– guiding children towards real, whole foods. We do this smartly and gradually: by adding vegetables to sauces, cutting out additives, preservatives, refined sugars and processed products, and increasing the use of wholegrains – steadily crowding out the junk.
Our offering includes hot lunches inspired by global cuisines, along with a variety of snacks – all tailored to our young clients and delivered just in time. Every meal is made from scratch each day in line with our strict health philosophy. We work only with trusted suppliers, aim to source locally and prioritise sustainable practices across our operations.
Today, we provide over 15,000 meals a day across 10 leading schools and more than 45 nurseries. Our operations are powered by three central kitchens in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and a team of 150+ dedicated staff – all focused on delivering safe, nutritious food that supports our children's learning.
Alongside our meals, we run engaging food education activities that help children appreciate the value of fresh, balanced meals in building strong bodies and curious minds.
Behind every Leela's Lunches meal is a large and deeply experienced team — chefs, nutritionists, health & safety experts, logistics coordinators and management — bringing expertise across every part of the operation for the highest standards in food quality, safety, and service.
Lavi brings over a decade of experience in investment banking, having held key roles at RBS, Barclays, and KPMG across the US, UK, India, and the Middle East. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Leela's Lunches alongside Kanika Hughes, where she oversees business strategy and development. Under her leadership, the company has grown from serving a single nursery to partnering with over 50 nurseries and 12 schools across Dubai & Abu Dhabi. Lavi is deeply passionate about children's education and the impact that nutritious, high-quality food can have on their development. She has been instrumental in driving sustainability initiatives across all of Leela's Lunches' partner schools and nurseries. Lavi's vision and dedication have earned the company multiple start-up awards, and she continues to focus on tailoring services to meet the unique needs of clients, children, and their families.
Kanika is the culinary visionary behind Leela's Lunches, combining her expertise in both traditional and holistic cooking methods. She studied French cuisine and patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu in London and Ayurvedic and Yogic cooking in Mumbai. Recently certified as a Health Coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, Kanika's unique approach to food blends aesthetics, taste, and wellness, reflecting her belief that food should not only look and taste good, but also nourish the body. Inspired by her daughter Leela, Kanika develops all of Leela's Lunches' recipes with children's preferences and nutritional needs in mind. She oversees menu development, ensures the company remains at the forefront of best food practices, and leads teacher and parent workshops focused on health and nutrition. A recognized speaker at conferences and a frequent guest on TV and radio, Kanika is a thought leader on the intersection of healthy eating and education. She is also a pioneer in introducing community-style eating in early childhood education, fostering positive food experiences from a young age.