Viral Post About Eating Maggi In The Hills Divides X Users, Stirs Debate About "Maggi Tourists"

Maggi is one of the most popular food items found in many hill stations in North India. Crowds near tourist spots, lining up at stalls dishing out these steaming hot noodles, are a common sight. For many people, it's a simple yet iconic experience to slurp this treat as they enjoy the high altitude and colder weather. However, everyone doesn't agree. Recent viral posts on X have stirred up a heated debate about what the ubiquity of Maggi in hilly destinations implies, and the term "Maggi tourists' emerged in the conversations. 

Also Read: This Offbeat Indian Hill Station Is The Most Trending Travel Destination In 2025

It all began when X user @WhateverVishal shared a photo of a bowl of soupy noodles with a sarcastic caption: "Entire GDP of Himachal and UK [Uttarakhand]." It's worth noting that he didn't specifically mention Maggi. The image is rather generic, but given Maggi's immense popularity, most users immediately associated it with the post.

Entire GDP of Himachal and UK pic.twitter.com/0ZqbdGB79t

— Oxygen 💨 (@WhateverVishal) November 16, 2025

Some took the joke in their stride, but others felt compelled to point out that these regions have a lot more (and a lot better) to offer in terms of food. Several people highlighted the richness of "real" Pahadi cuisine. Read some of the reactions below:

As Uttarakhandi, I object. Our GDP also includes momos. Don't underestimate us. 😂

— Shilpi Parmar (@ShilpiParmar5) November 17, 2025

Uttarakhand is 50% momo, buddy

But yeah as you go towards the remote places, maggi takes over completely

— Vishwaroop Samajdar (@vibhusam28) November 17, 2025

Problem is they serve you what you eat! Uttrakhand is famous for its chudkani, dal varieties , shaak varieties, bhang ki chutney, madhue ki roti, thupka varinets, dubke... Will you eat it if it is served to you??

— Anshu (@AnshuArora12337) November 18, 2025

Mouth watering ! Perfect for a winter evening ✨

— What's Your Rashi ? (@maverick_diva) November 17, 2025

Another discussion was ignited when X user @SkullEmoji99 reshared the above post and claimed: "'Maggie Tourist' is a slur locals use to mock the bottom-tier domestic tourists who show up with a low budget and zero class."

"Maggie Tourist" is a slur locals use to mock the bottom-tier domestic tourists who show up with a low budget and zero class. https://t.co/GiKG0pHUR9

— Shepherd🪽 (@SkullEmoji99) November 17, 2025

Some users stated they had never heard of this term before. Others agreed with the sentiment it expressed. Check out some of the comments from X below:

really 😔, i'd still love to have that maggie even though i've good money

— Vishv Salvi (@SalviVishv) November 17, 2025

ive travelled alot of himachal and yea there's alot of good stuff besides maggie. Recently tried Rhodo juice and instantly became a fan. I've always wanted to try Siddu though , never got the chance :(

— arjin (@arj1nnd) November 17, 2025

They can call people what they want, I'll not leave without having maggi in the mountains. Its a joy.

— White Tara. Wild Tara. (@WhiteTaraTarot) November 18, 2025

As a local, this is the first time I'm hearing this slur.

— LooseAxles (@totallynotkaran) November 18, 2025

I have fond memories of eating Maggi in the mountains as a child, it's sad to learn that locals were making fun of a family who couldn't afford more.

— WispyWinter (@WispyWinter) November 18, 2025

Dint know this that there is term called Maggie Tourist. I have been in Himachal for last 7-8 years and imo it has become a thing in pop culture where people have come to associate Maggie with mountains regardless of economic class.

— Jaswant Singh (@SinghJaswant) November 19, 2025

Disclaimer: NDTV does not vouch for the claims by the X users.

Curious to know more about pahadi food? Check out these winter-special recipes for a cosy meal that will transport you to the hills.

Also Read: These 6 Indian Hill Stations Still Feel Like Your 90s Summer Holidays