The actual system of Dabbawala is interesting enough in itself but the point is that it has all the hallmarks of stuff white people like and I think will be the next fad (I’m buying one right now as I type).

First its complicated. There are latches and whatever to make what should be as simple and mundane as a paper bag to carry your lunch as intricate as possible.

Second its expensive. Again in Paper Bag v. White People the paper bag is easily most cost effective than a $25 lunch box, not including the niffty cotton bag cover.

Third is obnoxiously health conscious. Its made of metal and half of the reviews all cite the use of stainless steel over plastic due to health concerns over BPA or plastic voodo in general. Plus what you pack can be as self righteous and healthy as you want.

Fourth its environmentally friendly. Eating out creates an enormous amount of waste that as a white yuppie you can thumb your nose at. But wait, since the lunch box is the container you don’t even have to use Earth killing Ziplock bags or even disposable utensils (the advertised alternative is made of bamboo; highly sustainable). Some white people even suggest putting take out in a Tiffin Carrier as to avoid Styrofoam even when you do eat out.

Fifth and sixth is that its old and culturally unique and arguably European. Tiffin’s were used by the British in India over a hundred years ago.

And then you got into refillable water bottles and water filters and I had to admit that I do this (and for the reasons you listed). It’s funny to see us called out for our bullshit.