Viral video: Man eats KFC inside vegetarian restaurant run by ISKCON in London, sparks outrage

Indian Express

5 hours ago

A video that surfaced across social media has triggered strong reactions after a man was seen eating chicken inside Govinda's, a vegetarian restaurant run by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in London.
The video, shows a man of African descent entering the premises and asking staff if meat was served. When informed that the eatery only offers vegetarian food, he pulled out a box of KFC chicken and began eating it inside the restaurant.
Footage shows the man standing at the counter while eating, and at one point offering the non-vegetarian food to other customers and staff members, which appeared to make several people uncomfortable. Despite being asked to leave by restaurant staff and patrons, the man continued eating before being removed from the premises by security.
The act drew widespread condemnation on social media. Many users questioned the motivation behind it, with some describing it as an intentional insult to Hindu dietary and religious values. One X user wrote, 'What should we call this? Racism or provocation?'
Horrendous. 😳😡
This African-British youth entered into ISKCON's Govinda restaurant – knowingly that it's pure Veg restaurant – asked if there's meat available, then pulled out his KFC box and not only ate chicken (chewed like a 🐷), but also offered others working/eating in… pic.twitter.com/TtPJz9Jg7m
— Tathvam-asi (@ssaratht) July 19, 2025
Another said, 'He achieved nothing by harassing people! Zero achievement but created a nuisance in society.' A third commented, 'Hope the complaint was filed with police. Don't know if he can be arrested for this or not, but this is hate towards Hindus. He knew they wouldn't react, that's why he did this.'
Others questioned the response from those present, with one post reading, 'They're just smiling and filming. If you won't act, don't expect others to.' Another added, 'Intentionally breaking a religious rule like this shows intolerance — and society shouldn't ignore it.' A different user suggested the act was done for attention, writing, 'He did it just for two extra followers on YouTube.'
STRONGLY CONDEMN:
Man walks into ISKCON's Govinda, a pure veg restaurant, checks if it's vegetarian, then shamelessly stuffs his mouth with KFC chicken right on their counter!
Staff, customers ask him to leave but he keeps on chewing – just for 2 extra followers on YouTube.… pic.twitter.com/Pj1n0OzUTm
— Asawari Jindal (@AsawariJindal15) July 19, 2025
Indian rapper and singer Badshah took to X to slam the targeted disrespect to Hindus in London, posting, 'Even the chicken would be embarrassed. Dude wasn't hungry for chicken, he was hungry for some chappal on that face.'
Even the chicken would be embarrassed. Dude wasnt hungry for chicken, he was hungry for some 🩴 on that face. True strength is in respecting what you dont understand. https://t.co/vKHmoIfozI
— BADSHAH (@Its_Badshah) July 20, 2025
ISKCON, a global spiritual organisation founded in 1966 by AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, promotes Krishna consciousness and a vegetarian lifestyle based on the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Vedic scriptures. Its restaurants, including Govinda's, serve only pure vegetarian meals as part of its religious observance.
As of now, there is no confirmation of any formal complaint or police involvement.