Food has a unique way of uniting people, particularly in a vibrant city like Bengaluru where food enthusiasts have abundant dining choices. This has led to food lovers embracing the pleasure of dining with kindred spirits and forming enduring relationships. The Dastarkhwan Club, a food community in the city, has been organizing engaging meet-ups where participants explore local eateries while bonding over their shared love of food. Co-founder Akash Devaraju explains that the group's connection extends beyond just food, describing it as a diverse mix of interests all stemming from a mutual passion for food. Tharini Thakur, another member, highlights the community's cultural curiosity about the origins of different foods and the influences behind them. With over 60 members in their WhatsApp group and over 600 RSVPs for their events, the club has grown significantly. Akash recounts how the idea for the group originated from a memorable Iftaar meal with friends, emphasizing how the shared experience of dining together is unparalleled. The group's name, Dastarkhwan, was inspired by a colleague's reference during one of their outings. Member Abhishek Gupta views the club as a valuable learning opportunity, likening it to a journey through history as participants engage in personal and meaningful culinary experiences - such as cooking with individuals from diverse backgrounds like Kashmir."It's about immersing yourself into their culture and unique ways," he explains. Meghna, another member, chimes in, "I appreciate the effort put into curating each event, making them distinct. It's also great to have someone from the culture present to provide detailed explanations." Experiencing food as a community involves: Rozana: Visiting a restaurant where the owner shares insights into the culinary heritage Safarnama: Participating in food walks to explore diverse cuisines on food streets Mehfil: Being welcomed into homes by people from various regions to experience their culture.