Viral video sparks debate on dining etiquette, culture

A video by YourStory founder Shradha Sharma has ignited a storm of opinions after she claimed she was “humiliated” at a Delhi five-star hotel, where a restaurant manager allegedly asked her to change her sitting posture following a complaint from another guest.

In the video, Sharma recounted that she had gone out for a Diwali dinner with her sister. “We work very hard to earn money and thought we’d do something special,” she said. “The manager came to me and said one of the guests had a problem with the way I was sitting. I was just sitting like this,” she added, showing her cross-legged posture to the camera.

Sharma went on to question why her way of sitting had become an issue. “I understand this is a fine-dining restaurant, so of course, very rich people come here, and they expect you to sit in a certain way and wear closed shoes. But I don’t even understand what that means! I wear Kolhapuri slippers bought with my own hard-earned money and came dressed decently. Being told to ‘put your feet down’ felt wrong,” she said.

Her account has divided opinions among Delhiites, with many defending her as simply sitting in an Indian style, while others believe that fine dining comes with its own set of decorum and etiquette.

Rahul, a Delhi resident, said, “I don’t think her reaction is strange. Sitting cross-legged has been part of our culture for generations.” Aryan, another resident, agreed, calling it “completely normal in a casual environment.”

Mukesh (25), added, “Anything that reflects Indian culture is often deemed inappropriate by western standards. She was sitting in a traditional posture, what’s wrong with that?”

However, others sided with the hotel staff, arguing that certain environments demand a specific decorum. Gauri (22), said, “The manager was right. There’s a reason we dress and behave a certain way in offices or formal spaces. Moreover, fine dining has its etiquette.”

Pratigya added, “At home, you can sit the way you want. But outside, you must follow the rules. Restaurants don’t let people stand on tables for the same reason.”

Tanisha took a stronger stance, saying, “It’s basic courtesy not to put your feet where someone else might sit. Paying for food doesn’t mean you own the furniture. This false sense of entitlement is misplaced.”

Similarly, Shreya (24), said, “Sitting cross-legged is fine, but not in a restaurant. No one wants to see someone’s feet while eating. Fine-dining places have standards for a reason.”

Some Delhiites also questioned Sharma’s motives, accusing her of exaggerating the incident for online attention. “When the manager asked her politely, that was a private moment,” said Tisha (24). “But when she posted it online for everyone to see, didn’t that humiliate her more?”

Krish (20), added, “Fine dining has specific codes of conduct. If you don’t follow them, you can be asked to leave. Victimising yourself online for views is unnecessary. No one wants to see a stranger’s feet while eating.”

While Sharma’s video continues to trend, the debate reflects a larger question of where should the line be drawn between cultural expression and social etiquette in modern India’s dining spaces.