Is Kavita Didi's Eat Express being forced to go online?

Kavita Solanki, affectionately known as "Kavita Didi", quickly gained a following after setting up a small food cart near Karachi Cantt Railway Station, offering authentic Indian vegetarian dishes. Her menu, featuring Pav Bhaji, Vada Pav, and Gujarati Fafda, became an instant hit with Karachi's food lovers. Within days, she received orders through online delivery services in addition to her walk-up customers.

However, Kavita’s cart is at risk of being displaced by local authorities, following neighbours' complaints. According to Kavita, the issues began when an individual demanded Rs. 25,000 per cart in what she believes to be unauthorized electricity charges. When she refused to comply, local authorities began visiting regularly and eventually shut her cart down for a week. They told her that if she could obtain signatures from all nearby residents supporting her business, she would be allowed to continue operating.

Kavita, a former marketing executive who left her corporate job to pursue her passion for food, has now turned to online sales, partnering with major delivery apps like Foodpanda and UberEats. Local authorities have given her one month to find an alternative location for her cart. Her success story has even gained attention from major Indian outlets like NDTV and India Today, which praised the achievements of the Hindu family’s business in Pakistan.

Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic about the transition, making sure her loyal customers can still enjoy her famous street food.