Food delivery platform Zomato has firmly distanced itself from a viral screenshot that allegedly showed a notification linked to the ongoing “₹370 biryani” controversy, clarifying that the message was fabricated and never originated from the company.

As discussions around the controversy continued to dominate social media, Zomato stepped in with an official clarification on X, seeking to counter misinformation circulating online. The company shared a statement titled “An Important Clarification,” accompanied by a black graphic carrying the message: “Biryani is dinner, not consent.”

In its post, Zomato stated, “The screenshot of the distasteful notification you may have seen with our name is fake. We did not write or send it,” putting to rest speculation around the viral image.

The controversy traces its roots to a crowdwork segment during comedian Pranit More’s stand-up performance. In a clip that quickly gained traction online, an audience member recounted a date involving a plate of chicken biryani worth ₹370 and suggested that spending money on the meal entitled him to something in return. The remark sparked widespread criticism, with many social media users calling it misogynistic and reflective of problematic attitudes toward dating and consent.

What began as backlash against a single comment soon evolved into a broader conversation around entitlement, gender dynamics and consent in modern relationships. As the debate intensified, edited images, memes and fabricated screenshots flooded social platforms, including the fake Zomato notification.

By publicly addressing the issue, Zomato underscored the importance of verifying online content while reinforcing a simple message that resonated widely: a meal may be a gesture, but it is never a transaction for consent.