A customer who recently ordered food from Fresh Menu’s cloud kitchen in Mumbai was taken aback after visiting their outlet and witnessing unsanitary conditions.
Cloud kitchens have gained significant popularity, offering affordable meals through food delivery platforms. One such establishment is Mumbai’s ‘Fresh Menu,’ known for its budget-friendly offerings on apps like Swiggy. However, an Instagram user who had ordered from Fresh Menu decided to visit one of their locations in Mumbai and was appalled by what he saw. The user captured the state of the premises on video and shared it on Instagram, where it quickly went viral.
Shocking State of Fresh Menu Mumbai Kitchen Caught on Camera
In the now-viral clip, Instagram user @octanexoxygen recounts how he had ordered a paneer dish but instead received a chicken dish. Curious to see the cloud kitchen’s operations firsthand, he visited their outlet in Kalina, Santacruz East. What he encountered left him “shocked.”
Unhygienic Surroundings Raise Concerns
The footage shows the Fresh Menu kitchen located in a dilapidated, grey-colored building amid muddy streets with potholes filled with dirty water. The area appeared neglected and unclean. The customer mentioned that he was denied permission to record inside the kitchen but noted that he had no intention of doing so. Through his video, he urged viewers to be cautious.
Later, the same user posted a follow-up video in which he confronted the kitchen staff about the order mix-up. He unwrapped the meal he had received, showing it to the employees and asking them to verify whether it contained chicken or paneer. A staff member admitted that it was chicken. In the caption, the user explained that the cloud kitchen acknowledged the mistake, attributing it to a newly hired staff member.
Fresh Menu Issues a Response
Acknowledging the viral incident, Fresh Menu released a statement apologizing for the error:
“We sincerely apologize for the unfortunate incident of delivering a non-vegetarian burger to you. Our team recognized the error during your visit to our kitchen and expressed our regret for the mix-up at our dispatch station. Please be assured that we have taken this matter very seriously. Disciplinary action has been taken against the responsible team members, and we have retrained our staff to ensure strict adherence to our processes moving forward.”
Addressing concerns about the unhygienic surroundings, Fresh Menu clarified:
“We would like to clarify that our facility follows all required food safety measures within our premises. While we have been operating from this location for the past two years, as tenants, our influence over the external environment is limited. However, we can assure you that we do not contribute negatively to the neighbourhood. We follow proper garbage and waste management practices.
The water seen on the street originates from water tankers that service businesses and residential buildings in the morning hours and is not sewage. The lane is shared with nearly 25 other businesses and shops. Taking your feedback into account, we will actively collaborate with other businesses to improve the overall upkeep of the area. We value your feedback and deeply regret any inconvenience caused. Your concerns are important to us, and we are committed to ensuring a better experience in the future”
Mixed Reactions from Netizens
The viral video sparked widespread reactions online. Some users expressed concerns about hygiene:
- “This is why I always check Google Maps reviews and photos before ordering.”
- “Fresh unhygienic menu.”
- “I always check reviews before trying a new place. Google Maps helps make better decisions.”
Others shared similar experiences:
- “The same thing happened to me! Ordered a paneer burger and got chicken instead.”
However, some customers defended Fresh Menu, stating that they regularly order from the kitchen and have always received fresh and correct meals.
What are your thoughts on this viral incident? Have you ever ordered from Fresh Menu? Share your experience in the comments.