Customs and my traditions
Brunch|January 13, 2024
For gourmands, everything is available in India. Almost. Some foods are still worth the trip and worth stuffing the suitcase to savour back home. Here are my picks
VIR SANGHVI
Customs and my traditions

I am a reasonably frequent international traveller, but contrary to what many people will tell you about their own travels, I have rarely had a problem with customs in India. This could be because I don't shop very much abroad.

But it could also be because I like to travel through Delhi, where the customs department at the airport respects the honesty of passengers. I keep hearing horror stories about customs at Mumbai airport.

Besides, I find that I now buy less and less food abroad. Nearly everything I need is available in India. It is hard to believe that I ever had to buy olive oil and fresh pesto abroad. Or that I packed fresh mushrooms in my suitcase. India has changed so much that there is very little you need to get from abroad.

But Rachel Lopez, who edits Brunch, had the nagging suspicion that I continued to buy some food on my travels. Could I write about that, please, she instructed...

Well, she is not entirely wrong. So here's what I still buy. As I always say, some people bring in electronics, gold, jewels and fancy watches. I bring food.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 13, 2024 من Brunch.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 13, 2024 من Brunch.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من BRUNCH مشاهدة الكل
How To Pin Down A Scam
Brunch

How To Pin Down A Scam

They pose as cops. They ask for OTPs. They lure you with bonuses. They're so smooth. Here's a cheat sheet to suss out a scam caller before it's too late

time-read
3 mins  |
June 01, 2024
Sunny Leone
Brunch

Sunny Leone

Entrepreneur, actor. @SunnyLeone

time-read
1 min  |
June 01, 2024
Going above and beyond
Brunch

Going above and beyond

Marom specialises in nature photography. He started with macro photography, or capturing tiny subjects in extreme close-up, to make them look bigger.

time-read
2 mins  |
June 01, 2024
Get cot in the act
Brunch

Get cot in the act

Vivan Sundaram's 12 Bed Ward is sparse, simple, but haunting. Is this an abandoned hospital, a forgotten dorm, a bombed-out base or something more familiar?

time-read
2 mins  |
June 01, 2024
In it for the long haul
Brunch

In it for the long haul

Travelling gets better as you grow older. But less pressure and more funds bring with them aching bones and low energy. Here's how to cope

time-read
2 mins  |
June 01, 2024
A whole different ball game
Brunch

A whole different ball game

The kofta varies in name, taste and texture across continents. It's time India acknowledged its own contribution to the multiverse of meatballs

time-read
3 mins  |
June 01, 2024
Opening acts
Brunch

Opening acts

These young, new musicians are facing family pressure, juggling full-time jobs, and battling the rise of AI. They tell us what it's like to debut in 2024

time-read
5 mins  |
June 01, 2024
Bring me the manager
Brunch

Bring me the manager

Money won't conjure up a handbag that's out of stock. Angry calls will not get you off a waitlist. Don't be an entitled customer

time-read
2 mins  |
June 01, 2024
Is there truth to this tale?
Brunch

Is there truth to this tale?

It's biopic season. It's also a good time to test what movies have learnt from true-life stories and from life itself

time-read
2 mins  |
June 01, 2024
Mercury in the microwave
Brunch

Mercury in the microwave

Heat wave? Wave back. On screen, summer looks gorgeous. These 10 films showcase the bright side of the season

time-read
3 mins  |
May 25, 2024