A Mumbai-based lawyer recently grabbed attention on social media after revealing the high charges her part-time cook demands-₹18,000 per house for just 30 minutes of work. The post went viral, sparking a mix of disbelief, amusement, and serious discussions about cost of living, urban convenience, and skilled labor economics in metro cities.
₹18K for 30 minutes? Meet the ‘Maharaj’ of Mumbai kitchens
Ayushi Doshi, a corporate lawyer, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that her cook, fondly called ‘Maharaj’, charges ₹18,000 per month per household for cooking a single daily meal-all within 30 minutes. The catch? He works in 10–12 houses within the same apartment complex, saving on travel time and ensuring a stable income with minimal logistical hassle.
She wrote, “My Maharaj (Cook)• Charges ₹18k per house• Max 30 mins per house• 10–12 houses daily• Free food & chai everywhere• Gets paid on time or leaves without a goodbye.”
She compared this with her own corporate life, where she timidly sends “gentle reminder” emails while earning a fixed salary. The contrast struck a chord with many, drawing laughs and strong opinions alike.
Social media erupts with mixed reactions
While some users were left stunned at the rate, others questioned the feasibility of such a setup. “Is he a cook or AI?” one user joked. Others speculated that this might be an exaggerated post meant to generate engagement.
“₹18K for a part-time cook? In Gurgaon, we pay ₹4K–6K tops,” one user remarked. Another said, “You can get a full-time cook in South Mumbai for ₹25K who knows multiple cuisines.”
Skeptics also raised practical questions asking, “How much can one cook in just 30 minutes?” Another asked, “If he works for 10 houses, how does he manage the time?”
Ayushi responds: ;It’s Real, Not Engagement Farming'
Doshi was quick to address the backlash. She clarified that this rate is standard in many well-to-do Mumbai neighborhoods. According to her, the cook also charges ₹2.5K a day for catering to a family of 12-a fair price in her view, considering quality and convenience.
“Mumbai folks, back me up! This is what good Maharajs charge in decent localities,” she tweeted. “If your city still runs on ₹5 thalis, that’s great-but don’t assume everyone else is faking it.”
She also called out those accusing her of clickbaiting, “It’s not engagement farming- just a real-life account of how things work in one of India’s most expensive cities.”
The economics of urban cooking
The viral post opens up a larger conversation about domestic help and rising service costs in metros like Mumbai. With high demand for efficient cooks and fewer people entering domestic work, rates have surged. Proximity to multiple clients, time efficiency, and skill specialization all contribute to the higher fees.
In elite localities across Mumbai, it’s common for specialised cooks to charge a premium-especially those who can prepare multiple dishes quickly, cater to specific dietary needs, or manage bulk cooking in short periods.
