An Indian man living in the United States was left stunned during a routine grocery shopping trip after discovering the price of bhindi (okra) at a supermarket. The cost, when converted into Indian currency, amounted to approximately Rs 7,200 per kilogram, a figure that quickly went viral on social media and sparked widespread reactions.
The Viral Video and Its Impact
In a video shared on Instagram, the man, identified as Ashish Ahuja (@ashishahuja.usa), highlighted the stark difference in pricing between India and the US for the same vegetable. He pointed out that while bhindi is a common and affordable vegetable in India, it is sold as a premium snack in the US, with an 85-gram packet priced at $6.50 (around Rs 600).
“We grow up eating bhindi as a basic everyday vegetable. In India, it's just another sabzi. But in America, they fry it, pack it in a small bag, and suddenly it's a premium snack on the shelf. 85 grams for $6.50. More expensive than Lays,” he wrote in the caption.
Netizens React to the Price Shock
The video garnered numerous comments from social media users, with many expressing surprise and humor at the situation. One user remarked, “That's okra charging you a personality tax. Nobody told bhindi it could do this.” Another commented, “It is not costly for Americans because their income is high and it's healthy.” A third user added, “With those masalas max 20. Even the rich here won't buy beyond that.” Some even joked about starting an import-export business for bhindi.
The video has brought attention to the global price disparities for common Indian vegetables and the premium placed on ethnic foods in foreign markets.
