“I’m Eating the Biryani Too”: Zomato Delivery Agent Eats Food After Customer Refuses to Come Downstairs

A late-night food delivery in India has triggered an online debate after a Zomato rider claimed he ate a customer's order when the customer refused to come downstairs to collect it.

The incident, shared through a viral social media video, has drawn attention to the working conditions of delivery agents and expectations around doorstep service.

Argument Over Doorstep Delivery at 2:30 am

Zomato delivery agent Ankur Thakur narrated the episode in a video posted on his Instagram account. According to him, the disagreement began when he asked the customer to come downstairs to collect the order late at night. Thakur said it was around 2:30 am and he did not feel safe leaving his bike unattended outside the building.

In the video, he explained that the customer shouted from the balcony, insisting that since payment had been made, the food should be delivered directly to the doorstep. Thakur maintained that delivery riders travel long distances in the cold during late hours and customers should show some flexibility in such situations.

Safety Concerns Raised by the Delivery Rider

Thakur highlighted his fear of theft as the main reason for refusing to go upstairs. He said that leaving the bike unattended, especially at night, could result in it being stolen. The rider also pointed out the physical strain of late-night deliveries, adding that such challenges are often overlooked.

He further claimed that the customer issued an ultimatum, asking him to either deliver the order upstairs or cancel it altogether.

"I Have Cancelled It, and I Am Now Eating It Here Only"

In the video, Thakur is seen holding the food box and announcing his decision. "I have cancelled it, and I am now eating it here only," he says before taking out a piece of gulab jamun and eating it. He also adds that he would eat the biryani inside the box.

The candid moment, combined with the rider's explanation, quickly caught the attention of viewers online.

Viral Video Sparks Divided Reactions Online

The video, posted on Instagram on January 1, has garnered around 1.2 million views. Social media reactions have been sharply divided. Several users expressed sympathy for delivery workers, citing safety risks and harsh working conditions during late hours.

Others, however, argued that customers pay additional charges specifically for doorstep delivery and expect the service to be completed as promised. The incident has since fuelled a broader discussion on balancing customer expectations with the safety and well-being of gig economy workers.