Shimla, 14 January 2025- Many people now find overpricing to be a daily irritation, and a recent post on X (formerly Twitter) brought the problem into clear focus. X user Udit Bhandari posted a picture of a hotel menu from Narkanda, which is two hours away from Shimla, Himachal showing the outrageously high cost of the food.
In his caption, Bhandari wrote, “When the menu doesn’t match up to the prices on it! This is the menu of a hotel in Narkanda (2 hours from Shimla, Himachal). Hotel & restaurant prices in India are going crazy, without matching international standards. No wonder tourists prefer travelling overseas.”
Sky-high menu prices draw criticism
The menu listed several ordinary dishes with jaw-dropping prices:
Dal Makhani – Rs 750
Kadai Paneer – Rs 799
Paneer Butter Masala – Rs 799
Pulao – Rs 699
A single Gulab Jamun or Rasgulla – Rs 299
Such pricing has left many questioning whether Indian hotels are becoming unaffordable for domestic tourists.
With more than 144k views, the post has sparked a flurry of responses. Many users expressed their annoyance at the dull standards and growing expenses. “Rs 299 for one gulab jamun?” a user asked. This is more than even a five-star hotel would charge! ” I hope the dal comes with gold flakes at these prices,” said another cynically.
Some users pointed out the disparity between pricing and quality. “This is why tourists are heading abroad. These prices don’t justify the food or experience,” a user opined. Others highlighted the plight of the common traveler, saying, “Affordable travel is becoming a myth in India.”
Some users defended the prices, arguing that the costs of running restaurant in hill stations might make them reasonable. However, widespread condemnation drowned out these voices. Another person commented, “Staying home seems like the better deal if this is the cost of dining out.”
