A video of a woman eating hot food on the London Underground has gone viral on social media, dividing the opinions of Londoners.
The video, which was originally posted on TikTok, has been viewed over one million times and appears to show a woman eating curry and rice while having a conversation on the phone.
The clip sparked criticism from some viewers who deemed it “disrespectful” to eat on the Tube. Others raised concerns about potential impacts on passengers with allergies.
However, many rushed to her defense, arguing that people should mind their own business. They pointed out that her actions weren’t harming anyone and noted that she may not have had the opportunity to eat elsewhere.
As the video reignites the age-old debate over eating on the Tube, The Standard asked commuters outside Liverpool Street Station for their views.
Estate agent Theo, 20, said: “It’s completely ridiculous that anyone would suggest it’s not okay. If you’re hungry, you’re hungry.”
He told The Standard: “Say I was married and my wife was pregnant, if someone videoed my wife eating hot food on the Tube and there were lots of people insulting her for doing that. I would not be a very happy man.
“I think it should be allowed and I don’t see a problem with it. I get the hygiene issue, but let people do what they want to do.”
Barney, 26, who works in recruitment, admitted he’s “guilty” of eating on the Tube and doesn’t support a ban. However, he pointed out a key difference between having a light snack and bringing on a full hot meal.
“If someone is chowing down 20 nuggets at 4am and it stunk the carriage out, yeah it’s not great. If its got a neutral odour, it’s fine, like a bagel.”
According to Transport for London’s “Conditions of Carriage”, which set out the rules for using its services, passengers are banned from drinking alcohol or smoking on the network.
Eating, however, is still permitted — though that hasn’t stopped the practice from sparking debate.
In 2019, Dame Sally Davies, then England’s Chief Medical Officer, called for a ban on eating across public transport in a government health report. The recommendation sparked discussion but ultimately led to no legislative action.
China enforces a strict ban on eating and drinking aboard subway trains, citing concerns over strong odours, littering, and potential disputes, particularly during peak hours. Exceptions are made for young children and passengers with medical conditions.
Similar bans are in effect in places such as Hong Kong, Vienna, Seoul, Chicago, Washington DC, and Singapore.
Angelie, 23, who works in the NHS, told The Standard: “I don’t mind because I understand some people don’t have the time to eat, they’re busy with work and that’s the only time they get to eat, so I don’t mind it so long as they keep it clean and remove their leftovers.
“You should just be a little bit mindful of other people next to you as well and don’t eat something more messy or that could disturb the person next to you, but apart from that I think it should be alright.”
Teachers Nicky and Sally also had no issue with people eating on the tube. “I think it’s fine so long as they don’t leave a mess everywhere. It’s up to them, it’s their personal choice,” they said.
On the other hand, Patrick, 28, said: “I hate it when people eat on the Tube. It’s the same principle as playing videos out loud, you’re invading my personal space and the space of those around you with food that smells. I think it’s selfish.”
In a similar vein, student Izzy, 18, told The Standard: “I think it can be quite rude because firstly, you don’t know if people have allergies, it’s a confined space.
“I just think eating around people that you don’t know, they could get sick or feel sick because of the smell of it so I just think it might not be the best idea.”
Alex, 32, who works in finance said he did not mind people eating on the tube, “so long as they pick up their mess afterwards and it doesn’t smell too badly — I appreciate we all do things on the run.”
However, he said “if someone has got a takeaway that’s a bit intrusive, especially at peak hour when everyone’s just trying to get from A to B and you’ve got someone’s food in your face that’s never really too pleasant.
“If someone’s minding their own business and doing it quietly and it’s less intrusive, then it doesn’t really bother me.”
