Mumbai Man's Biryani Obsession Costs Rs 4,200 in Excess Baggage
While many travelers return with souvenirs or photos, one man from Mumbai brought back something far more flavorful: Hyderabad biryani. Velton Saldanha embarked on a 12-day culinary adventure in Hyderabad, spending approximately Rs 5,000 to sample various biryani dishes across the city. Unwilling to part with his favorite meals, he packed some in his luggage, resulting in a hefty Rs 4,200 excess baggage fee. This surprising foodie move has since gone viral on social media, with users applauding his dedication to the iconic dish.
A 12-Day Biryani Journey Documented on Instagram
Saldanha meticulously documented his food trail on Instagram, sharing images from multiple restaurants and packed containers ready for the trip back to Mumbai. One notable slide featured the airline receipt for the additional Rs 4,200 charge. In his posts, he humorously noted, "Rs 5,000 on biryani. Rs 4,200 to carry it home. Hyderabad... I have a problem." He added, "After 12 days in Hyderabad, I did what any sensible person would do: I packed biryani in my luggage."
Highlight Biryani Dishes from the Trip
During his stay, Saldanha visited numerous eateries, with several biryanis standing out as favorites. These included:
- Nalli Gosht Biryani from Krishna's Kitchen
- Sufiyani Biryani and Jangari Biryani from Voila F9 Gourmet
- Safed Biryani from Savya
He described these dishes as the highlights of his Hyderabad food journey, emphasizing their unique flavors and quality.
Social Media Erupts with Praise and Shared Stories
Once Saldanha's post circulated online, it quickly garnered attention from fellow food enthusiasts. Comments poured in, with one user stating, "This is the kind of dedication biryani in Hyderabad deserves." Another remarked, "Still a small price to pay for biryani," while a third exclaimed, "Love this post!!!! Truly a hardcore biryani lover!!!"
The viral post also inspired others to share their own food travel anecdotes. One user mentioned, "At the Hyderabad airport, biryani can be carried in hand. Indigo was very sweet and said biryani doesn't qualify as hand luggage." Another recounted a family story: "You did the right thing. Whenever my son travels, his check-in baggage has to include that place's favourite food – biryani from Chennai, biryani from Hyderabad, pathar ka gosht, and khubani ka meetha. He once paid for excess baggage when he brought Ceylon egg parotta and biryani from Chennai."
Food as the Ultimate Travel Souvenir
For many travelers, food often becomes the most memorable aspect of a trip. While physical souvenirs may gather dust, flavors linger in memory. Saldanha's story illustrates how far some food lovers will go for a cherished dish, even if it means incurring extra costs. His experience highlights the emotional connection people have with regional cuisines, turning meals into priceless travel mementos.
Disclaimer: This article is based on a social media post by the traveler and has not been independently verified by external sources.
