malai.” [17:25]

Overcoming Challenges and Business Growth

Pooja candidly discusses the challenges of maintaining optimal ice cream texture and the complexities of scaling her business:

“It's really hard to keep things at temperature... the balance that we always have to make sure... customers are getting the best possible experience.” [04:21]

As Malai expands beyond Brooklyn with new locations in Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, Pooja reflects on the growing pains common to expanding businesses but remains optimistic about reaching a broader audience:

“What we're trying to do with Malai, in mainstreaming these flavors and getting them to as many people as possible, we have to grow to achieve that goal.” [18:48]

Tools and Tips for Aspiring Ice Cream Enthusiasts

Pooja offers practical advice for home ice cream makers, emphasizing the importance of quality ingredients and essential tools like a microplane grater and an ice cream maker:

“You want to get good ingredients... they're still really potent. That will make or break the ice cream experience.” [17:41]

She highlights the versatility of a microplane grater for achieving the perfect spice blend and recommends accessible ice cream makers for beginners.

Vegan and Dairy-Free Options

Acknowledging diverse dietary preferences, Pooja shares Malai’s commitment to offering both dairy-based and dairy-free soft serve options, catering to customers with allergies and intolerances:

“We have dairy free options always available at Malai.” [17:25]

This inclusivity ensures that more people can enjoy Malai’s unique flavors without compromising their dietary needs.

Conclusion and Upcoming Events

As the episode wraps up, Pooja promotes her upcoming TikTok make-your-own Sunday party and book signing event, inviting listeners to engage further with her work:

“By the way, thank you for having me.” [20:07]

Alison encourages listeners to explore Malai’s offerings and participate in the community-driven experience that Malai fosters.

Final Thoughts

This episode of All Of It not only showcases the innovative blend of South Asian flavors in modern ice cream but also highlights the cultural storytelling behind each creation. Pooja Bhavishi’s journey and dedication to her craft offer inspiring insights into how cultural heritage can be beautifully integrated into everyday culinary experiences. Malai stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of New York City’s diverse culture, inviting everyone to savor the “cream of the crop” in ice cream.

Notable Quotes

• Pooja Bhavishi: “I have to make it as accessible as possible. There are certainly recipes in the book where you will need an ice cream maker and you can get whatever variety you want.” [13:20]

• Alison Stewart: “You want to feel really satisfied. And at the end of that, with that caramel note, you will.” [15:05]

• Pooja Bhavishi: “It's really that I wanted to mainstream these flavors. I don't want people to think that this is the best Indian ice cream that they've ever had. I want it to be the best ice cream that they've ever had.” [05:57]

Upcoming Event

• TikTok Make Your Own Sunday Party and Book Signing: Hosted by Pooja Bhavishi at Malai, scheduled for tomorrow at 6 PM. This event celebrates the launch of her cookbook and offers fans a chance to engage directly with her and her creations.

If you enjoyed this summary and want to explore more about Malai’s delectable South Asian-inspired ice creams, consider visiting their Carroll Gardens location or following Pooja Bhavishi’s journey through her cookbook and upcoming events.