Ahead of the opening of its flagship destinations in Bandra and Lokhandwala, Foodstories has introduced a city-wide public art initiative that transforms Mumbai’s iconic auto-rickshaws into moving canvases. The project, titled The Autorickshaw Project, brings together food, art and storytelling as part of the premium food lifestyle platform’s entry into Mumbai.
Foodstories Expands into Mumbai
Founded by sisters Avni and Ashni Biyani, Foodstories positions itself as a platform operating at the intersection of food, wellbeing and community. The concept moves beyond the traditional grocery store model by combining curated products, culinary experiences and cultural programming. The Mumbai expansion includes stores in Bandra and Lokhandwala, with an additional dark store planned for Powai.
The founders are also known for their earlier work in India’s premium food retail sector through Foodhall, a gourmet retail format launched in 2011. Following the closure of Foodhall, the sisters launched Foodstories in 2024 as a new experiential food platform focused on discovery, sourcing and food culture.
Turning Mumbai Autos into Moving Art Galleries
The Autorickshaw Project was conceived as a way to introduce Foodstories to Mumbai before the stores officially open. Inspired by the city’s everyday rhythms, the initiative uses auto-rickshaws as mobile art spaces that travel through Bandra’s streets and neighbourhoods.
According to co-founder Avni Biyani, the auto-rickshaw was chosen because it reflects Mumbai’s character—familiar, democratic and constantly in motion. The project seeks to bring stories usually found on store shelves into public spaces where people encounter them during their daily routines.
Artists Reimagine Food Through Street Art
The project features artworks by a collective of Indian artists who have interpreted ingredients and products associated with Foodstories through playful and surreal visual narratives.
Participating artists include:
- Ankita Dsouza – exploring the journeys of coffee-infused pecans, Vietnamese purple cashews and Korean tissue bread through layered collage works.
- Sarah Kaushik – creating whimsical scenes featuring erupting hot sauce volcanoes and oversized Parmesan cheese wheels.
- Seema Surana – transforming white asparagus into “white gold” treasure and draft lattes into immersive fantasy landscapes.
- Manvi Vakharia – highlighting heirloom tomatoes, ecological systems and adaptogenic mushroom networks.
Food, Memory and Everyday Culture
Beyond the imagery of ingredients, the artworks also draw from everyday Mumbai experiences. References to cutting chai, neighbourhood food stops, grocery shopping, seafood lunches and family recipes connect the project to the city’s social and culinary life.
The initiative reflects Foodstories’ broader belief that food is not only about consumption but also about memory, identity and cultural exchange. Co-founder Ashni Biyani said the project aims to encourage conversations and connections through food-related stories and experiences.
Connection to Mumbai’s Street Art Culture
The project also arrives in a neighbourhood already known for public art. Bandra has become one of Mumbai’s most recognised street-art districts, with murals and creative interventions spread across areas such as Chapel Road and Veronica Street. Organisations including ST+ART India have played a significant role in developing this urban art culture.
One version of the project notes that Foodstories collaborated with ST+ART India and Guerrilla to bring the painted autos into Bandra’s streets, further linking the initiative to the area’s established public-art landscape.
Highlights of The Autorickshaw Project
- Fleet of food-themed art autos travelling through Bandra.
- Public art inspired by ingredients sourced and curated by Foodstories.
- Contributions from four contemporary Indian artists.
- Focus on food, culture, memory and community.
- Launch campaign preceding Foodstories’ Mumbai store openings.
Looking Ahead
As Foodstories prepares to open its Mumbai locations, The Autorickshaw Project serves as an introduction to the platform’s wider vision of connecting food with culture, creativity and everyday life. By taking art beyond gallery walls and into public streets, the initiative offers a new way for residents to engage with food stories while moving through the city. It also highlights how contemporary retail concepts are increasingly using public art and cultural programming to build community engagement and encourage conversations around food, identity and local culture.
