A video circulating on Instagram has taken the internet by storm, leaving viewers both bewildered and entertained. The clip features an Indian man boldly selling hot samosas to passengers aboard a London Underground train, a sight so unexpected it has captivated millions online.
The Viral Samosa Stunt on the Tube
The man at the center of the attention is the owner of a London-based food outlet named Ghantawala Bihari Samosa. The video, seemingly filmed at South Harrow Underground Tube Station, shows him dressed in traditional Indian attire. He walks through the train carriage carrying a tray of fresh samosas, confidently proclaiming to the commuters, “People here are no longer going to eat croissants. They will eat Bihari’s samosas.”
The footage provides a fuller picture, cutting to scenes of him frying the samosas in his kitchen and preparing mint and tamarind chutneys before his unique sales pitch. He then steps into a largely empty train car and begins offering the snacks. Observant viewers noted that most passengers accepting the samosas appeared to be of Indian origin, leading many to speculate that the video was a staged promotional reel rather than a genuine attempt to sell to random London commuters.
Internet Erupts with Mixed Reactions
The video has racked up a staggering 9.3 million views, triggering a flood of comments with wildly differing opinions. A significant portion of the audience did not mince words, labeling the act as embarrassing for the Indian community.
Critical comments flooded in, with users expressing discomfort. Some pleaded, “Please don’t do this for sales, it makes Indians look bad,” while others questioned its authenticity with remarks like, “Tell me this is AI.” The overall sentiment in this camp was one of cringe and second-hand embarrassment.
However, not all feedback was negative. A sizable group found the concept amusing and innovative. Some viewers expressed a desire to see such samosa service expand to other global cities like Dubai. The clip also inspired humorous takes on “reverse colonisation,” and playful imaginations of a future where samosas dethrone the croissant as Europe's favorite snack.
Not His First Viral Moment
This is not the restaurant owner's first brush with online fame. Back in September, he had already captured public attention for selling his samosas on the streets of London, indicating a pattern of unconventional marketing tactics designed to go viral.
Whether perceived as awkward, bold, clever marketing, or simply funny, the samosa-on-a-train moment has undeniably struck a chord. The internet is abuzz with opinions, and this unique blend of Indian street food and London's iconic public transport is a conversation starter that won't be forgotten soon.
