Content creator Nalini Unagar recently ignited a storm of discussion on social media after calling out Zomato for what she described as unfair and misleading pricing practices. In her post, she revealed that the actual restaurant price of her food order was ₹320, but on the app it was listed at ₹655. Even after applying discounts, she still ended up paying ₹550 — far above the original menu rate.

The Core of the Complaint

Unagar highlighted the huge gap between restaurant prices and app prices, accusing food delivery platforms of overcharging customers through inflated menu rates and hidden costs. Her frustration resonated with thousands of users who shared similar experiences, pointing to the growing perception that convenience is coming at too high a price.

A Wider Online Debate

Her post quickly went viral, sparking a broader debate about:

• Transparency in pricing: Should platforms clearly disclose how much of the bill is restaurant price versus platform markup?

• Platform commissions: Delivery apps often charge restaurants commissions ranging from 20–30%, which critics say leads to inflated menu prices online compared to dine‑in rates.

• Consumer fairness: Many argued that customers deserve clarity on why they are paying significantly more for the same food.

Industry Context

Reports from Economic Times and Business Standard have previously noted that restaurants often increase menu prices on delivery apps to offset high commissions. According to Mint, this practice has become widespread, with some eateries charging 25–40% more online than in‑store. While platforms defend the model as necessary to cover logistics and technology costs, critics argue that the lack of transparency erodes consumer trust.

The Convenience Premium

The debate also touches on a larger question: how much are customers willing to pay for convenience? Food delivery apps have revolutionized urban dining, offering speed and accessibility. Yet, as Unagar’s post shows, the hidden costs of this convenience are now under scrutiny. For many, the issue is not paying extra for delivery, but the lack of clarity on how much of the bill goes to the restaurant versus the platform.

A Call for Reform

Unagar’s viral post has reignited calls for:

• Clearer breakdowns of bills showing restaurant price, platform commission, and delivery charges.

• Regulatory oversight to ensure fair practices in the gig economy.

• Consumer awareness so customers can make informed choices about where and how they order food.

More Than Just One Order

Ultimately, this incident is about more than a single overpriced meal. It reflects the tension between digital convenience and consumer rights, and the growing demand for accountability in India’s booming food delivery sector. As one user commented, “We don’t mind paying for convenience, but we want honesty in the bill.”

References (plain text):

• Economic Times – Analysis of restaurant pricing strategies on food delivery apps (2025)

• Business Standard – Reports on platform commissions and their impact on menu inflation (2025)

• Mint – Coverage of consumer complaints about hidden costs in food delivery (2025)

• Hindustan Times – Social media reactions to viral posts on food delivery pricing (2025)