In this exclusive interaction, Yashika Doshi sets out with a simple but powerful idea: “Food that people don’t just eat and forget, but truly remember”. Yashika reflects on building the venture with intention, staying true to her values, and shaping a future that goes far beyond food delivery.

1. What inspired you to start Shikapi, and what larger vision are you building beyond a cloud kitchen?
Shikapi actually started from a very simple thought. I wanted to create food that people don’t just eat and forget. I wanted it to be something people remember, something that makes them pause and enjoy the moment. The cloud kitchen was the most practical way to start, but the idea has always been bigger than that. I see Shikapi growing into something that brings together food, design, experience, and culture. I want it to feel like a brand people connect with emotionally, not just a place they order from.

2. What leadership beliefs or personal values have shaped the way you are building this venture?
For me, honesty in what you build is very important. I believe in doing things with intention instead of chasing quick wins. It’s always tempting to take shortcuts when you’re trying to grow fast, but I’d rather focus on quality and consistency. Even if growth is slower, at least it’s real and sustainable. I want the brand to keep its character and soul as it grows.

3. Starting something new always comes with uncertainty. What kept you going in the early days?
In the beginning, it was honestly just belief and a lot of patience. Starting something from scratch always feels uncertain, and there were definitely days when things felt overwhelming. But the response from people really kept me going. When customers message saying they loved the dessert or that they had never tasted something like that before in the city, it gives you a different kind of motivation. Those small moments remind you why you started in the first place.

4. What has been one of the toughest decisions you’ve had to make as a founder, and what did it teach you about leadership?
One of the hardest things to learn as a founder is saying no. Sometimes opportunities come that might help you grow faster, but they don’t really align with the vision you have for the brand. I’ve realized leadership is not just about making things happen. It’s also about protecting what you’re building. Sometimes the harder decision is the right one because it keeps the brand true to its purpose.

5. How do you maintain quality, consistency, and trust while scaling a food brand?
A lot of it comes down to being very particular about the small details. The recipes, the ingredients, the preparation process, and even the way things are packed. Everything needs to be clear and consistent so that every order feels the same. But beyond the systems, it’s really about mindset. Every order is going to someone who chose your brand, so it has to be treated with that level of care.

6. As a founder, how do you balance being hands-on with empowering others?
In the early stages, you naturally end up being involved in everything, because that’s how the foundation is built. You set the standards and the way things are done. But over time, the goal is to build a team that understands the vision deeply. When people truly believe in what you’re building, they start carrying that responsibility themselves. That’s when you can step back a little and focus on the bigger picture.

7. What does success look like for you – is it scale, impact, brand legacy, or something deeper?
Of course, growth and scale are important for any business. But for me, success is more about trust and connection. If someone hears the name Shikapi and instantly thinks of comfort, quality, and good memories, that would mean a lot more than just numbers. When people trust your brand without hesitation, that’s real success.

8. What is your long-term vision for Shikapi?
I see Shikapi growing into a full experience brand. Not just food delivery, but beautiful physical spaces, thoughtfully designed environments, and food that people genuinely look forward to. The idea is to build something with a strong identity. A brand that people recognize instantly and feel proud to associate with.

9. What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs who want to build something of their own?
The biggest advice I’d give is to start even if you don’t feel fully ready. Most people wait for the perfect moment or for complete confidence, but that moment rarely comes. Once you start, you learn quickly and grow along the way. Trust your instincts, stay curious, and don’t wait for someone else’s validation to believe in your idea.

10. Who are you becoming through this journey of building Shikapi?
Building something from scratch changes you in ways you don’t expect. It pushes you to become more resilient and patient. For me, it has also brought a lot of clarity about what truly matters. It teaches discipline, humility, and belief in yourself. The journey shapes you just as much as you shape the brand.

1. Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh:

Located in the northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh is this pristine valley, an ideal sojourn for nature and culture enthusiasts with lush green rice fields, small rustic villages, and rolling hills—that is Ziro. The land of the Apatani tribe, this valley has been in the limelight since identifying its own facial tattoos and traditional farming, which recently found a place in the lists of UNESCO cultural heritage. One can get familiar with the local culture, attend the Ziro Music Festival, and trek through the green landscapes that offer striking, panoramic views of the valley.

