A community of Bangalore residents bonded by their shared love for food has been flourishing in the city. With an abundance of dining options available, food enthusiasts are coming together to enjoy meals and forge lasting friendships. The Dastarkhwan Club, a community dedicated to food lovers, organizes meet-ups for members to explore local eateries and enjoy culinary experiences. Co-founder Akash Devaraju emphasizes that this connection extends beyond food, uniting individuals with diverse interests under a common love for culinary delights.
Tharini Thakur, a member of the community, highlights the curiosity among participants about the origins of food and its cultural significance. The community, with over 60 members in a WhatsApp group and a substantial number of pending RSVPs, embodies a fusion of various interests centered around a passion for food. As Akash reflects, the bonding that occurs over a meal is incomparable.
The community's inception can be traced back to a delightful Iftaar meal shared among friends, which inspired subsequent gatherings due to the camaraderie and joy fostered by food. The name "Dastarkhwan" was coined during one such outing, encapsulating the essence of communal dining and togetherness.
Abhishek Gupta, who participates in several community groups, acknowledges the intimate and personal nature of the Dastarkhwan Club's sessions, unlike other more formal experiences. He describes the community as a platform for learning and exchanging a taste of history through shared culinary experiences."He visited someone from Kashmir in their home and gained a deeper understanding of their culture and customs," he shares. Meghna, another member, chimes in, "I appreciate the unique nature of each event and the careful curation that goes into it. It's great to have someone from the culture present to explain everything to us." Partaking in communal dining experiences includes: Rozana - visiting a restaurant where the owner shares insights into the culinary history Safarnama - joining food walks to explore diverse cuisines in different food streets Mehfil - being welcomed into homes of people from various regions to immerse in their cultural experiences
