From intimate food trails to large scale festivals, Himanshi Munshaw Luhar has built a platform where culture, community and connection come together in Melbourne.
When Himanshi Munshaw Luhar first arrived in Australia in 2005 as an international student, she was already familiar with the country. Having worked in tourism in India, she had visited more than ten times before choosing Melbourne as home. What she could not have anticipated was that she would one day emerge as a cultural connector, using food, festivals and shared experiences to bring communities together.
Born and raised in Mumbai, with Gujarati roots and a mother who ran a travel agency, Himanshi grew up immersed in both enterprise and culture. Boarding school in Rajasthan instilled independence, while Bollywood dance and Indian traditions kept her closely tied to her heritage. When she migrated, she carried that duality with her, determined to create spaces where her Indian identity and Australian life could coexist and flourish.
Today, she is the founder of Foodie Trails and FT Events, ventures that celebrate Melbourne’s diversity through curated food experiences and community festivals. At the heart of her work is a simple belief: there is no better way to understand someone than by sharing a meal.
The journey began unexpectedly. Approaching a market with the intention of becoming a sponsor, Himanshi was told there was no Indian cultural event to support. Rather than stepping away, she created one. That first event, deliberately detached from any religious festival or national celebration, was designed as a neutral platform for discovery, connection and cultural exchange. From that single initiative, her concept has evolved into a movement that now spans multiple communities beyond her own.
Her work has since expanded into consulting on major sporting and cultural events, ensuring they are not only professionally executed but also authentically inclusive. As she explains, inclusivity is not a fixed idea but an evolving process of listening and understanding how different communities engage. The result is an experience that feels genuinely welcoming to all.
Behind the success lies the resilience of a first-generation migrant. Without a support network, Himanshi recalls the uncertainty of her early days, standing in empty venues and questioning whether audiences or vendors would show up. Over time, she built trust, credibility and a distinct brand identity. Today, her events attract partners, sponsors and small businesses eager to be part of her platform. Some of those businesses have even outgrown her events, something she regards not as a loss but as a shared achievement.
Recognition has followed, from industry awards to invitations to speak on multiculturalism. Yet for Himanshi, the most meaningful moments remain deeply personal: a quiet thank you at the end of an event, or the growth of a small vendor who was given an opportunity. These, she believes, define true success.
Balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood has required intention. With two young children, she has shaped her own definition of success, one that allows her to remain present at home while continuing to build a purpose driven business. Clear boundaries enable her to attend school events, spend time with her family, and still sustain a growing enterprise.
Looking ahead, her vision is to create more mainstream opportunities for cultural performers, musicians and food artisans, strengthening Melbourne’s multicultural identity. For her, food and storytelling are not merely forms of celebration but powerful tools for belonging.
For Himanshi, happiness is found in simplicity: the laughter of her children, the energy of her festivals, and the knowledge that she has built something meaningful in her adopted home. Her story is not just about events, but about weaving a community together, one shared plate at a time.
By Tonee Sethi
