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A video posted by a Shanghai commuter on the night of November 25 has gone viral, showing several foreign passengers sitting in a metro carriage eating stuffed flatbreads, each with a suitcase beside them.
The uploader described the scene as “the whole carriage smelled like curry.”
Netizens identified the location as Lingkong Road Station, near Shanghai Pudong International Airport, based on the partially visible station name reflected on the carriage window.
On November 26, Shanghai Metro customer service confirmed that eating on trains is strictly prohibited, especially foods with strong odors.
The staff said the incident has been logged and reported:
“We’ve received the complaint, and relevant departments will respond as soon as possible.”
The incident also sparked debate about cultural differences.
In Indian dining traditions, eating with one’s hands—especially the right hand—is customary and carries cultural and sometimes religious significance.
However, in crowded, enclosed public transportation, strong smells and hygiene concerns extend beyond cultural tolerance.
Most commenters argue that local public rules should be respected regardless of cultural background.
Shanghai Metro reiterated that:
The no-eating rule applies equally to all passengers,
Staff may have missed the situation during patrol, and they will strengthen inspections and reminders.
The discussion continues online, raising a broader question:
In an increasingly globalized city, how do we balance cultural diversity with shared public norms?
*The opinions expressed in the article are solely those of the author.*
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