Maggi’s floating Dal Lake kiosk sparks buzz and debate online

Maggi has taken its iconic ‘2-minute noodles’ experience to an unusual new setting, right in the middle of Srinagar’s Dal Lake in Kashmir, where a floating kiosk now serves hot bowls of instant noodles on a traditional shikara.

Launched by Nestlé India and promoted through Maggi’s official social media platforms, the setup is designed as a branded shikara painted in the familiar yellow and red colours. Tourists can hire a boat, glide across the lake, and stop at the floating point to order a freshly made bowl of Maggi while surrounded by mountain views and calm waters.

While the idea has quickly gone viral, it has also triggered a mixed



response online. Some users have embraced the novelty of eating Maggi on water, calling it a memorable travel experience. “Just saw this in Dal, yummy Maggi,” wrote one user, while a house boat page commented, “Dal Lake just got a whole lot cozier… welcome to our floating neighbourhood, Maggi.”

However, the campaign has also faced criticism, with some questioning whether commercial branding belongs in a heritage and ecologically sensitive site like Dal Lake. Comments on social media described the concept as “repulsive” and “disgusting marketing,” with concerns raised about adding more commercial activity to a space already struggling with pollution and waste.