After Viral Zomato Price Difference Post, Restaurant Owner Reveals Why Online And In-Store Rates Can’t Be The Same

Soon after a woman’s post exposing Zomato’s stark price difference went viral, a restaurant owner stepped into the comment section to share their side of the story. He explained why matching online prices with in-store rates isn’t always feasible for eateries operating on delivery platforms. His detailed explanation quickly gained traction of its own, resonating with many and challenging others. The comment went viral, sparking a fresh debate around commissions, margins, and the true cost of online food delivery.

After the viral Zomato price row, one Restaurant owner explained why Online and In-Store rates can’t match

After Nalini Unagar’s post exposing the sharp price difference on Zomato went viral, the conversation quickly expanded beyond customers and platforms. Several restaurant and bakery owners stepped in to explain the other side of the story, shedding light on the financial pressure eateries face while operating on food delivery apps.

One such explanation came from an X user @Geekytamizha_, who claimed to run a dessert shop listed on both Zomato and Swiggy. Pushing back against the expectation of uniform pricing, the owner argued that matching in-store and app prices is simply not feasible. According to them, customers seeking the same rates should opt for takeaway instead. “I run a desert shop, we are available on zomato and Swiggy,” the user wrote, before breaking down the actual numbers behind app-based orders.

Explaining the cost structure, the shop owner revealed,

“For 12 orders Customer item total is Rs 4,047. We gave discount which is already Rs 562 (100% restaurants bare this from their pocket). Then zomato charges 24% commission + 18% gst on this 24% commission + they charge Rs 15 delivery fee for orders at 4–6km and Rs 35 delivery fee on orders above 6km delivery + gst on this.”

The comment highlighted how commissions and taxes alone significantly eat into a restaurant’s earnings.

The owner further added that delivery fees are only part of the burden. Visibility on the app comes at an additional cost.

“This is not all you need to run ads in zomato to get orders. We end up spending minimum Rs 1,000 per week. After factoring in all this we loose almost 50%”.

Tagging Nalini Unagar directly, the user concluded,

“If you need the same price in the restaurant and as well on zomato, that isn’t going to be possible. Better go to restaurant and pickup the food for yourself. If you want convenience, you have to bear the charges.”

To corroborate their claim, a screenshot was also attached.

Have a look at the whole tweet

I run a desert shop, we are available on zomato and Swiggy.

For 12 orders Customer item total is ₹4,047

We gave discount which is already ₹562 (100% restaurants bare this from their pocket)

Then zomato charges 24% commission + 18% gst on this 24% commission + they charge… https://t.co/8KJsHW8WPS pic.twitter.com/cn1S5uOFMJ

— Geekytamizha (@Geekytamizha_) January 10, 2026

How a single post sparked a bigger Zomato pricing debate

Nalini Unagar sparked a major online discussion after sharing screenshots that compared the price of the same food ordered through Zomato and purchased directly from a Chinese food outlet. Her post highlighted a sharp difference, with the app listing the order at Rs 655 while the restaurant’s takeaway bill showed Rs 320. The visual comparison quickly caught public attention, resonating with many users who claimed to have faced similar experiences.

As the post gained traction, it drew a response from Zomato and opened up a wider conversation around how food delivery platforms operate. What began as one customer’s frustration soon evolved into a broader debate on pricing transparency, platform commissions, and the real cost of convenience for both customers and restaurant owners.

All in all, from the restaurant owners’ point of view, higher online prices are a consequence of commissions, taxes, and advertising costs tied to delivery platforms. But does that justify the steep difference customers see? What are your thoughts? Do share them in the comments below.