For women, by women

One can try soft-shell tacos, kunafas and salads

March may signal a flurry of pink campaigns, but the truth is we still live in a world where women are constantly pitted against one another. Which is why it's refreshing to see Dr Arshia Siddique, chef Urvika Kanoi and Karishma Dalal - three women restaurateurs, whose outposts are located along the same Bandra lane - join hands to support not just each other, but also other women, by tying up with Vipla Foundation, a non-profit that combats trafficking and enables vocational training for survivors. The result is a Bandra block party starting on International Women's Day, which will involve Kunafa World Mumbai, Cafe Duco, and Bombay Salad Co. Guests can purchase a collective ticket to avail treats at the three restaurants, while supporting the non-profit.

The two-day fiesta is modelled on the concept of food crawls, popular in global cities such as London. Dr Siddique, who runs Kunafa World Mumbai, recalls, "While I was studying in London, I discovered the concept of food crawls. I would go for the ones which were part of my university's food club. The best part is that you get to socialise with different people, and try different kinds of cuisines, all at once at a great price. This experience is something I didn't see people replicating in Mumbai as much."

Chef Urvika Kanoi

Kanoi of Cafe Duco explains that diners will be able to hop from one restaurant to another on a single ticket, while giving something back to the community. On offer are crispy buttermilk fried chicken tacos or sweet potato tacos, hearty salads such as the farmer salad or the feel-good salad, and delectable mini cream kunafa and crispy Nutella cone kunafa. Women diners will get a free cookie from Le15 Patisserie.

Hundred per cent of the proceeds will go towards supporting the Vipla Foundation, which is educating women, giving them tools to lead an independent life, working to prevent trafficking and rehabilitating victims. Both Kanoi and Dr Siddique maintain that collaborations like this one, between restaurateurs and chefs of all genders, is the need of the hour. "One doesn't have to be pitted against one another to be successful or grab the market; there is space for everybody and we can happily co-exist," Kanoi signs off.

On: March 8 and 9
At: 16th Road, Bandra tickets available at all three restaurants
Cost: Rs 890

Also check out

>> Celebrate International Women's Day with Imandar Lash and Mental Station, two fun plays.
On: March 8, 7.30 pm
At: Veda Factory - ART STUDIO, Versova, Andheri.

>> Author Payal Kothari is hosting a reading of her book The Gut, and will address how to take care of your gut.
On: March 8, 3 pm
At: Kitchen Garden, BKC.