Zomato has clarified that a viral push notification referencing the “Rs 370 biryani†controversy is fake and not issued by the company, as fallout from a viral stand-up comedy clip continues to build online.
The issue originated from a widely shared video of comedian Pranit More's show, where an audience interaction drew backlash. In the clip, a man narrates a dating experience and suggests that paying Rs 370 for a chicken biryani created an expectation of something in return. The remark triggered criticism across social media, with users flagging concerns around consent.
As the clip gained traction, the phrase “Rs 370 biryani†began trending, generating memes, commentary and spin-off content across platforms. During this phase, a screenshot surfaced online showing what appeared to be a Zomato app notification that read, “Biryani bhejdu? Rs 370 ki hai bas.†The tone and format resembled the brand's notification style, leading to confusion over its authenticity.
As the phrase “Biryani is dinner, not consent†trended nationwide, internet users circulated the fabricated screenshot, effectively linking the brand to the controversy despite no official communication.
Zomato moved quickly to respond. In an official statement, the company said, “Biryani is dinner, not consent. The screenshot of the distasteful notification you may have seen with our name is fake. We did not write or send it.†The clarification was issued across its platforms alongside a stark graphic, distancing the brand from the viral content.
The development came after users tagged Zomato, questioning whether it had engaged in moment marketing around the issue. The company's response focused on denying authorship of the notification and reiterating that it had not published or circulated such messaging.
Separately, Mumbai Police also used the viral conversation to put out a public-facing message. In its communication, the police referenced the Rs 370 figure, noting that it gets a plate of biryani, while adding a warning about legal consequences. The messaging incorporated the line “Biryani is not consent†as part of its advisory.
The fallout has extended beyond digital discourse. Reports indicate that the individual featured in the original clip faced professional consequences, while Pranit More issued an apology for not intervening during the exchange. As criticism intensified, the comedian also deactivated his Instagram account.
Read more: Gurgaon firm sacks employee over ‘₹370 biryani' remark
First Published on June 11, 2026, 14:21:26 IST
