Interview with Anshu and Renee - Founders of DabbaDrop

This week we caught up with Anshu and Renee the Founders of DabbaDrop to talk about the inspiration behind the brand, the menus, and much more.

1. Can you tell us more about how DabbaDrop started?

Anshu: DabbaDrop was born out of two key ideas: sustainability and a love for good food. Growing up in Mumbai, I was inspired by the dabbawala system—a zero-waste meal delivery service that’s been operating for over a century. When I moved to London, I wanted to bring that concept here, but with a modern twist.

Renee: We both shared a frustration with the waste generated by takeaways and saw an opportunity to combine authentic, plant-forward meals with a delivery system that was better for the planet. Our goal was to create something delicious, sustainable, convenient and community-driven—a takeaway that people could feel truly good about.

2. What inspires each menu?

Anshu: Every menu is inspired by our love for regional Indian cuisine and its rich, diverse flavours. We spend time researching traditional recipes, speaking to family and friends, and experimenting in the kitchen to create dishes that feel both authentic and comforting.

Renee: We also listen closely to customer feedback and draw inspiration from seasonal produce. The aim is to craft menus that surprise and delight while staying true to our roots. Each menu tells a story and takes our customers on a culinary journey.

3. Who is DabbaDrop aimed at?

Renee: DabbaDrop is for anyone who loves wholesome, tasty and convenient food. We want our customers to reclaim mealtimes, and take a moment to connect with their loved ones, over nourishing, home-style meals. Our customers are busy individuals and families who want convenient, healthy meals without compromising on taste or sustainability.

Anshu: We’re also seeing more people join us who value reconnecting with mindful eating—whether they’re longtime vegetarians or just looking to add more plant-forward meals into their lives.

4. What are some of your favourite food brands and do you have any guilty pleasures?

Renee: I’m a big fan of small, purpose-driven brands like Diasporaco—the quality of their spices is unmatched, and they bring so much transparency and fairness to the industry. Guilty pleasure? Definitely chocolate—preferably dark and sprinkled with sea salt!

Anshu: I really admire Meera Sodha for how they celebrate the vibrancy of Indian food and culture while delivering a flawless experience. I’m also a fan of brands like Riverford and Bold Beans who are driven by their mission of improving our food system and our soil.

5. What's a day in the life for you both?

Anshu: I wake up at 5am and work until 7 then it's breakfast with the kids and the school run. Then it’s a mix of food development, creative planning, finance and team meetings. I love being in the kitchen, experimenting with dishes for upcoming menus. I do a couple more hours of admin work in the evenings and then 3-4 nights of the week, we eat at the dinner table, as a family, we all take it in turns to cook. 

Renee: Starting always with coffee, it’s the kid's breakfast then the school run before a short cycle ride into the kitchen/office. Our days are varied with an interesting mix of strategy meetings, marketing plans, team meetings, email catch-ups, food development and responding to customers.

Family dinner is a non-negotiable for me, cooking helps me unwind, sometimes we get out for an after-dinner walk and I usually end the day on the sofa with a good book or film.

6. Any exciting plans for DabbaDrop in 2025?

Renee: Absolutely! We’re planning to expand our delivery areas and introduce new menu concepts to keep things fresh and exciting for our customers.

Anshu: We’re also exploring collaborations with other amazing brands to create limited-edition menus and experiences. And of course, our focus remains on helping people reclaim mealtimes—bringing joy, ease, and mindfulness back to the table.

For more information on DabbaDrop visit https://dabbadrop.co.uk/

Photography courtesy of DabbaDrop