Mithai STL emerged as a response to a noticeable gap in the dessert industry, a void we identified and took it upon ourselves to fill. Many rapidly expanding, contemporary desserts, while embracing modernity, lacked a crucial element significant to people like us – the halal factor. Unfortunately, a common reality is that numerous modern desserts contain non-halal gelatin and/or alcohol, limiting choices for individuals adhering to a halal diet.
This realization saddened us, prompting our decision to address this gap, one step at a time.
Another motivation for our mission to utilize premium ingredients was the recognition that many fast-food chain desserts and grocery store offerings incorporate ingredients unfamiliar to the general public. During my time in pastry school, working with such ingredients left me uneasy – uncomfortable even to taste, let alone serve to customers. Thus, our commitment to using only the finest, top-quality ingredients.
But that’s not all! What truly distinguishes Mithai STL from other bakeries is the fusion aspect.
We all appreciate the richness of Indian desserts – from delightful flavor combinations to the intricate artistry in their creation. Each dessert narrates a story often overlooked in our fast-paced, packaged-food culture. On the flip side, Western desserts stand out for their complexity and sophistication, differing greatly from the flavors found in South Asian desserts. So, why not blend them?
Achieving this fusion is no simple feat. Merging desserts from two drastically different culinary worlds while ensuring the elevation of both as a harmonious whole takes considerable time and effort – much more than merely swapping one flavor for another. Yet, it’s an endeavor that you, our valued customers, have tasted and appreciated!
We eagerly anticipate crafting more fusion desserts to elevate your weddings and parties to new heights!
Ayesha Ashraf, the baker and co-owner of Mithai STL, transitioned from the field of Engineering to pursue Baking and Pastry Arts. What initially began as a quest for a quick degree transformed into delivering a contemporary, halal dessert experience to the community in St. Louis. Her training under an Executive Pastry Chef at the Pastry School, here in St.Louis equipped her with the skills she now brings, along with a deep appreciation for Indian desserts, to Mithai STL. Ayesha is a Certified Pastry Culinarian (CPC) and has ambitions to achieve the status of a Certified Pastry Chef in the future.