A "name and shame" social media campaign is in full swing after a viral video captured an Indian family vandalising a restaurant in Vietnam. The family has been accused of verbally abusing restaurant staff before switching to vandalism and assault over a disagreement.
The incident took place at the ‘Bombay Bites’ eatery in Ho Chi Minh City. According to available information, it is a popular Indian restaurant in the city's District 1 tourist area.
Sharing the video of the incident, Aishwarya Khanna Singh, who owns the establishment, explained in Hindi that the family was triggered when asked to stop their children from throwing tissue paper around the dining area. The video showed two minors wasting away dozens of unused tissues by scattering them—as an act of revenge.
As per the time stamp visible in the viral video, it happened on June 30. THE WEEK couldn't independently verify the authenticity of the video or the claim.
When requested to keep their children in check, the couple returned and the husband led an aggressive charge.
"Let us be very clear: A restaurant is not a playground. Our staff are not targets for anger or entitlement. And influence does not place anyone above basic manners. Civic sense means teaching children accountability, respecting public property, and understanding that rules exist so everyone can enjoy the space safely and comfortably. When these values are ignored, it affects workers, other guests, and the business as a whole," Singh wrote on Instagram.
The police were contacted by the owners, who were told to notify them if the troublesome family showed up at their doorstep again.
Meanwhile, the incident initiated several discussions on social media. While one side argued that such rare instances of misbehaviour involving ill-mannered Indian tourists get highlighted to purposefully tarnish India, the majority maintained that change should begin from the inside.
If India's image needs to improve, then her citizens need to behave better while travelling, they said. People like these should not be allowed to become representatives of all Indian travellers.
A name and shame campaign is in full swing after the family's social media handles and activities were identified.
