Dabba Now Has a Global ‘Food’ Print: From Toronto to Sydney, Indian Tiffin Services Thrive

Times of India highlights the rise of desi-style home meals worldwide — with TiffinStash at the forefront in Toronto

Anjali Jhangiani | Times of India | Jun 04, 2025

Indian cuisine is gaining global popularity beyond traditional restaurant fare, with tiffin services offering home-style meals to expats and locals alike. From Toronto to London and St. Petersburg, these services provide diverse, plant-based options, connecting people to their roots and offering convenience.

While homesick desis have always had fellow expats they could count on for some comfort food, a dash of entrepreneurial spirit is rapidly transforming the Indian lunch meal into a go-to solution for the everyday lunch break.

Shivani, who shares one such subscription with her flatmate, a Singapore national, is relieved that she does not have to cook and worry about her lunch every day. “It throws up a meal plan for the entire week. Besides, this saves me from washing utensils, shopping for groceries, and cleaning the kitchen.” Krish Shah couldn’t agree more. He is a co-founder of Canada-based TiffinStash.

“People are not just eating it — they are planning their weeks around it,” says Krish Shah, co-founder of Canada-based TiffinStash.

TiffinStash is an online marketplace that connects customers with local home chefs. It delivers more than 500 Indian meals every day in the Greater Toronto Area. “Our clientele largely comprises Indian immigrants in the 25–54 age group. We also cater to a growing base of Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan nationals, and 3%–5% of our customers are non-Asians,” Shah says.

From homesick students and workers to curious locals, customer demand is focused on variety and familiarity, says Shah. “Indian immigrants love it that they can get a mix of dishes they grew up with — like methi thepla or kadhi chawal. Some even tell us it helps them feel more connected to their roots.”

The success of Indian tiffin services lies in what the operators refuse to compromise on: human connection, cultural roots, and dependable deliciousness. Whether it is the comforting flavour of your mother’s sambhar recreated 7,000 miles away or a perfect two-roti lunch that shows up without you lifting a finger, the magic is in the minimalism.

No AI, no hyper-processed proteins — just good food made by real people. Some even include achaar, if you’re lucky.

📖 Read the full in depth Times of India article online here.