Family ‘opens cafeteria’ on flight: Viral video leaves social media divided, ‘Indians and their habit of…’

A viral video has sparked debate on social media after a group of passengers were seen treating a flight like a cafeteria. The 25-second clip, which has garnered 1.7 million views on X, shows an Indian family bringing homemade food, walking the aisle with plates, and eating together. The family members are predominantly from North India, as suggested by some of the comments on the video.

The controversy has ignited discussions about balancing cultural travel habits with consideration for others in confined aeroplane spaces. Many users noted that food odours can affect fellow passengers, causing discomfort. One X user wrote, "India lacks civic sense. A North Indian family opened a cafeteria on a running flight. Fifteen people sat together, got their own food, and walked around the cabin carrying plates."

Another user commented, "I've seen groups do this at airports too—sitting wherever there’s space, pulling out the theplas and dhokla, and turning the waiting area into an impromptu picnic. Saw a huge group doing exactly that at Kuala Lumpur airport, sitting across the floor and chairs in padmasana while having a full meal."

While some criticized the family for their behavior, others defended them. A user with 70,000 views wrote, "Food is allowed on the flight, so they are not breaking any rules. And about the smell, does it not smell when airlines provide food?? Get out of this inferiority complex that the West has planted in your mind." Another user remarked, "How very capitalist and entrepreneurial!

As far as the issue of the aroma, if the airline decides to ban mom & pop street food from India, they might want to change their policy, but I admire their effort."

The debate highlights the cultural differences in travel habits and the challenges of maintaining civility in confined spaces. It also underscores the stereotype that often targets North Indians for perceived shortcomings.