Mumbai Traffic Delight: Uber Driver Buys Kebabs for Australian Passenger

A simple act of kindness by an Uber driver in Mumbai has gone viral, capturing hearts globally and highlighting the spirit of Indian hospitality. An Australian passenger, Bree Steele, was left deeply touched and called Indian drivers “next-level icons” after her cab driver went above and beyond during a frustrating two-hour traffic jam.

A Long Wait Turns into a Memorable Encounter

The incident, which Steele recounted in a viral Instagram video, took place in Mumbai, a city notorious for its severe congestion. What should have been a short 15-minute journey stretched out to over two hours due to heavy festival traffic, leaving the passenger exasperated and stuck in one spot for an extended period.

Instead of showing frustration, the Uber driver took matters into his own hands, transforming a trying situation into a heartwarming memory.

• First Gesture: After realizing his passengers were stuck, the driver first got out of the car and returned with bottles of water. A true measure of his kindness, he insisted they not pay for the refreshment.
• The Unforgettable Treat: An hour later, as the delay continued, the driver pulled over and announced, “I’ll be right back.” He returned shortly with a bag containing kebabs and cold soft drinks for his weary passengers.

Steele, an award-winning podcast presenter and producer, was completely awestruck by the driver’s selfless gesture, especially his refusal to accept any money for the food. She praised his efforts to ensure her comfort during the unexpected delay, sharing the story with her followers and asking, “Why do all my best stories in India involve an Uber driver?”

Praise for the ‘True Ambassador’

The story quickly resonated with users across social media, who lauded the driver for embodying the Indian cultural belief of ‘Atithi Devo Bhavah’—which translates to ‘The Guest is equivalent to God.’

The driver’s act of hospitality in the face of Mumbai’s challenging traffic conditions drew universal praise. Users flooded the comments section, calling the driver a “true ambassador of India” and an “absolute legend” for spreading positivity and upholding the country’s reputation for welcoming guests.

This isn’t the first time Steele has praised the city’s drivers. She previously shared stories of another driver navigating flooded streets at 3 AM to ensure she made her flight on time, and a separate driver retrieving a shoe that had fallen out of her auto-rickshaw.

The simple, yet profound, act of sharing a meal in traffic has made this Uber driver a viral sensation, serving as a powerful reminder that human kindness can shine through even in the most mundane and challenging circumstances.