Recently, a consumer court in Kochi has held that restaurants are not obligated to provide gravy free of charge, offering relief to a local restaurant owner following a prolonged legal dispute.

The case dates back to November last year when a customer visited ‘The Persian Table’, a restaurant in Kochi, and ordered parotta and beef—a popular dish in Kerala. The customer later demanded gravy to accompany the meal, but the restaurant declined, stating that gravy is only provided when specifically included in the order.

According to the restaurant’s owner, the customer initially did not request gravy but insisted on it later. When informed of the restaurant's policy, an argument ensued, and the customer left unsatisfied. He subsequently filed a complaint, first with local authorities and later with the consumer court.

Following an inspection and legal proceedings, the court ruled in favour of the restaurant, accepting its justification that providing free gravy would add to operational costs and was not a standard practice unless ordered as part of a dish.

“We are pleased with the court's decision. It validates our business practices and acknowledges the financial realities of running a restaurant,” the owner said. “Offering complimentary gravy to every customer is simply not sustainable.”

The verdict sets a precedent that customers cannot demand free gravy as a matter of right, reaffirming that such additions remain at the discretion of the restaurant.