In a family steeped in engineering, Akshay Bhagwat’s decision to pursue a culinary path initially raised eyebrows. “Engineer nahin bana toh tera life waste ho gaya,” his parents cautioned. Yet, it was his 91-year-old grandmother, Shalini Bhagwat, a culinary virtuoso herself, who spurred his passion for cooking. Today, she remains a key critic as Akshay crafts innovative ice cream flavors for ‘Eatally,’ an artisanal brand gaining traction across Pune and Mumbai post-pandemic.
Co-founded with Harshada Bhagwat, Eatally entered a market seemingly saturated with ice cream options, from commercial giants to local vendors. Despite the challenges, including diverse taste preferences in cities like Mumbai, Akshay embarked on the journey with a commitment to quality ingredients sourced globally. From Danish chocolates to German fruit oils, each component is meticulously chosen, albeit at a premium price.
What sets Eatally apart is Akshay’s culinary finesse honed during stints in Europe, including prestigious establishments like Marco Pierre White’s Mirabelle and Gordon Ramsay’s Petrus in London. His philosophy blends novelty with familiarity, as seen in flavors like Chocolate Orange, enriched with candied zest for a transcendent experience.
While experimentation is encouraged, Akshay remains grounded in cultural sensibilities. Reflecting on the restrained Indian palate, he shares, “We don’t do crazy stuff.” Instead, Eatally offers heartfelt creations like Royal Alphonso Mango, sourced from Konkan farms, and Cranberry-Litchi, featuring their own cranberry compote.
Despite pandemic setbacks, Eatally persevered with the support of an angel investor. Evolving from Wai MIDC to Sinhagad Road in Pune, the brand expanded its reach to Mumbai, witnessing a surge in popularity. With aspirations to become India’s premier mass-produced premium ice cream brand, Akshay remains optimistic about Eatally’s future.
In the realm of frozen delights, Akshay Bhagwat continues to redefine the boundaries, one scoop at a time.
