Fiji-born, New Zealand-based musician Lepani has won hearts online after sharing a touching experience of Indian hospitality during his visit to Mysuru.
In a viral video, Lepani documented how a roadside vendor insisted on serving him a generous plate of biryani topped with chicken curry — free of cost.
“Don’t worry, just eat”
According to Lepani, he was walking down a busy street in Mysuru when the aroma of freshly cooked biryani drew his attention. He noticed a smiling vendor enthusiastically serving plates to locals.
Curious, he crossed the road and asked the vendor how much a plate would cost. To his surprise, the man replied, “Don’t worry, just eat,” before serving him a large portion. Another person added chicken curry on top.
Lepani said he stood on the roadside alongside locals, enjoying what he described as some of the best and most filling biryani he had ever tasted.
Video garners millions of views
The musician titled his post, “I was told to prepare myself for India but no one prepared me for this.” The clip has since garnered over 2.4 million views, with social media users praising the warmth and generosity often associated with Indian culture.
Many commenters reflected on how sharing food remains deeply rooted in community traditions across the country, especially during challenging times.
The heartwarming moment has once again highlighted how small acts of kindness can leave a lasting impression on visitors, turning an ordinary street food stop into a memory cherished worldwide.