From crafting Dubai’s most luxurious ice cream to reimagining dessert culture, Zubin Doshi, Founder and Scoop Master of Scoopi Café has transformed his passion into a thriving brand that redefines indulgence. Inspired by his experience in Bangkok in 2013 and honed through training under-celebrated ice cream maker Ralph Rendsland, Zubin launched Scoopi Café in 2014, introducing the UAE to liquid nitrogen ice cream and premium, handcrafted desserts. Known for creating the world’s most expensive ice cream, the iconic Black Diamond priced at AED 3,000, Zubin has built a reputation for blending luxury with innovation. In this interview, he shares insights into his journey, the meticulous art of flavor creation, and his plans to expand Scoopi Café to Abu Dhabi, India, and beyond.
What inspired the creation of Scoopi Cafe, and how did your career path lead you to entrepreneurship?
The inspiration—or rather, the need—came from my desire to pursue something exciting and innovative in the food industry. While working in my family business, I found myself bored and yearning to explore gastronomy, a field that was just beginning to gain traction. We decided to focus on a niche—making ice cream using liquid nitrogen.
Could you share insights into your experience working under Ralph Rendsland? How have you adapted his knowledge to shape your own approach?
Ralph Rendsland was instrumental in shaping Scoopi. His guidance laid the foundation for the brand and helped us refine our approach to delivering unique, high-quality desserts.
Can you walk us through the process of developing and launching a new flavor?
Creating new products excites me—it feels like being a kid on a playground. We strive to be bold and unique while ensuring that quality remains exceptional. The process is like art, blending creativity and passion into every flavor.
With your focus on high-quality ingredients, how do you manage operational costs to balance with pricing?
We can’t simply increase prices to offset rising supplier costs. Instead, we minimize waste through precise measurements and maintain strict quality standards without compromise.
What do you think are the most important factors in differentiating Scoopi Cafe from other high-end ice cream brands in the region?
Scoopi is known for its fresh liquid nitrogen ice cream, which is made from premium ingredients and completely free of preservatives. It’s the perfect combination of freshness and luxury.
For dessert lovers who are just discovering Scoopi, what would you consider the “must-try” experience beyond the Black Diamond?
I’d recommend the Charcoal Ice Cream with edible gold. Its unique lemonade-and-blueberry flavor is refreshing, creamy, and melts in your mouth.
What percentage of Scoopi’s revenue would come from its premium offerings, like the iconic Black Diamond, compared to other items on the menu?
Our premium offerings, like the Black Diamond, contribute around 20-30% of our revenue. While it’s our most iconic and high-value product, the majority of our sales come from more accessible items, which appeal to a wider audience. Balancing exclusivity with everyday indulgence drives Scoopi’s overall success.
You’ve had some renowned culinary figures like Ranveer Brar visit Scoopi Cafe. Will we see any collaborations with pastry chefs and other figures in the gastronomy world?
We’re open to collaborating with pastry chefs and culinary experts in the future. For now, we’re focusing on the Abu Dhabi soft opening and hosting events with five-star hotels like Anantara Hotel. Collaborations are definitely part of our long-term plans.
How do seasonal trends impact sales, and do you have specific strategies to boost revenue during quieter months?
Seasonal trends don’t significantly impact our sales because we consistently introduce exciting new products to keep our menu fresh. Our regular customers trust the quality we provide, so they keep coming back. We also boost revenue through customized events, catering services, and partnerships with luxury venues. Seasonal promotions and exclusive flavors help attract new customers during quieter months.
Could you give us insights into Scoopi’s financial journey and growth in terms of annual revenue?
Scoopi has grown steadily over the past ten years, exceeding our initial expectations. From a single concept, we’ve expanded into a recognized brand known for luxury and innovation. Despite challenges like market competition and rising operational costs, we’ve maintained consistent growth by staying true to our quality and creativity. While I can’t share exact figures, both our premium offerings and regular menu items contribute significantly to our success. With upcoming expansions, we’re expecting even greater revenue growth in the years to come.
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