A Pune-based woman has gone viral online after sharing an unusual food experience on an Air India flight from Delhi to Bali.
The passenger, identified as Priti Jain, amused internet users after revealing
that she was served halwa puri chana during the journey, a meal more commonly linked with festive breakfasts and traditional North Indian gatherings than international air travel.
Jain shared the incident on X, where her post quickly drew attention from users who found the combination both surprising and relatable. Describing the experience humorously, she wrote, “First in my bloodline and probably even my entire friend बिरादरी to get halwa puri channa served as an in-flight meal 😭”
According to Jain, the meal was served on her Delhi-to-Bali flight and left her husband particularly stunned. “This was on our Delhi to Bali flight. Husband was shocked to see the meal 🤣,” she wrote in the post.
While her husband reportedly avoided eating the food because he was not fond of cold puris, Jain appeared delighted by the unusual menu selection. “He avoided because he doesn’t like thandi puris that much. I was kinda happy though and finished his meal too 🙊,” she added.
She further asked fellow travellers whether they had encountered something similar while flying with the airline. “On a lighter note, has anyone else ever been served this on an Air India flight?” she wrote.
The post soon triggered a flood of reactions online, with several users calling the meal one of the most “desi” in-flight experiences imaginable. Many pointed out that halwa puri chana is usually associated with religious offerings, festive mornings, roadside breakfast spots and comfort food, making its appearance on an international flight particularly amusing.
“Elite combo! I would’ve skipped the puri though if it were too oily,” commented one user.
Another wrote, “Halwa puri channa as an in-flight meal is honestly one of the most unexpectedly desi airline moments possible.”
Some users also compared the experience with their own Air India journeys. “Been there done that😂 I also got the same meal in Delhi to Dubai flight,” one person shared, while another added, “Recently flew DEL-LHR on the new Air India A350. Got served the same meal haha.”
A few users criticised the presentation and menu choice. “I dont understand why serve poori when a soft roti and choley would do justice or choley and prantha. Necessary to eat maida? The plating is garbage 🗑️ Fried puri in oil with ghee halwa on it 🤢” one comment read.
First in my bloodline and probably even my entire friend बिरादरी to get halwa puri channa served as an in-flight meal 😭
This was on our Delhi to Bali flight. Husband was shocked to see the meal 🤣 and avoided because he doesn’t like thandi puris that much . I was kinda happy… pic.twitter.com/Vv7lyBpuVP— Priti Jain (@mepritijain) May 13, 2026
Another user joked, “Was it a selection or by default? Maybe one of the crew had a puja at home and decided to treat everyone with the Prasad 😆”
One person also highlighted the airline’s association with the hospitality sector, writing, “People would be astonished to know that AI and Taj Hotels from part of same group and yet this is served on a long haul flight.”
Meanwhile, others recalled equally unconventional airline meals from the past. “On the pre tata air india i was served bread pakoda on a snack flt,” a user commented.
