A recent social media post by Kaushik Mukherjee, co-founder and COO of Sugar Cosmetics, has ignited a firestorm of outrage regarding the exorbitant prices of street food at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA). Mukherjee took to X (formerly Twitter) to express astonishment at the jaw-dropping prices, particularly highlighting the cost of Pani Puri, Dahi Puri, and Sev Puri, each priced at a staggering ₹333 for a plate containing eight pieces.
1. Mukherjee’s Revelation: Sharing his disbelief on X, Mukherjee shed light on the exorbitant prices of these beloved Indian street foods, underscoring the inflated costs prevalent within the confines of Mumbai Airport. The post quickly gained traction, resonating with numerous X users who echoed similar sentiments, bemoaning the unreasonably high prices of basic food items at airport terminals.
2. History of Pricey Fare: This isn’t the first time Mumbai Airport’s culinary offerings have sparked controversy. Last year, a restaurant made headlines on X for selling dosa and buttermilk within the range of ₹600 to ₹620, with additional charges for coffee. Similarly, a journalist’s post from a few years back, detailing a bill of ₹490 for two samosas, a cup of tea, and a water bottle, also stirred widespread debate on social media platforms.
3. Social Media Response: In response to Mukherjee’s post, X users voiced their frustration and incredulity, drawing parallels to scenes from Bollywood movies and sarcastically commenting on the escalating prices of everyday items. One user, Farah Khan, quipped, “Kafi ache din aa gae hain (good days have come),” while another, Kinjal Thakkar, humorously referenced a famous dialogue from the movie “3 Idiots,” envisioning a future where paneer would be sold at goldsmith shops in small packets.
4. Alternative Dining Options: With the steep prices of street food at Mumbai Airport, many travelers opt for airport lounges, where, for a nominal fee included in their credit or debit card lounge access, they can enjoy a lavish buffet spread. This practice reflects a pragmatic approach to circumventing the exorbitant costs associated with dining at airport food stalls.
In conclusion, Mukherjee’s eye-opening revelation has reignited discussions surrounding the inflated prices of street food at Mumbai Airport, prompting reflection on the accessibility and affordability of basic amenities within airport terminals. As travelers continue to navigate through the challenges of air travel, the issue of overpriced fare remains a pertinent topic deserving of attention and scrutiny.
