Zomato recently found itself at the centre of a fresh controversy after users noticed an extra charge being added for vegetarian food deliveries under its “Veg Mode” feature. What started as a small ₹2 fee soon turned into a big debate on social media, forcing Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal to step in and clarify the company’s stand.
The issue once again highlighted how sensitive food preferences are in India and how even a small charge can trigger a strong public reaction.
What Is Zomato’s Veg Mode?
Zomato introduced “Veg Mode” to help vegetarian users easily find veg-only restaurants and dishes. The feature allows users to browse vegetarian food without worrying about non-veg items appearing on their screen.
In some cities, Zomato also runs a separate veg-only delivery fleet to avoid any mix-up between vegetarian and non-vegetarian orders. The idea was welcomed by many users when it was launched.
However, the problem started when users noticed an additional fee linked to this feature.
LinkedIn Post Exposes Extra Veg-Mode Fee
The controversy came into the spotlight after a LinkedIn user shared a screenshot of his Zomato bill. The bill showed a separate charge called “Veg Mode Enablement Fee”, along with platform and delivery charges.
The user criticised the move, calling it a “luxury tax on vegetarians”. He said that being vegetarian in India was now being treated like a premium service. The post quickly went viral, with many users supporting his view.
Several people questioned why vegetarian food, which is widely consumed in India, should cost extra.
Social Media Reacts Strongly To Veg Charges
As the post gained attention, users across platforms like LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Instagram started sharing their opinions. Many felt the charge was unfair and unnecessary.
Some users pointed out that Zomato already earns through platform and delivery fees, so charging extra for veg orders made no sense. Others warned that such policies could hurt customer trust.
The issue soon reached the top management.
Deepinder Goyal Issues Public Apology
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal responded directly to the viral LinkedIn post. In his reply, he openly admitted that the charge was a mistake.
He apologised to users and clearly stated that the decision to add the extra fee was wrong. Goyal assured customers that the fee would be removed immediately.
His honest and quick response received praise from many users, who appreciated the accountability.
Zomato Removes Veg-Mode Fee Quickly
Soon after the CEO’s response, Zomato removed the Veg Mode enablement fee from the platform. The company acted within a day, putting an end to the controversy.
This quick action helped calm down angry users and prevented the issue from growing into a larger backlash.
Why Veg Mode Has Been Controversial Before
This is not the first time Zomato’s Veg Mode has sparked debate. Earlier, when the company launched a separate veg-only delivery fleet with green uniforms, some people raised concerns about possible discrimination and social judgement.
Zomato later addressed those concerns by changing uniforms and renaming “Pure Veg” to “Veg Mode” to avoid hurting sentiments.
The latest fee issue once again showed how carefully food-related features must be handled in India.
Public Opinion On Zomato’s Response
Many users appreciated Deepinder Goyal’s direct and transparent reply. People felt that accepting the mistake publicly and fixing it quickly was the right move.
At the same time, users also urged Zomato to be more thoughtful before implementing such changes in the future, especially when it affects cultural and dietary preferences.
Conclusion
The Veg Mode fee controversy shows how even a small pricing change can create big reactions in India. Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal’s quick apology and action helped control the situation and restore some trust.
This incident serves as a reminder that food preferences are deeply personal, and platforms must handle them with sensitivity. While Zomato managed to fix the issue in time, the debate highlights the importance of customer-first decisions in today’s digital age.
FAQs
Why did Zomato charge extra for Veg Mode?
Zomato added a small enablement fee linked to Veg Mode, but the reason was not clearly explained and was later admitted as a mistake.
Is the Veg Mode fee still being charged?
No, Zomato removed the Veg Mode fee after public backlash and the CEO’s intervention.
What did Deepinder Goyal say about the issue?
He apologised publicly, called the charge a mistake, and promised immediate removal.
Is Veg Mode available in all cities?
Veg Mode is available in many cities, but features may vary depending on location.
Will Zomato bring back the fee in future?
There is no indication of that. The company has assured users that the charge was wrong and has been scrapped.