2. Chettinad, Tamil Nadu:

Chettinad, in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, holds upon itself a land of absolutely surreal wonders condensed together into architectural and culinary marvels. This land, with its opulent mansions of rich Chettiar merchants, speaks of a glimpse into the enhanced history and enriched cultural heritage. Skilfully designed wooden doors, large inner courtyards, and Athangudi tiles in various colours relate to tales of a glorious past. Chettinad cuisine boasts of legendary aromatic spices and great taste—paradise for any foodie.

3. Gokarna, Karnataka:

This is one small coastal town on the Karnataka coastline, which is known for its raw natural beauty. Though this town is very close to Goa, along the Konkan coast, it is still quite far away from the chaos of Goa. Beautiful beaches with divine landscapes of emerald green forests and pure, clear beaches are simply captivating here. This beach is exactly in the shape of the letter ‘Om’, apt for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxation. It is also the land of temples, notably the Mahabaleshwar Temple, a pilgrim centre that sees countless devotees visit every year.

4. Mechuka, Arunachal Pradesh:

Mechuka forms one of those areas situated in the far-flung corner of Arunachal Pradesh, which one definitely can say to be very equal to entering a different world. Mechuka means a land of snow-capped peaks, emerald green valleys, serpentine rivers, and fast-flowing streams. It is endowed with charming views that would delight one’s senses, among which are the crystal-clear waters of the Siang River, allowing one to indulge in rafting and adventure fishing activities. This is a village oozing Tibetan-Indian culture through architecture and various traditions. One can also see the spiritual heritage in this place in the 400-year-old Samten Yongcha Monastery.

5. Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh:

In the midst of adventure and rugged beauty, you will find Spiti Valley. A high-altitude desert representing landscapes, ancient monasteries, and vibrant culture, it has been named as “Little Tibet.” Key Monastery lies at the top of a hill from which one can get panoramas over the valley and also have a peek into monastic life in that area. The hues change with the colours of the waters of the lake and the nearby peaks, creating an illusion of a piece of turquoise set right in the heart of a barren silvery terrain. Then, when it seems that one has seen it all, Spiti greets with mesmerising valleys and ancient hidden villages.

6. Majuli, Assam:

It is the world’s largest luminescent river island in the Brahmaputra River. It serves to carry the great culture and natural heritage. With its vibrant Assamese culture, Majuli boasts of some Vaishnavite monasteries known as Satras, which form the very centre of art, dance, and music. The landscape on this island is provided by lush green areas along paddy fields and water bodies, giving the viewers beautiful scenic views, quite perfect for a pastime of watching birds flying and riding boats. It decorates itself onto the world map with its annual festival, the Raas, conducted with much pomp and show, illustrating the rich culture prevalent here.

These offbeat destinations in India are soaked in varied experiences that are way beyond the beaten track. Each destination, be it the green valleys of Arunachal Pradesh or the tranquil beaches of Karnataka, blends beauty, culture, and adventure in its own perceptive style. Traveling to expose the unknown identity of India, these were some places that would guarantee a journey so unforgettable, diverse, and enchanting.

This study looked into people’s travel habits across ten Asian markets which revealed that Indian tourists seek properties that are equipped with pools. South Koreans follow closely, with completing the top five. South Korea follows closely and secured the second position while Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines completed the top five positions. However, the craze of pool is less significant in Japan and Taiwan. At the same time, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore show the least interest in pool facilities when people book stays there.

“It’s evident that for some travellers, a holiday isn’t complete without a dip in the pool. Whether it’s for a relaxing solo swim or fun with the family, Agoda’s Pool Popularity Rank demonstrates the shared appeal of swimming pools across Asia. Agoda’s user-friendly search filters help travellers find the ideal amenities for their trips,” says Andrew Amith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda.

The study also revealed that Asian travellers have very diverse priorities. Pools are among five top search filters on Agoda, alongside complimentary breakfast, user reviews, star ratings, and flexible cancellation policies.