In the movie Run (2002), there is what some people call a ‘cult’ comedy scene — actor Vivek comes to Chennai in search of Madhavan and, in the process, loses his possessions. An odd job later, he uses the money to buy roadside biryani. Moments later, when he burps, the sounds that emerge are similar to that of a crow, prompting a passerby to remark that Vivek would’ve eaten kaaka biryani (crow biryani).
Six months ago, it came to light that some hotels in Chennai served cat meat in biryani instead of chicken or mutton. The same expose was brought forth earlier this year. Unauthorised substitutions, however, are not restricted to India. Recently, in LA, a Devorise Dixon claimed that KFC served him deep-fried rat instead of chicken. However, in a move to inspire investigative journalism worldwide, Business Insider dug out the backstory to disprove his claims while users on Reddit and Imgur one-upped the website, by comparing Dixon’s photo to one of a certified deep-fried rat. Forget the frenzied speculation behind SC Bose’s death or Kennedy’s assassination, the logicians are hard at work to find out what’s fishy behind KFC's fried chicken. But that doesn’t take away from KFC’s fondness for frying up inane things such as a hand towel — so that you can wipe your face after a meal. Dual purpose indeed. Next, you’ll be telling me that there’s Dove in my milk.
But truly, the award for the saddest illegal substitution has to go to a restaurant in Spain that served a customer detergent instead of white wine. Maybe it’s a lesson for all of us who think twice to tip a waiter or worse, ask him to list the specials again.
