₹650 for a Humble Dal Tadka? Hotel Menu in Himachal Shocks the Internet
Overpricing has become a recurring annoyance for many travelers, and a recent viral post on social media has brought this issue into sharp focus. Udit Bhandari, a user on X (formerly Twitter), shared an image of a menu from a hotel in Narkanda, a hill station located just two hours from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The staggering prices on the menu have left netizens outraged, questioning whether Indian tourism is becoming unaffordable for domestic travelers.
Shocking Menu Prices
The menu revealed exorbitant rates for standard dishes:
- Dal Makhani – ₹750
- Dal Tadka – ₹650
- Pulao – ₹699
- Paneer Butter Masala – ₹799
- Kadai Paneer – ₹799
- Gulab Jamun or Rasgulla (1 piece) – ₹299
In his post, 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). Hotel & restaurant prices in India are going crazy, without matching international standards. No wonder tourists prefer travelling overseas.”
Here’s the tweet that sparked the conversation:
When the menu doesn't match up to the prices on it!
— Udit Bhandari (@GurugramDeals) January 13, 2025
This is the menu of a hotel in Narkanda (2 hours from Shimla).
Hotel & restaurant prices in India are going crazy, without matching international standards. No wonder tourists prefer travelling overseas. pic.twitter.com/3N33fPLj0M
Social Media Reacts
The post quickly went viral, amassing over 144k views and sparking intense debate. Many users criticized the unjustifiable prices:
- “₹299 for one gulab jamun? Even a five-star hotel wouldn’t charge this much!”
- “At these prices, I hope the dal comes with gold flakes.”
- “This is why tourists are heading abroad. These prices don’t justify the food or experience.”
Some users shared their frustration over the growing unaffordability of domestic travel:
- “Affordable travel is becoming a myth in India.”
- “Better to eat jeera aloo in Thailand and come back—it’ll still be cheaper!”
Others humorously suggested the hotel owner might have mistaken Narkanda for Norway.
The Bigger Picture
While a few defended the high pricing, citing operational costs in hill stations, the overall sentiment was one of outrage. Many pointed out the disparity between the price and quality offered by such establishments.
This incident raises critical questions about the direction of India’s tourism and hospitality industry. If these trends persist, domestic travelers may continue opting for international destinations where prices often reflect value and quality.
