‘Visit Baba Ka Dhaba’ : Viral video got internet to save old couple’s eatery in Delhi

Among the many things that have taken a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic is the eating-out culture. The pandemic has a harsh impact on the food and restaurant business, especially for owners of small roadside eateries.

Somewhere in south Delhi, an elderly couple sells home-cooked meals from a tiny kiosk with the name Baba Ka Dhaba, making just enough to buy the next day’s menu. They have done this for 30 years.

Last night, the story of their struggle in the coronavirus crisis went viral, moving thousands of people, including celebrities, cricketers and even companies.

It all started with an Instagram post and a late night tweet.

Vasundhara Tankha Sharma posted a video by a food blogger Gaurav Vasan featuring the couple and said it “completely broke my heart”. She urged the people of Delhi to visit Baba ka Dhaba in Malviya Nagar.

And internet has once again done its magic and has taken an initiative to bring a smile on the old couple’s face. His story has touched many hearts and this morning, “Baba Ka Dhaba” was among the top trends on Twitter.

Within hours, visuals of the old man wiping his tears racked up thousands of retweets and likes. Many have offered to help the couple financially and others have announced plans for lunch at Baba Ka Dhaba. Among those who have tweeted are actor Sonam Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar, Randeep Hooda, cricketer R Ashwin, IPL team Delhi Capitals and food delivery app Zomato. And a constant stream of customers could be seen at the makeshift eatery shop.

People have taken photos alongside the Dhaba and posted the address on Twitter. The helpful world of social media even started a campaign inviting people to the dhaba with the slogan ‘Roses are red violets are blue, waiting for food at Baba ka Dhaba, where are you?”