BATGIRL

  Kolkata’s New Market, officially known as Sir Stuart Hogg Market, is a labyrinth of sights, sounds, and scents that capture the vibrant essence of India. On this particular day, I set out to explore this iconic marketplace, ready for an adventure. What I didn’t expect, however, was the maze of challenges that awaited me, from touts insisting on showing me around to vendors trying their best to sell everything under the sun. Here’s how my day unfolded. As I stepped out in search of the New Market, I found myself wandering into a bustling street market instead. Confused, I paused to ask someone, “Where is the New Market?” A kind stranger pointed me in the right direction, and soon enough, I found myself at the gates of what I’d later learn was both the Old Market and the New Market combined. The mix of history and modernity was palpable even before I stepped inside. From the get-go, it was clear that this place was alive with energy. Crowded pathways teemed with people—locals, tour...

Traveling to India is a thrilling experience—one full of vibrant culture, diverse cuisine, and unique encounters. Whether you’re exploring bustling markets in Mumbai or soaking in the sights of ancient temples, the excitement is palpable. However, just as with any popular travel destination, there’s a reality that travelers need to be prepared for: scammers. In particular, restaurant scams are a common occurrence, and it’s essential to know how to handle them to ensure your experience remains enjoyable and stress-free. Imagine this: You’ve just arrived in Mumbai, and after a long day of exploring, you’re craving some authentic local food. As you walk down the street, you spot a Pao Bhaji stall that seems to be popular among the locals. This is always a good sign, right? The more locals, the more genuine the food, and the more authentic the experience. So, you eagerly head towards the stall, looking forward to savoring a hearty plate of Pao Bhaji. Now, if you’re familiar with Indian cui...

Let me tell you about my experience with restaurant scams in India and how you can avoid them. I recently ordered a mango shake, and honestly, it looked absolutely delicious. But what happened next was an eye-opener. Some restaurants here employ sneaky tactics, and you need to stay alert to avoid getting overcharged. Here’s what happened: I asked for a lassi, and the waiter quoted me ₹280. That’s the kind of price you’d expect at a five-star hotel, not at a regular restaurant or food stall. A lassi, which is a staple drink in India, typically costs between ₹30 and ₹100. At a beachfront location like this, you might pay ₹100 at most due to the prime location, but ₹280? That’s outrageous! Clearly, the waiter was hoping to pocket the extra ₹180. These tricks can happen, so it’s essential to stay vigilant. To help you navigate dining in India, here are five crucial tips based on my own experiences. These scams have happened to me multiple times, so learn from my mistakes: Always Check Your...

Hi everyone! I’m here at Juhu Beach in Mumbai, soaking up the lively energy of this iconic destination. The beach is bustling with activity, from food stalls and vendors to families enjoying their day out. It’s a fantastic place to experience the vibrant local culture, but as with any popular tourist spot, there are a few things you need to watch out for. Let me tell you about a recent experience I had and share some tips on how to avoid common tricks and scams while navigating restaurants and vendors here in India. Earlier, I decided to visit the food court at Juhu Beach to grab a refreshing lassi. Lassi is a classic Indian yogurt-based drink, and I’d been craving one to cool off from the heat. As I walked into the food court, I was immediately approached by a vendor who seemed overly enthusiastic about getting me to order. I was skeptical, but curiosity got the better of me, so I followed him to his stall. When I asked for the price of a simple lassi, I was shocked. The vendor quoted...