Rat in Pani Puri Horror: Viral Video Exposes Street Food Safety Crisis
The irresistible crunch of a golgappa on a bustling Indian evening, with its spicy water bursting with tangy flavors, draws crowds to roadside carts from Mumbai's beaches to Uttar Pradesh's narrow lanes. These humble stalls serve as perfect spots for quick snacks and spontaneous chats among strangers, offering joy in every bite. However, beneath this sizzling delight lies a gritty reality, as open setups often invite uninvited guests like dust, flies, and worse.
Shocking Viral Video from Amritsar Golgappa Stall
A recent viral Instagram video has sent shockwaves across social media, showcasing horror mixed with the tangy pani puri water. Content creator @karan_dhanju26 captured a live rat surfacing in the spiced water bowl at a golgappa stall in Amritsar, Punjab. The clip vividly shows the rodent splashing amid the masala, with the vendor hastily fishing it out before it leaps into a nearby drain.
Captioned "Rat in Pani Puri," the video quickly amassed nearly 300,000 views, sparking widespread alarm. The duo in the video forced the vendor to dump the tainted mix immediately, though it remains unclear whether the rat had been swimming in the water for an extended period or had just hopped in freshly.
Social Media Erupts with Outrage and Reactions
Users flooded the post with likes, comments, and reshares, expressing a mix of disgust, concern, and dark humor. One user questioned, "The rest of the setup looked really clean. So what happened there? Did it enter after the cart was already in place, or was it from long before?" Another noted, "The rat must have entered just then because how was it even alive for that long. Anyways, it's a good thing that you people asked the vendor to throw the water away."
Some resorted to jokes, with one commenting, "Wow, Ratatouille," while another pleaded, "Please say it's AI." These reactions underscore the public's growing anxiety over street food hygiene, even as they continue to indulge in this beloved snack.
Not an Isolated Incident: Previous Cases Highlight Safety Woes
This alarming episode is not an isolated one. In December 2025, a Virar-based stall in Maharashtra created panic when a green snake was discovered slithering from cart items, as reported by NDTV. Earlier in 2025, Ahmedabad's Divan Pani Puri Centre faced closure after videos surfaced showing insects in their setup, leading to sealing by municipal officials.
Such incidents highlight persistent Food Safety and Standards Authority of India compliance issues among street vendors. Open containers, lack of proper covers, and pest hotspots in humid urban environments frequently contribute to these mishaps, raising serious questions about public health safeguards.
The Broader Implications for India's Street Food Culture
While golgappa remains a cherished guilty pleasure for millions, these viral videos serve as a stark reminder of the hygiene challenges plaguing India's vibrant street food scene. They prompt urgent calls for better regulation, vendor training, and consumer awareness to ensure that the joy of every bite is not marred by health risks. As social media amplifies such horrors, the pressure mounts on authorities and vendors alike to prioritize safety without dimming the cultural spark of roadside snacking.
