A peek into the world of Pinn Janvatanavit and Vidya Sagar Sankaranarayanan, the power couple behind Bangkok’s most irresistible sweets.

When it comes to birthdays, Valentine’s, anniversaries, family gatherings, Lunar New Year, or Christmas, food is always the vessel of celebration. In recent years, one particular name has become synonymous with indulgence and sweet-tooth satisfaction in Bangkok, The Rolling Pinn. Known for their playful branding, decadent confectioneries, and seasonal temptations that keep offerings fresh and exciting, they have become the go-to destination for treats that make any occasion feel special. Masala had the pleasure of sitting down with the creative minds behind the brand, Pinn Janvatanavit and Vidya Sagar Sankaranarayanan, a pairing of imaginative flair and analytical precision. Together, they curate experiences as tantalising as a perfectly matched dessert, proving that when creativity meets strategy, the results are dangerously delicious.

Could you tell us a little bit about your backgrounds and how your paths first crossed?

Pinn: I’m from Bangkok and studied here at Mater Dei School and Shrewsbury International School before heading to Smith College in the United States, a liberal arts women’s college in Northampton, Massachusetts. I’ve loved baking since I was 12, and that passion has grown over the years into the foundation of everything I do today.

Vidya: I’m a software engineer by background. I studied computer science in India and grew up taking part in programming competitions. I started my career at several tech firms in the States and worked on a few startups. After nearly a decade, I sold my company and was on holiday in Thailand when I met Pinn. I had planned to take a break, but we connected from day one, and we’ve been seeing each other every day since. We moved to the US for a while, but when COVID hit, we returned to Thailand in 2020.

The Rolling Pinn has such a bold and memorable identity. What first inspired its creation?

Pinn: I’ve loved baking since I was young, and that early passion has always been my driving force. It’s what inspired me to turn something I enjoyed into something I could share with others. The very first sweet that marked this journey was theMama OG cookie, a rich, dark chocolate cookie crafted to capture the essence of a sultry, confident woman.

As partners in both life and work, how do you balance the personal with the professional?

Vidya: First and foremost, she’s my wife, and that comes before everything else. We always start from that understanding, because nothing matters more. From there, it’s about having a clear alignment in direction, then dividing departments, responsibilities, and decision-making. That way, it’s easier for us to play to our strengths and complement each other, instead of stepping on each other’s toes.

Food is such a powerful bridge between cultures. Have you ever experimented with weaving Indian influences into your recipes, or is that something you’re keen to explore in the future?

Pinn: We actually opened a bakery in India, where we experimented with rasmalai tres leches. It turned out really delicious, and it’s something I could happily have again. Being here in Thailand, we haven’t had the chance to explore those influences just yet. But yes, absolutely, there’s so much flavour and creativity to draw from, and it’s something we’d be keen to explore.

Bangkok’s food scene is full of trends, but your brand has built something that feels more timeless. How do you decide when to follow the wave and when to stick to your own guns?

Vidya: In general, as a start-up, you lean on trends because that’s how you get noticed and carve out a place in the market. From there, it’s about finding your niche by creating what you’re craving yourself, which often becomes a trend of its own. Then it’s all about listening to your audience. When you pay attention to customer feedback and keep innovating around what they want, things naturally evolve into something more timeless, the kind of treats people can see themselves enjoying every day.

The Rolling Pinn is adored by the Thai-Indian community. Which bakes or creations have you noticed are especially favoured?

Pinn: I’d say our Brownie bites. I’ve noticed people here really enjoy dark chocolate paired with nuts. A close Thai-Indian friend once told me they could finish an entire box in a single day! [Laughs]

Vidya: For me, it’s definitely our Chocolate pudding cake. Whenever I take it along to birthdays or events, it always turns into a crowd favourite.

As a couple, how do your different cultural lenses complement each other in business and in life?

Pinn: I’ve always been quite artistic, even from a young age. Meeting Vidya taught me how to be more ambitious and adopt a growth mindset. He really pushes me to work harder, and that’s definitely the way he influences me most in business.

Vidya: In life, being from different cultures has taught me not to make assumptions and to take the time to really understand each other. There are no shortcuts to communication. You have to invest the effort to learn how to connect and build the relationship from a clean slate.

Social media has played a huge role in your growth, but it can also be overwhelming. How do you keep your content authentic and engaging?

Pinn: I think the first step is identifying your niche. For me, that is baking and entrepreneurship. Once you know your niche, you need to pay attention to your followers’ feedback, their comments, and what they want to see more of. Tailoring your content around that is key to keeping your audience engaged.

Vidya: We also make it a point to study our favourite content creators and see what we can learn from them. Every day brings something new, and with algorithms and trends constantly changing, it can feel overwhelming, but it is all part of the process.

You’ve just launched your newest outpost at Central Park Bangkok. What sets this location apart, and what kind of environment are you aiming to create there?

Pinn: Our Central Park location is our very fifirst outpost with seating, and we poured a lot of careful design into creating a space where people can truly relax. What makes this mall so special is the park right outside. You can take a stroll through the greenery and then come back to enjoy our sweets at your table. It is very romantic; you can walk with someone special, grab a treat, enjoy nature, and settle in for good food and good company.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the next chapter for The Rolling Pinn and perhaps for yourselves as a family?

Pinn: We want to create more shelf-stable goods so our customers can enjoy our sweets anytime, every day. The goal is to make them more accessible and affordable, while also expanding internationally. The idea is always to listen to our customers and focus on what they want, rather than just what we want to do.

Vidya: It’s about finding the right balance. We want to be part of our customers’ lives in a meaningful way, growing from Bangkok to nationwide and, one day, internationally. At the same time, we’re focused on growing our family and enjoying this journey together.