Kolkata's Iconic Olypub Issues Apology After YouTuber Alleges Beef Served Instead of Mutton
An 80-year-old establishment in Kolkata has found itself at the center of a culinary controversy after a popular vlogger alleged he was deliberately served beef instead of the mutton he ordered. The incident, which occurred on January 30, has sparked widespread debate across social media platforms and led to police involvement.
The Allegations and Immediate Fallout
Kolkata-based vlogger Sayak Chakraborty posted a video detailing his experience at Olypub, claiming that he and his companions—fellow creators Ananya Guha and Sukanta Kundu—were served beef despite having specifically ordered mutton. According to Chakraborty's account, the group only realized the mix-up when a second plate of mutton steak arrived at their table, prompting them to question what they had previously consumed.
The video footage showed Chakraborty confronting both a waiter and the restaurant manager, with the vlogger alleging a deliberate attempt to hurt his religious sentiments. While the video captured immediate apologies from staff members on-site, the situation quickly escalated beyond the restaurant walls.
Police Involvement and Arrest
On the same day as the incident, a formal complaint was filed at Park Street police station. Kolkata police subsequently arrested the waiter involved in serving the disputed dish. This legal action added a serious dimension to what began as a customer service dispute, highlighting the sensitive nature of food-related religious sentiments in India's diverse cultural landscape.
Olypub's Official Response
Facing mounting public scrutiny, Olypub issued an official statement on Sunday seeking to de-escalate tensions. The historic restaurant described the incident as an unintentional error and a genuine mistake with no harm intended.
We are truly sorry for this mistake and apologize profusely for inadvertently hurting our customers' sentiments, the statement read. Olypub is built on a foundation of respect for all—irrespective of caste, creed, religion, or gender.
The management expressed gratitude for the immense support received from well-wishers and renewed their commitment to treating all patrons with dignity. They emphasized their focus on maintaining their long-standing legacy within Kolkata's rich culinary heritage, having served the city for eight decades.
Social Media Divided
The controversy has ignited heated discussions across digital platforms, with netizens taking polarized positions:
- Some supporters argue Chakraborty had every right to receive exactly what he ordered, particularly given the religious implications of consuming beef
- Others have rallied behind the restaurant, viewing the incident as a common service lapse being disproportionately targeted
- Many have questioned whether the police response was appropriate for what might have been an honest kitchen error
- Discussions have expanded to broader conversations about food authenticity and religious sensitivity in India's dining establishments
Broader Implications for Kolkata's Dining Scene
This incident highlights several important considerations for Kolkata's vibrant restaurant industry:
- The critical importance of accurate order fulfillment, especially when religious dietary restrictions are involved
- The challenges historic establishments face in maintaining consistency while preserving tradition
- The power of social media influencers to amplify customer service issues into public controversies
- The delicate balance between addressing legitimate complaints and avoiding disproportionate consequences for service errors
As one of Kolkata's most recognizable dining destinations, Olypub's handling of this situation will likely influence how other restaurants approach similar challenges. The establishment's emphasis on their eight-decade legacy and commitment to respectful service suggests they understand the stakes involved in maintaining public trust.
The controversy continues to unfold, with many watching to see how this iconic Kolkata institution navigates the aftermath of what they describe as an unfortunate but unintentional error in their long history of serving the city's diverse population.
