Aneri of Mumbaiwala and the Instigator Behind the Everybody Eats Event on May 7th shares her journey, values and why food connects and unites us all
At Everybody Eats, we believe food has the power to unite people, to create moments of joy, and to bridge divides. So when Aneri, the owner of Mumbaiwala, approached us with the idea of partnering for a special event, we knew it would be something truly special. Aneri’s passion for hospitality and the heart behind Mumbaiwala align perfectly with the spirit of Everybody Eats — a shared commitment to creating inclusive spaces where food is a language of love, culture, and connection.
Q: Your family’s hospitality legacy is well-known — how has that shaped your vision for Mumbaiwala, and why was partnering with Everybody Eats a natural fit?
Hospitality was the language of love in our house. My parents didn’t just serve food — they created spaces where people felt seen and welcome. That’s the feeling I wanted to bring to Mumbaiwala. When I learned about Everybody Eats, it felt like we shared that same heart — using food as a way to bring joy and connection. It wasn’t a matter of if we’d work together, just how soon.
Q: What’s your ultimate comfort food when you’re not eating street-style Indian?
Honestly, my mum’s cooking. She’s a fantastic cook — both Indian and non-Indian. Her fettuccine is my ultimate comfort food. It’s simple, cozy, and somehow always perfect. Just pure joy in every bite.
Q: Your family’s hospitality legacy is well-known — how has that shaped your vision for Mumbaiwala, and why was partnering with Everybody Eats a natural fit?
Hospitality was the language of love in our house. My parents didn’t just serve food — they created spaces where people felt seen and welcome. That’s the feeling I wanted to bring to Mumbaiwala.
When I learned about Everybody Eats, it felt like we shared that same heart — using food as a way to bring joy and connection. It wasn’t a matter of if we’d work together, just how soon.
Q: If you could share a Mumbaiwala feast with any three people (dead or alive), who’s getting an invite?
Coriander. It’s vibrant, fresh, and yes — a little polarising! But it ties everything together.
Q: How do you balance the demands of running a business with your passion for doing good through collaborations like this one?
It’s a juggle, no doubt — especially as a one-woman operation. It’s not always easy, but collaborations like this one remind me why I started. They reconnect me to the heart of what we do — sharing our cuisine, our culture, and the experience of Mumbaiwala with more people. When things get overwhelming, I go back to that core purpose.
Q: What personal values drive your support for Everybody Eats—what makes this more than just another collaboration?
It’s all about manaakitanga — showing care, respect, and hospitality through food. We’re not just feeding people, we’re inviting them in. That’s always been my why. Growing up, I was bullied for being different — for my culture, my food, my background. So I wanted to build a space where everyone feels they belong, no matter who you are or where you're from.
Everybody Eats is about breaking barriers and bringing people together at the table. That’s exactly what I want Mumbaiwala to represent — and also to shift the perception that Indian food is just “spicy.” It’s vibrant, full of flavour, simple and incredibly comforting when you take the time to understand it.
