A recent social media controversy has erupted over eye-watering food prices at a hotel restaurant in Narkanda, a hill station near Shimla, India. The incident came to light when a man shared a menu online showcasing extraordinarily steep prices for commonplace Indian dishes, igniting a heated debate about the state of domestic tourism in India. The post sparked outrage online as the menu did not even look like it belonged to a fancy restaurant.
₹750 For Dal Makhani? Food Prices At Shimla Hotel Spark Outrage
The menu in question shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) listed basic vegetarian fare at premium prices. Dal Makhani at ₹750, Kadai Paneer and Paneer Butter Masala at ₹799 each, and Pulao at ₹699. Single portions of traditional sweets like Gulab Jamun or Rasgulla were priced at ₹299.
These prices, more typically associated with luxury establishments, sparked widespread criticism from the public. The post quickly gained traction, accumulating over 144,000 views and generating substantial discourse about the broader implications for domestic tourism.
Critics argued that such pricing makes local travel increasingly unaffordable for average Indian families, potentially driving them to seek overseas alternatives that offer better value for money.
This Is How Netizens Reacted To The Post
One commenter wryly noted that even five-star hotels would hesitate to charge ₹299 for a single Gulab Jamun, whilst another humorously suggested that dal should come garnished with gold flakes to justify its price tag.
While some defenders of the establishment cited the higher operational costs associated with running businesses in hill stations, their arguments failed to convince the majority. The predominant sentiment expressed concern about the growing disconnect between pricing and quality in Indian hospitality.
Many even suggested that such practices could severely impact domestic tourism. The incident has highlighted a broader trend of escalating costs in Indian tourism destinations, raising questions about sustainability and accessibility.
As one user pointedly remarked, if such pricing trends continue, staying home might become the more attractive option for many potential travellers, potentially affecting the long-term viability of domestic tourism in India.
What would you do if you saw such exorbitant rates? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: @GurugramDeals/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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