Hefty bill for one plate of Idli at Bengaluru Airport sparks debate

In an age where social media amplifies everyday experiences into national conversations, a simple plate of Idlis has triggered a larger debate on airport food pricing. A Reddit post highlighting a Rs 315 bill for a single serving of Ghee Podi Idli at The Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has gone viral, leaving many travellers stunned and divided.

The Viral Bill That Started It All

The customer who shared the receipt questioned whether airport authorities regulate food prices or if restaurants are free to charge as they wish. “Rs 315 for Ghee Podi Idli at Rameshwaram Cafe, Bangalore Airport,” the user wrote, pointing out that the same dish typically costs around Rs 90 at outlets outside the terminal nearly four times cheaper. The user asked, “Do airports control food prices, or do restaurants set any price they want? 4x seems a bit too much.”

Internet Divided Over Airport Costs

The post quickly drew mixed reactions. Some defended the pricing model, arguing that airport outlets face significantly higher operational expenses. One commenter noted that everything costs more at airports, including essentials like bottled water, due to steep rental and logistics costs.

Also Read: Necessity breeds innovation: Bengaluru techie builds AI fan that knows when he’s hot or cold!

Others, however, felt the concern was justified. “A 4x price increase is massive,” one user wrote, adding that unless overhead costs are drastically higher, such a price gap is difficult to justify.

Another perspective highlighted the business challenges of higher rent, security costs, 24/7 operations, and the need to manage peak-hour rush efficiently, all of which ultimately affect pricing.

With The Rameshwaram Cafe’s website listing the average meal cost at Rs 200, the debate raises broader questions about transparency and fairness in airport pricing. While premium convenience comes at a cost, travellers continue to wonder, how much is too much?