“Food is religion” says Zomato to 'Hindu' rider request

Zomato takes a 'woke' stance when a customer refused food delivery by a Muslim.

In Zomato's annual report, the company mentioned that it had clocked over 30 million deliveries in the month of March alone. However, there was one delivery in particular that caught the attention and drew ire from social media users all over India.

Just cancelled an order on @ZomatoIN they allocated a non hindu rider for my food they said they can't change rider and can't refund on cancellation I said you can't force me to take a delivery I don't want don't refund just cancel

— पं अमित शुक्ल (@NaMo_SARKAAR) July 30, 2019

The user further posted a thread where he showcased that he tried to get in touch with Zomato for the redressal of his problem and that he wasn't given a solution. Users on social media were quick to point out that his logic was flawed, but the most powerful response came from the brand itself.

Food doesn’t have a religion. It is a religion. https://t.co/H8P5FlAw6y

— Zomato India (@ZomatoIN) July 31, 2019

Zomato's founder Deepinder Goyal also joined the conversation by tweeting his support for the stance his company had taken.

We are proud of the idea of India - and the diversity of our esteemed customers and partners. We aren’t sorry to lose any business that comes in the way of our values. 🇮🇳 https://t.co/cgSIW2ow9B

— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) July 31, 2019

The tweet posted today falls in line with the stance they've been taking with their recent humourous matrimonial ads in newspapers. One of the ads mentioned that caste is no bar when it comes to the love of food.

Interesting advertisement from zomato at a strategic location in between matrimonial ads.

Creativity in thoughts. pic.twitter.com/PE2cOI94HH

— LearnLifeWealthTravel (@AnyBodyCanFly) July 29, 2019

A few weeks ago, detergent brand Surf Excel found itself in the middle of a religion-fueled social media fire.

Many social media users showed their support for Zomato...

Kudos 2 u Mr. Goyal ! @deepigoyal THANK YOU for standing up for the real idea of #India & true Indian values! You are a true citizen & patriot. 🇮🇳 More power to u!! @ZomatoIN @Zomato ♥️ I hope larger corporations who in the past haven’t had the courage 2 stand up to trolls learn! https://t.co/TEdME0y0d3

— Swara Bhasker (@ReallySwara) July 31, 2019

Hunger for food sees no religion.
Hunger for power does.

Happy to see Zomato put this out. This is the hunger to see a happier, united India.@deepigoyal this is true Zomato GOLD! https://t.co/4hFTmvQRGg

— 𝘼𝙖𝙦𝙞𝙗 𝙍𝙖𝙯𝙖 𝙆𝙝𝙖𝙣 (@aaqibrk) July 31, 2019

@deepigoyal & Team @Zomato Thank you. You stood up for the idea of India 🇮🇳

— Charles Assisi (@c_assisi) July 31, 2019

Well done Zomato! truly food for thought.. 👍👍👍 https://t.co/YVNTyiO0tc

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) July 31, 2019

Kudos you guys @ZomatoIN!

You have shown the much needed spine in these difficult times.

We have always loved Zomato, now we love you even more! Great going. This is the India we love. https://t.co/tUf2uhmZiZ

— Yuva Desh (@yuvadesh) July 31, 2019

After the story went live, Zomato put out a tweet about food, religion and halal certification and further reinforced their stance on the matter.

Food for thought pic.twitter.com/zZ3k6YfuzI

— Zomato India (@ZomatoIN) July 31, 2019

Zomato's rival Uber Eats also tweeted to show their support on the stance that they took.

.@ZomatoIN, we stand by you. https://t.co/vzjF8RhYzi

— Uber Eats India (@UberEats_IND) July 31, 2019