Shradha Sharma, founder of YourStory, recently shared an incident that sparked debate about fine dining etiquette and class sensitivity in India.
While dining at a Delhi Taj Hotel restaurant, Shradha said she was told by a manager that her sitting posture was “not acceptable.” She described the moment as uncomfortable and unnecessary.
Shradha pointed out that ordinary working people, who pay for their meals, should not be made to feel embarrassed over small things like posture. Her post quickly gained attention online, prompting discussions about dining culture and inclusivity.
Fine dining restaurants in India are known for their refined ambience, good food, and strict etiquette. These often include rules on how to dress, behave, and sit. While such standards preserve sophistication, they can also feel rigid or intimidating for some guests.
The incident highlights a larger question: should etiquette override comfort? Many believe that while restaurants must maintain their culture, staff should approach guests with sensitivity and respect.
Dining etiquette works best when balanced visitors follow the rules, and staff treat everyone with understanding. That mutual respect, as Shradha’s experience reminds us, makes fine dining truly enjoyable for everyone.
एक आम इंसान, जो मेहनत करके, अपना पैसा कमा कर, अपनी इज़्ज़त के साथ ताज होटल में आता है — उसे आज भी इस देश में ज़लील और अपमानित होना पड़ता है।
और मेरी गलती क्या है? सिर्फ़ ये कि मैं बैठ गई एक “regular padmasana style” में?
क्या ये मेरी गलती है कि ताज मुझे सिखा रहा है कि कैसे बैठना… pic.twitter.com/vKBYjg8ltb— Shradha Sharma (@SharmaShradha) October 21, 2025
