Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune has found itself at the center of a viral debate after a customer expressed her disappointment over a Rs 525 dish of bhutta, or corn on the cob. The incident began when Sneha, a student from the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad, took to social media to share a photo of her meal, which she felt was grossly overpriced for what she received.
Her post quickly gained traction, igniting a flurry of reactions from netizens who either sympathized with her plight or mocked the extravagant pricing typical of celebrity-owned eateries. As opinions flew back and forth, the conversation highlighted broader themes about dining experiences, celebrity culture, and the value placed on ambiance versus actual food quality.
Celebrity-owned restaurants have become a popular trend among food lovers and social media users. These dining spots attract attention not only because of their celebrity owners but also due to their premium pricing.
Rs 525 Corn Starter Controversy
A social media user shared her disappointment after dining at One8 Commune. She posted a picture of a corn starter accompanied by a small portion of dip and expressed regret over paying Rs 525 for it. Posting on X, she wrote, “Paid Rs 525 for this today at One8 Commune (sic).”
The post quickly went viral, dividing social media users. While some users questioned why she ordered the dish in the first place, others agreed that the starter seemed overpriced and underwhelming.
Social media users React: Divided Opinions
The social media post drew mixed reactions. Some users criticized the customer for her choice, with one commenting, “Order kyun kiya! Menu mein likha hota hai naa” (Why did you order? It’s written on the menu). Another user sarcastically remarked, “Officially, you are rich.”
On the other hand, several users sided with the customer, agreeing that the dish looked unimpressive for its price. One user wrote, “Fancy bhutta (sic).” Another added, “Bhai ngl doesn’t look very enticing too.”
A few Social media users defended the high pricing, explaining that the cost is not just for the food but also for the overall dining experience. “You paid for the ‘community’ One8 has created—the people hanging around, the music, the vibe … coming from the high rent, higher than average staff salary, etc,” one user explained.
The criticism didn’t stop at the corn starter. Another customer, Sumukh Rao, shared his dissatisfaction with the restaurant. He revealed that he was denied entry for wearing sandals and noted the absence of a physical menu.
Sumukh also commented on the food quality, stating that while some dishes like mushroom dim sums and pizza were good, others were disappointing. “Jackfruit tacos were literally tortillas with jackfruit chips on top lol. Horrible. The hummus was good, but I’ve had much better food at lower prices,” he said.
Concerns About Value for Money
Many users echoed the sentiment that the food at One8 Commune did not justify its premium pricing. One user wrote, “I just didn’t like the place. Every single dish we had was underwhelming. The price didn’t justify the product.”
The debate also highlighted the lack of vegan options on the menu, which disappointed some customers.
The incident at One8 Commune is not an isolated one. Celebrity restaurants often face scrutiny for their high prices and perceived lack of value. Customers frequently question whether the premium cost is for the food or the association with a celebrity name.
The viral post about the Rs 525 corn starter at One8 Commune has sparked a larger conversation about dining expectations at celebrity-owned restaurants. While some diners are willing to pay for the ambiance and brand value, others demand better food quality and value for money.
As celebrity restaurants continue to grow in popularity, striking the right balance between pricing, quality, and experience will be key to their long-term success.
