Delhi Restaurant’s Cutlery Reply Ignites Online Debate
A casual dining moment in Delhi has now turned into a wider cultural discussion. Earlier this week, Jasveer Singh, founder of the dating app Knot Dating, shared an incident from his visit to Bukhara, the iconic restaurant at ITC Maurya. According to Singh, a simple request for cutlery sparked an unexpected response from the restaurant manager. Soon after he posted the anecdote on X, the story gained traction online. As a result, it triggered debates around food traditions, personal comfort, and dining etiquette.
‘US Presidents Ate by Hand Here,’ Manager Told Founder
In his post, Singh recalled asking for cutlery during the meal. At that point, the manager politely told him that only spoons were permitted at the restaurant. He then added that former US presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump had all eaten there using their hands. According to Singh, the manager ended the exchange by saying, “The rest is up to you.” While the remark remained polite, Singh felt it carried subtle humour. He later joked that the moment showed how “reverse pressure works better.”
Social Media Users Weigh In on Dining Traditions
Soon after, the post went viral and drew strong reactions from social media users. On one hand, many supported the restaurant’s approach. They argued that Indian food, especially naan and curries, tastes better when eaten by hand. Moreover, several users compared it to eating burgers or pizza without cutlery. Others added that international visitors often enjoy the tradition at Bukhara and Peshawri. For them, the custom forms an essential part of the dining experience.
Critics Call for Choice, Others Praise Tradition
On the other hand, some users disagreed with the restaurant’s stance. They felt eateries should not dictate how guests eat their food. Instead, they argued that comfort and accessibility should come first. A few commenters compared the situation to being forced to use chopsticks abroad without alternatives. Meanwhile, others praised Bukhara for preserving tradition. They said the ritual adds charm and emotional value to the meal. Ultimately, the viral exchange highlights how modern dining spaces continue to balance cultural heritage with individual choice.
