Post by : Rameen Ariff

Bengaluru-based billionaire and Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has stirred a major online discussion after calling IndiGo’s in-flight gourmet meal “tasteless” in a viral social media post. The business leader, who is known for her candid opinions, criticized the airline’s new IndiGo gourmet meal menu served in its premium “Stretch” class, questioning its appeal and quality.

In her post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw uploaded a picture of the IndiGo in-flight gourmet meal, which she said fell far short of expectations for a premium experience. “This is what @IndiGo6E calls gourmet cuisine for Stretch passengers! I prefer their regular items! Oberoi should introspect on this uninviting and tasteless menu — please do a customer survey and I bet you there will be a 100%,” she wrote, tagging the airline and referring to the hospitality brand that curates the menu.

The image she posted showed the IndiGo gourmet meal menu card featuring dishes such as German lentil and feta salad with beetroot aalouti, Lavash with cream cheese yoghurt dip, Theedoi tres leches cake, and Mined nuts pink salt and pepper. The IndiGo in-flight menu also listed a variety of beverages meant to accompany the meal. But according to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the presentation and taste didn’t live up to the airline’s “gourmet” claim.

Within hours of her post, social media erupted with reactions. Many travelers echoed Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s sentiment, saying the IndiGo gourmet meal didn’t justify the premium price tag. Some shared similar experiences, while others defended the airline, arguing that in-flight food has inherent limitations due to altitude and catering constraints.

One user commented, “Totally agree with Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. The IndiGo in-flight gourmet meal looks fancy but lacks real flavor.” Another wrote, “If this is gourmet, I’d rather have their masala sandwich!” A few users, however, praised IndiGo’s attempt to experiment with healthier menu options, saying that feedback from high-profile passengers like Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw could help the airline refine its offerings.

The viral discussion also reignited the long-standing debate over the quality of airline food in India. With more airlines introducing “premium economy” and “stretch” services, expectations for better meals have grown. Passengers are now demanding higher culinary standards, especially when airlines market their services as “luxury” or “gourmet.”

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s IndiGo gourmet meal post has also prompted conversations about the role of hospitality partners like Oberoi in shaping airline food experiences. The biotech entrepreneur’s direct criticism that Oberoi “should introspect” suggested that even collaborations with top culinary names don’t always guarantee customer satisfaction.

So far, IndiGo Airlines has not released any official statement in response to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s viral post. However, given the scale of public reaction, many expect the airline to address the issue soon. Experts in the aviation industry believe that IndiGo’s response could shape how it approaches premium meal offerings in the future, especially as social media increasingly influences brand reputation.

This isn’t the first time an airline has faced backlash over in-flight food quality, but Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s critique carries particular weight due to her stature as one of India’s most respected business figures. Her remarks may encourage airlines to conduct more customer surveys and rethink how “gourmet” meals are defined and served in the Indian aviation market.

For now, the IndiGo in-flight gourmet meal controversy continues to trend, with passengers, food critics, and frequent fliers all weighing in. As discussions grow, the incident serves as a reminder that in the age of digital transparency, no brand—no matter how successful—can afford to overlook the small details that shape customer experience.

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