Content Creator Calls Out Zomato For Charging Rs 550 Instead Of Rs 320

A former YouTuber has accused food delivery platform Zomato of overcharging customers after she claimed an order worth Rs 320 was billed at Rs 655, with the final amount payable coming to Rs 550 even after discounts. Nalini Unagar took to social media on January 10, 2026, to share screenshots of her order for Veg Manchurian Dry and Chinese Bhel, highlighting what she described as a “blatant” discrepancy between the menu price and the final bill. She tagged Zomato directly in her post, calling the charges “absolutely insane” and demanding an explanation for the inflated amount.

The incident quickly gained traction online, sparking a wider debate among users about transparency in pricing, hidden fees, and the overall cost of convenience in online food delivery. Many netizens echoed similar experiences, pointing to additional charges such as platform fees, delivery charges, packaging fees, and taxes that often push the total well beyond the displayed menu prices. Others defended Zomato, noting that dynamic pricing, surge charges during peak hours, and restaurant-specific markups are common industry practices. The viral post has reignited long-standing consumer concerns about how delivery apps calculate final bills.

In response to Unagar’s complaint, Zomato issued a statement clarifying that prices displayed on the app are “solely determined by the partner restaurants” and may include taxes, service charges, and other applicable fees as per local regulations. The company emphasized that it does not set item prices itself and urged users to check the detailed bill breakdown before confirming orders. Zomato also invited the user to share her order ID privately for a case-specific review, promising to look into any potential discrepancies.

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This episode underscores ongoing challenges in the food delivery sector, where customers frequently report surprise additions to their bills despite promotional discounts. While platforms like Zomato offer convenience and wide restaurant choices, the cumulative effect of various fees has led to growing calls for clearer pricing communication and stricter regulations on transparency. The incident serves as a reminder for users to carefully review order summaries, including all add-ons and taxes, before checkout.

As social media continues to amplify such experiences, food delivery companies face increasing pressure to address customer trust issues. The debate triggered by Nalini Unagar’s post highlights the delicate balance between operational costs for platforms and restaurants and the expectations of price-conscious consumers in India’s competitive online food delivery market.

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