The clip shows the NRI kid standing inside a popular vegetarian restaurant in Chennai, looking stunned after seeing the final food bill, which was just Rs 1502.
Indians who live outside the country understand the true value of desi food only when they return home. The same happened with a young NRI boy from New Zealand during a visit to Chennai and a short video of his reaction is now getting attention. The clip shows the child standing inside a popular vegetarian restaurant, Geetham Veg, looking shocked and excited after seeing the final food bill, which was just Rs 1502, around 30 New Zealand dollars.
What surprised him the most was that this price covered seven dishes, not just one or two items. His face showed pure disbelief and joy as he looked at the bill again and again, while explaining how food costs much more in New Zealand. He shared that ordering only a few items there could have easily cost them close to 200 Dollars (approximately Rs 10,000).
NRI Boy Surprised By Low Food Prices In Chennai
In the clip, shared on Instagram, the boy can be heard telling her mother, "This Geetham veg, just for 30 Dollar, look Baby Corn Manchurian, Bonda, Dahi Papdi, Geetham Special Falooda - Mini, Idli, Paneer Masala Dosa and Veg Noodles-Medium. 7 items, literally just for 30 Dollars. In New Zealand, just 2-3 items, 200 dollars, this, only 30 Dollars."
Seeing his shocked reaction, the mother stated, "What to do, this is India."
The video posted on Instagram came with the caption, "Today's lesson for my NRI kid: Indian food = happiness, bill = surprise happiness."
Founder Shares Insights On Running A Successful Restaurant
The Chennai-based food chain Sangeetha Veg Restaurant changed its name to Geetham in 2022 as part of its expansion plans. The restaurant first started in 2009 and has grown over the years. Today, Geetham has 15 branches spread across Chennai and is known for offering more than 600 dishes for customers to enjoy.
Murali N Bhat, the founder of the restaurant, had earlier shared his thoughts on the brand's journey with The Hindu. He explained that only the restaurant's name was changed, while the food, taste and overall feel stayed the same. Murali shared that running a food business needs daily focus. Even one bad day can push customers away, as families may not return if they are disappointed.
He recalled that the first year was not easy, but a smart idea helped them grow. When short cricket matches became popular, they launched a low cost mini breakfast option, which quickly caught the crowd's attention. He also said vegetarian food is always in demand. Still, he pointed out that the work never stops, as restaurants do not get real breaks.