Tubata Restaurant in Delhi Sparks Cultural Discrimination Row After Denying Entry to Couple in Indian Attire

Editor August 8, 2025

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📍 New Delhi — August 8, 2025 — A high-end dining spot in Delhi, Tubata restaurant, is facing nationwide criticism after a couple alleged they were denied entry for wearing traditional Indian clothes — an incident that has ignited a fierce debate on cultural identity, business ethics, and the lingering shadow of colonial-era mindsets.

🧵 What Happened at Tubata restaurant

On August 3, a couple visited the Tubata restaurant, located near the Pitampura metro station. The man wore a T-shirt and pants, while the woman was dressed in a kurta-salwar.

According to their account, the restaurant staff refused them entry, allegedly stating that they only allowed patrons in “short clothes” — interpreted as Western or revealing attire.

The couple also alleged misbehaviour by staff, and a video capturing their ordeal went viral, sparking outrage on social media.

🚨 Government & Political Response

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta ordered an urgent investigation into the matter.
Tourism & Culture Minister Kapil Mishra called the incident “unacceptable” and reshared the viral clip on X, demanding accountability from the establishment.

🏛️ Restaurant’s Response

Tubata restaurant issued a public apology, stating there is no dress code prohibiting Indian attire, and termed the incident a misunderstanding.

As part of damage control, the restaurant introduced Raksha Bandhan discounts for women visiting in traditional Indian clothes.

🔥 Public Outcry & Cultural Debate

The controversy has grown beyond a customer service dispute into a national cultural discussion. Many are questioning how Indian attire can be deemed “inappropriate” in its country of origin.

Hashtags like #BoycottTubata and #IndianAttireIsPride trended across social media.

📝 Author’s View — The Colonial Mindset That Never Left

Such incidents are not new in India, which gained independence 78 years ago, but it still carries the deep imprint of its colonial past.

During British rule, Indian society was sharply divided between “masters” and “subjects.” The colonisers often imposed discriminatory restrictions — infamously, “Indians and dogs not allowed” signs were seen at elite clubs and hotels.

Instead of vanishing after independence, this mindset mutated into a twisted form of social prestige, where imitating the coloniser’s lifestyle became a mark of sophistication for many Indians.

What happened at Tubata restaurant reflects this inherited cultural sickness — a belief that Western dress is inherently superior, and Indian attire somehow less worthy in certain “elite” spaces. It’s a hangover from the colonial era that still dictates behaviour in parts of our society.

📊 Business & Brand Impact

Brand analysts say this incident risks damaging Tubata restaurant’s image among domestic customers, even if younger, Western-style clientele continue to patronise it. Regulatory scrutiny may follow, and the restaurant’s discount offer is unlikely to fully erase the reputational harm.

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