Dabba Walla

Every morning in Mumbai, an incredible sight unfolds as over five thousand workers, known as Dabba Walla, don their white uniforms and set out to deliver more than 200,000 "dabbas" (multistoried lunch boxes) to the city's bustling offices. This iconic tradition, dating back to 1890, is a testament to the city's vibrant culture and the remarkable efficiency of the Dabba Walla network. In the game Dabba Walla, players are invited to step into the shoes of these dedicated workers and navigate the lively streets of Mumbai.

Dabba Walla is a game of strategy and timing, divided into two distinct phases: the Pick-up phase and the Delivery phase. During the Pick-up phase, players move their Dabba Walla through the city to collect dabba cards. Each collected card allows a player to take a dabba tile—a polyomino piece ranging from 1-4 squares—and place it in their cart. These tiles come in four colors and must be carefully stacked on flat surfaces, with empty dabbas used to fill any gaps. Connecting two half-chai symbols on tiles at the same level grants players a chai tile with a bonus action. The challenge lies in efficiently managing your cart space while maximizing your dabba collection.

Once all players have placed fifteen tiles in their carts, the game transitions to the Delivery phase. Players pick up all the cards they played and prepare for a series of delivery rounds equal to the highest level of stacked dabbas. Each round, players reveal one dabba card from their hand and optionally play chai tiles. They then sum the values of each color of dabba and score points based on these values, removing the scored tiles from their carts. If a player has no dabbas on the current level being scored, they still play a card but earn no points.

After all dabbas have been delivered, players tally their remaining chai tiles, and the one with the most tips emerges as the winner. The game also includes two expansion modules that introduce new scoring opportunities and alter the value of dabbas, adding depth and variety to the gameplay.

Not so sure if Dabba Walla is the next game for your collection? Let’s look at three similar games to help you decide!

Number 9 is a simpler rule set but has similar mechanics of stacking tetris-like pieces in order to gain the value of higher levels. 

In Plant Unknown you will also be placing polyomino pieces for benefits and long-term planning will be key.

Acquire may seem like an odd comparison, but in both games placement on the board matters as does a shifting economy of goods.‍

I am excited for you to experience this journey through the vibrant streets of Mumbai and the unique charm of Dabba Walla. With its blend of strategic tile placement and dynamic scoring, Dabba Walla offers a captivating and immersive gaming experience. Will you master the art of dabba delivery and claim the title of top Dabba Walla? The bustling city of Mumbai awaits your expertise!

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