Viral Video of Woman Eating Biryani on London Tube Sparks Debate Online

LONDON May 30: A video of a woman eating biryani with her hands on the London Underground has gone viral, sparking a wave of mixed reactions across social media. The woman, believed by some viewers to be of Indian or Sri Lankan descent, was filmed by a fellow passenger as she sat in a crowded Tube carriage, casually enjoying her meal while talking on the phone.

The clip, widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter), shows the woman seated between two other passengers as she tucks into her food without using cutlery. The incident drew swift commentary, with opinions split between cultural understanding and public etiquette.

Some users defended her, speculating that she might be a healthcare worker finishing a long shift. “Maybe she is a nurse, out of her 16-hour shift caring for your grandmother, with no time to eat—if she doesn’t eat now, she might pass out,” one user wrote, drawing attention to the demanding schedules of frontline workers.

While 16-hour shifts are not typically standard for nurses in the UK, many do work long 12-hour days, which can feel just as exhausting. Another user added: “Someone is working hard. Don’t have the time to eat food. Are you going to call them out for not eating that bland fish and chips?”

Critics, however, were less forgiving. Some called the behavior unhygienic and inappropriate for public transport, especially since food is reportedly prohibited on some sections of the Tube. Others fixated on her use of bare hands and the strong aroma typically associated with biryani.

One account, RadioGenoa, posted the video with the caption “RIP London,” suggesting the clip reflected a broader cultural shift driven by immigration. The post prompted further debate around xenophobia and public behavior.

Some lightened the tone by comparing the scene to viral moments on the New York City subway. “Lol you should ride the NYC subway,” one commenter joked, implying that this incident was far from the wildest thing commuters have witnessed.

As of now, the woman’s identity remains unknown. Whether she was simply hungry or the face of a deeper cultural conversation, one thing is clear: her biryani break has turned into a flashpoint for global discussions on food, culture, and public norms.