#United States #Philadelphia #Ice Cream #Malai

Malai Celebrates Grand Opening in Philly

Malai, an artisanal ice cream brand inspired by South Asian flavors, has officially launched its new scoop shop in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, located at 260 South 18th Street. The grand opening, which took place on May 17, 2025, marks a significant milestone for the founder, Pooja Bavishi, who has dedicated her culinary career to crafting unique and flavorful ice creams that evoke her cultural heritage.

A Flavorful Journey

Pooja Bavishi, who rose to prominence as a winner of the Food Network's Chopped Sweets competition, founded Malai to share her love of South Asian spices and ingredients. Through her ice creams, she aims to introduce joyful textures and palates to the everyday dessert experience. Bavishi's childhood in Pennsylvania heavily influenced her recipes, leading her to create genuine ice cream that features spices not commonly found in mainstream desserts, such as cardamom, saffron, and rose petals.

With an innovative spirit, she has continued to experiment with flavors. To commemorate the new opening in Philadelphia, Bavishi unveiled a special ice cream flavor, Cinnamon Honeybun. This flavor pays homage to the iconic Tastykake Honey Buns, a cherished treat from her childhood. The Cinnamon Honeybun ice cream features a rich cinnamon base swirled with housemade buns stuffed with a spiced honey mixture comprising cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and star anise— topped off with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Bavishi expressed her desire for each scoop to encapsulate the sweet memories linked to these flavors, making a remarkable introduction for the Philly location.

Rapid Growth Since 2015

Malai was established in 2015, beginning as a small venture selling ice cream at local fairs and markets across New York City. Within a span of eight years, the company has significantly expanded its presence. Besides the new scoop shop in Philadelphia, Malai operates from its flagship location in Brooklyn and another shop in Washington, D.C. Additionally, Malai products are available in various grocery stores throughout the Northeast and can be shipped nationwide through Goldbelly.

Bavishi's entrepreneurial journey has not only been about growth but also about adapting to demand. In the last two years, she transitioned from a diminutive kitchen space in her Brooklyn shop to a spacious 4,000-square-foot production and fulfillment center to accommodate increasing orders and flavor innovation.

A Culinary Adventure Awaits

To coincide with the opening of the Philadelphia store, Pooja Bavishi also released her debut cookbook, Malai Frozen Desserts Inspired by South Asian Flavors, which celebrates the unique and bold flavors she has integrated into her products. As summer approaches, Malai's scoop shop will operate from Sunday to Thursday, noon to 10 p.m., and from Friday to Saturday, noon to 11 p.m., inviting locals and tourists alike to enjoy a scoop of happiness.

In summary, Malai's expansion into Philadelphia exemplifies Pooja Bavishi's commitment to delivering exceptional and extraordinary dessert experiences through her interpretations of South Asian flavors. For anyone in the City of Brotherly Love, this scoop shop brings a refreshing and nostalgic twist to traditional ice cream, further enriching the local culinary landscape. For more information, visit Malai's website.