A Coimbatore-based Swiggy customer has sparked a heated debate on social media after alleging that food ordered via the food delivery platform cost him 80 percent more than buying the same items directly from the restaurant just two km away. The user, Sunder (@SunderjiJB), posted a detailed breakdown of both bills on X, questioning whether the steep markup was “the real cost of convenience.”
The trader shared screenshots of his Swiggy order, which totalled Rs 1,473 for 10 parathas, chicken 65, four chicken lollypops, and two plates of chicken thokku biryani, including the delivery and platform fees. The same dishes, when purchased directly from the restaurant, cost him only Rs 810. The offline prices were significantly lower: parathas at Rs 20 each (vs Rs 35 on Swiggy), chicken 65 at Rs 150 (vs Rs 240), chicken lollypops at Rs 200 (vs Rs 320), and biryani at Rs 140 per plate (vs Rs 230).
“Eighty percent inflated price to deliver food is way too much,” Sunder wrote in the comments, adding, “Next time I will book Porter to go grab my order for just Rs 100.”
The post triggered a wave of responses, with many users echoing concerns over inflated app prices. Yashodhan G (@y2k_netizen) commented, “30 percent difference is always there than restaurant prices, but 80 percent is too much.” Others defended the delivery model, arguing that convenience comes at a cost.
“You are behaving like it’s forced upon you. It’s an open market… App and manpower need their cut to run,” wrote Sushant Mehta (@SkyBarrister).
Aarushi Panchal (@panaaru) clarified that the price hike is largely driven by restaurants themselves: “These are restaurant charges. Not Swiggy charges. Swiggy charges the restaurants for visibility, and that is the additional cost that you see.”
Several users pointed out that restaurants often inflate menu prices on Swiggy and Zomato to absorb platform commissions, which typically range from 24–28 percent of the order value. Meghnath (@Meghnath_trader) warned that this practice could destabilise the entire food delivery ecosystem.
“When these platforms launched, the expectation was that restaurants would keep the same prices and absorb a slightly lower margin… Over time, many began inflating prices to offset commissions, effectively passing that cost onto the customer,” he wrote.
Swiggy’s response: pricing is at restaurant’s discretion
Swiggy has previously clarified that it does not control menu pricing on its platform. “We’re trying to maintain transparency in our services… the prices might be different online and offline as it is the sole discretion of the restaurant,” a Swiggy Cares representative had stated in response to similar complaints.
Zomato’s red herring prospectus echoes this, noting that restaurants pay commissions and may also fund advertisements on the platform. “We remit to the restaurant partner a net amount equal to the cost of food ordered and packaging charges, less the commission and any restaurant-funded discounts,” the document reads.
Convenience vs cost: a growing dilemma for urban consumers
Sunder’s post has reignited a broader conversation around the sustainability of food delivery platforms and the hidden costs of convenience. While many users accept a moderate markup for home delivery, the 80 percent differential has raised questions about pricing transparency and consumer protection.
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