dabba: san francisco
project details
The name Dabba (which means “lunchbox” in Hindi) is inspired by the unique food delivery system in Mumbai, where a group of people called "dabbawalas" deliver fresh meals across the city. For Dabba, the brand promise is simple: "the spices of India wrapped in a California state of mind." It's all about blending bold, exotic flavors with fresh, local ingredients—what they call “ethnic confusion."
When we thought about what this California state of mind really means, we imagined the relaxed, weathered surf shacks you find along the coast. We were also inspired by the vibrant pops of color you see in Indian food and culture. This fusion led to Dabba’s main design: a low, grass-topped hut. The simple design lets the bright Indian-inspired colors shine, with a massive orange mandala mural creating a stunning backdrop against the rustic wooden structure. It’s the perfect mix of California cool and Indian spice, and that’s the heart of Dabba.
Services:
full architectural and interior design services, from conceptual design through construction.
Location:
71 Stevenson Street, San Francisco, CA
Size:
1,800 square feet
Completion:
Summer 2016
Collaborators:
Marchetti Group: (general contractor)
Studio Three Twenty One: (lighting design)
Pete McManus Photography: (photography)