Mumbai Woman Pays ₹18,000 to Cook Who Works Just 30 Minutes a Day — Internet Divided Over ‘Luxury’ or ‘Fair Pay’
In a city where time is money and convenience often comes at a premium, a recent viral post from Mumbai has ignited a heated online debate. A woman shared her monthly expense of ₹18,000 for a cook who works only 30 minutes a day, preparing two meals — and the internet has been anything but silent about it.
The Viral Disclosure
The revelation came via a lifestyle budgeting thread, where users were asked to break down their monthly household expenses. One particular user, a Mumbai-based professional, itemized her domestic help costs and casually mentioned that she pays her cook ₹18,000 per month for working half an hour daily — enough time to whip up lunch and dinner for the household.
While the post was meant to reflect urban household economics, it quickly triggered waves of reactions across social media platforms like X, Reddit, and Instagram.
Internet Reacts: Luxury or Justified?
From disbelief to solidarity, the responses were wildly mixed.
Supporters Say: “It’s Her Money, Her Choice”
Many users supported the woman’s decision, stating that quality help, especially in a demanding city like Mumbai, deserves to be compensated well.
“Skilled labor should be paid accordingly. If the food is good and punctual, why not?” one user wrote.
Another chimed in, “We pay thousands to restaurants. A personal cook making fresh, customized meals daily? ₹18,000 sounds fair.”
Supporters also highlighted the rising cost of living and inflation in metro cities, where efficient, hygienic, and reliable domestic help is increasingly hard to come by.
Critics Argue: “That’s an Overpayment”
Others found the cost excessive, questioning how such a short working window could justify the high pay.
“₹18,000 for just 15 hours a month? That’s ₹1,200 an hour — higher than many white-collar salaries!” a skeptical user posted.
Some expressed concern that such pay standards may create unrealistic expectations in neighborhoods where domestic wages are already uneven.
Others raised the issue of privilege, with comments suggesting the woman was flaunting her financial status in a country where many struggle to pay basic wages.
A Look Into Urban Cooking Services
Hiring cooks in urban India, especially in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi, has become more structured and premium over the years. Many domestic workers now specialize in quick, multi-cuisine meal prep, often juggling several households.
In Mumbai, monthly rates for part-time cooks typically range between ₹6,000 to ₹12,000, depending on the number of dishes and daily hours. So, ₹18,000 for a 30-minute job does raise eyebrows — but isn’t unheard of for households valuing exclusivity and flexibility.
Why The High Cost?
Several factors could justify this rate:
- Customized Meals: The cook might be tailoring dishes to dietary restrictions, preferences, or high-end ingredients.
- Exclusive Employment: Some families pay a premium to retain a cook who works for them exclusively.
- Time-Saving Value: In busy professional households, time saved is often more valuable than money spent.
- Inflation and Urban Labor Trends: With rising cost of living, skilled domestic help is demanding higher pay, and often getting it.
The Bigger Conversation: Valuing Domestic Labor
At its core, the debate brings up a critical issue — how society values domestic labor. For decades, domestic work has been underpaid and undervalued, often lacking regulation, benefits, or dignity.
This viral post may have divided the internet, but it also sparked reflection: Should efficiency and skill in domestic roles be paid as highly as they are in corporate jobs? Is it wrong to pay generously if one can afford to?
Whether viewed as a symbol of privilege, empowerment, or changing economic dynamics, the story of the Mumbai woman paying ₹18,000 to her 30-minute cook has shone a spotlight on the evolving landscape of urban domestic work.
One thing is certain: in cities where every minute counts and good help is hard to find, convenience has a price — and not everyone agrees on what that price should be.
