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Food + Drink

In Conversation With Anshu Ahuja And Renée Williams Of DabbaDrop

In conversation with Anshu Ahuja and Renée Williams, the co-founders of DabbaDrop, the exciting new food delivery service that Londoners are loving across the city.

What happens when a career in TV production meets a background in restaurant operations (mixed with a joint passion for delicious food)? The answer is DabbaDrop, offering a subscription service for door-to-door deliveries of delicious meals served in ‘dabba’, traditional Indian round metal tins. Here, we chat to Anshu and Renée about everything from the movie Lunchbox to the importance of sustainable packaging and how DabbaDrop is helping change the way Londoners enjoy mealtimes.


Tell us about yourselves.

We’re Renée and Anshu, two immigrants to London who bonded over our shared love of good food and sustainability. Anshu grew up in Mumbai, the home of the iconic dabbawala, and had a career as a TV producer, honing her creativity and storytelling skills. Renée is from New Zealand originally and came to London almost 20 years ago with a background in restaurant operations and event production, bringing to DabbaDrop an understanding of the hospitality industry and customer experience.

Together, we combined our skills, experiences, and passion to create DabbaDrop—a new way for busy Londoners to enjoy nourishing, sustainable meals while reclaiming the joy of mealtimes.

What does DabbaDrop exactly offer?

DabbaDrop delivers fresh, plant-based, globally-inspired meals straight to your door in reusable dabba tins. We’re all about creating sustainable, zero-waste alternatives to traditional takeaways while celebrating authentic flavours and the joy of mealtimes.

How, when, and why did you found DabbaDrop?


We launched DabbaDrop in 2018. The idea came from a shared frustration with the unsustainable packaging of takeaways and the desire for convenient, high-quality meals that didn’t cost the earth. Inspired by the iconic dabbawalas of Mumbai, we combined our love for food and sustainability to bring this concept to life in London.

The ‘Dabbawala’ is such a popular concept in India. How did you know it would be successful here?

We knew the magic of the dabba—its efficiency, simplicity, and charm—would resonate with Londoners looking for something different. With the demand for nutritious, tasty, high-quality food, the timing felt right. We’re offering not just meals, but a story and an experience that feels authentic and thoughtful.

How does it work?


It’s really simple! Customers choose a subscription plan—weekly or fortnightly—and select their meals. On delivery day, we drop off their food in reusable dabba tins and collect empties from the previous week. No waste, no hassle—just delicious food delivered sustainably.

What’s on the menu?

Our menu is inspired by flavours from across South Asia and beyond. Think fragrant curries, colourful vegetable dishes, and perfectly spiced rice. We also rotate global-inspired menus, from Kuala Lumpur to Kolkata, to keep things exciting.

I loved the movie Lunchbox, I read that this inspired your business too?


Absolutely! The movie beautifully captures the care, love, and connection behind the dabba system. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the joy of sharing a meal and the stories it brings to life.

What are your most popular dishes?


Our customers rave about the Muttar Makhani, Black Dal, and Cauliflower Korma. And from our sides menu, the Ginger Jam and samosas are always a hit!

Does the menu change throughout the seasons?


Yes, we celebrate the seasons by adapting our dishes to highlight what’s available and what’s fresh. For example, summer might feature lighter with cooling dishes, while winter brings warming curries and hearty flavours.

How do you introduce sustainable practices (zero waste, zero emissions, no plastic) to the food delivery industry?

Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We use reusable dabba tins, partner with cyclists for zero-emissions deliveries, and actively work to avoid single-use plastics wherever possible. From our reusable packaging to ingredient sourcing, we strive to minimise waste and continuously improve our environmental impact.

What is the importance of mealtimes for you, and for families in general?


Mealtimes are sacred—a moment to pause, connect, and nourish both body and soul. For families, it’s an opportunity to come together, share stories, and make memories. We want to reclaim the joy of mealtimes for busy Londoners.

How is DabbaDrop changing this relationship between Londoners, food, and mealtimes?

We’re simplifying mealtimes, making them stress-free and sustainable. With DabbaDrop, you can skip the planning and cooking and enjoy a fresh, delicious meal that doesn’t harm the planet. It’s about creating a ritual that feels rewarding, not rushed.

What’s the dream for DabbaDrop?

Our dream is to expand across the UK. We’d love to see dabba culture become a mainstream alternative to takeaways.

Favourite spots (other than ordering from DabbaDrop) for Indian food in London?

 

We love Dishoom for its incredible Bombay-inspired dishes and atmosphere. Gymkhana is also a go-to for celebratory meals, and Bombay Bustle too!

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