Summary

DabbaDrop is a London-based, plant-based meal delivery service reinventing takeaway through a sustainable, zero-waste model inspired by Mumbai’s iconic dabbawala system. The Mumbai dabbawalas are a world-renowned network of lunchbox delivery workers who have been operating in the city since the late 19th century. Every weekday, this highly organized system delivers over 200,000 home-cooked meals from suburban homes to office workers in the city center—using trains, bicycles, and a precise coding system to sort and transport the dabbas (tiffin boxes). (Source) Taking inspiration from the successful Mumbai delivery system, Dabbadrop delivers globally inspired, pre-cooked meals—often rooted in South Asian cuisine—in reusable stainless steel tiffins. These containers are part of a closed-loop system: every new delivery involves collecting the previous week’s empty dabba, ensuring minimal waste and maximum reuse. With deliveries made by bike or zero-emission vehicles and a strict pre-order subscription model, DabbaDrop significantly cuts down on food waste and carbon emissions. Serving London’s Zones 1–3 and expanding, the company has removed over 200,000 single-use containers from circulation and continues to scale as a pioneer in eco-conscious, home-style dining. (Source)

Story

DabbaDrop was founded in 2018 by Anshu Ahuja and Renée Williams, two London-based women who came together to create a more sustainable and joyful way to experience takeaway. Anshu, originally from Mumbai, brought her love of home-cooked Indian food and family recipes, while Renée, from New Zealand, had a background in branding and hospitality. Their idea was sparked by a mutual frustration with the wastefulness of traditional takeaway—particularly single-use plastic—and a desire to bring flavorful, plant-based meals to the growing number of eco-conscious consumers in London. ( Source)

Pic credit: Citizen Femme (right and top)