Mumbai: Cook earns over Rs 1.8 lakh a month by working at 10-12 places, says X user; post creates online frenzy
The X user added said that Rs 18,000 that her cook charges for just two meals per household sounds unbelievable, but that's what cooks generally charge in decent Mumbai localities. She added, that not all cooks charge the same, some also charge Rs 10-12K, but it is not as affordable as it is in many other metro cities.
Mumbai: An X post shared by a lawyer in Mumbai sparked an online frenzy as she claimed that her cook charges Rs 18,000 a month and cooks the meals in just 30 minutes. The lawyer also said that the cook, also called ‘maharaja’) works in around 10-12 households in the same complex. While speaking to HT.com, the X user - Ayushi Doshi – added that even though what he charges seems exorbitan, "it is "worth it” because he the cook is good at his job”.
Doshi also said that the cook must be able to save a lot of money as he works in the same complex which helps him save commuting time and money and have a stable income.
Taking to X, she wrote, "My Maharaj (Cook) •Charges ₹18k per house •Max 30 mins per house •10–12 houses daily •Free food & free chai everywhere •Gets paid on time or leaves without a goodbye. Meanwhile I’m out here saying "gentle reminder” with trembling hands with minimum salary.”
While the tweet left some people surprised, some also criticised the X user and doubted the authenticity of her claims. Addressing the critics, Doshi said, "Mumbai folks, back me up ! this is what good Maharajs charge in decent localities. The same cook charges ₹2.5k a day for a family of 12 isn’t overcharging, it’s just how things work here. If your state still runs on ₹5 thalis, that’s great for you , but don’t assume everyone else is lying. And no, it’s not "engagement farming.” It’s just real life experience in one of the most expensive cities in the country. If you can’t relate, maybe just accept the difference in cost of living and keep scrolling instead of shouting "fake” in the comments.”
Netizens react
Reacting on her post, an X user also asked, "Do they pay income tax?”
Meanwhile another person said, "We are paying 18k for family of 7 for 3 time meal Breakfast, lunch & dinner in Malad, Mumbai. Our cook earns 70-80k per months.”
A X user also tried to school the netizens, "Stop eating lavishly.Switch to simple,easy to cook and healthy food. Maharajs will be a lost tribe. Use onepot meals like khichri. It will give good health,save money but every day may not help with your palate.But then saving money is more palatable than savoury meals daily.”
Doshi told HT.com that Rs 18,000 that her cook charges for just two meals per household sounds unbelievable, but that’s genuinely what cooks charge in decent Mumbai localities. She added, that not all cooks charge the same, some also charge Rs 10-12K, but it is not as affordable as it is in many other metro cities.