🚉 The Budget Travel Hack
When you’re young, broke, and adventurous, every rupee counts. Instead of flying from Lucknow directly, we took the train to Kolkata — because rumor had it, flights abroad were cheaper from there. And indeed, we hit jackpot: ₹4,500 tickets to Bangkok! (Cheapest international flight of my life, unless Indian Railways one day starts flying planes.)
🛍️ Mall Hopping in the Heat
Kolkata greeted us with dil-se hospitality… and also with intense, melting heat. Naturally, our first instinct was to escape to a mall. Inside, blessed air-conditioning, McDonald’s burgers, and food courts made us feel like we’d arrived in heaven.
📸 Rishabh chilling inside the mall with phone in hand.
🌉 Howrah Bridge & The Riverfront Stroll
No Kolkata trip is complete without a brush with the legendary Howrah Bridge. We strolled along the Hooghly river, Imran pretending to be a Bollywood hero while ferries and old boats floated behind us. Sweat dripped, selfies clicked, and the iconic bridge made sure our Kolkata stopover was more than just a ticket hunt.
posing near the river with the bridge in the background.
“Proof that we didn’t just come to Kolkata for cheap tickets. We also risked sunburn for this view.”Bridge ✔️ River ✔️ Shades almost falling ✔️ Tourist mode: Activated.”
The Trio of Chaos
We were three musketeers on this mission:
- Rishabh – my childhood friend, professional in cracking PJ’s.
- Imran – my market buddy, expert in bargaining and snoring.
- Me – the planner, responsible for dragging these two first to Bangkok and then beyond.
Together, we were ready to conquer … or at least conquer the street food first.
One Hot Day, 1000 Clicks, and the Flavor of Kolkata
🚤 Ferry Ride Across the River
With a full day to kill before our late-night flight, we decided to explore Kolkata like locals. Instead of fancy cabs, we went the sea route across the Hooghly . The ferry was packed, breezy, and gave us the perfect backdrop for our Howrah Bridge shots.
“Budget cruise, Kolkata edition: ₹6 ticket, unlimited selfies.”
🏙️ Alleys, Shirts & Street Chaos
From the grand Howrah Bridge to the chaos of street markets — Kolkata doesn’t let you forget it’s alive. Every corner had something hanging, either wires or shirts.
📸 Display of checked, blue, white, black, and red shirts on the street.
“Paris has Louis Vuitton, Milan has Gucci, Kolkata has… this. Fresh fashion, hanging above your head.”
☕ The Legendary Chai-Toast Combo
And then came the highlight of Kolkata — a humble tea stall. The chaiwala served us steaming hot tea in kulhads (earthen cups) and crispy toasted bread, buttered and sprinkled with a touch of sugar. It sounds simple, but by Allah, the taste still lingers on my tongue today.
📸 Chaiwala preparing toast on an old oil drum grill.
“MasterChef Kolkata: 5-star breakfast made on a 0-star setup.”
📸 Close-up of toast on newspaper.
“Michelin-star? Nah. Newspaper-starred toast: crunchy, buttery perfection.”
📸 Two kulhads of chai.
“Starbucks, please take notes. THIS is how you serve tea.”
📸 1000 Shots Later… Meet Rishabh
It took me nearly 1000 attempts to get a proper picture of Rishabh (the man in the blue shirt). He either looked away, blinked, or hid behind strangers. Finally, success!
📸 Rishabh leaning casually, surrounded by mango sellers.
“Candid after 999 failed tries. Respect the patience of the photographer.”
Balloons, Bargains & The Wholesale World of Kolkata
🏬 Wholesale Market Adventures
After chai and toast, we still had energy (and curiosity) left, so we dove into the buzzing wholesale markets of Kolkata. These lanes are packed tighter than a Mumbai local train — every corner bursting with goods, shopkeepers yelling rates, and buyers haggling like their life depended on it.
📸 Crowded alley with people, shops, and hanging goods.
“Welcome to Kolkata’s wholesale universe — if you can’t find it here, it probably doesn’t exist.”
🎈 Balloons, Balloons Everywhere
Did you know? Most of the balloons sold across India (apart from the Chinese imports) are actually made right here in Kolkata. Walking through the lanes, we saw entire shops stacked floor-to-ceiling with colorful balloon packets. Birthday parties across the country — from Delhi to Dhanbad — probably owe their decorations to these very lanes.
📸 Packets of colorful balloons labeled “Made in Mumbai” and “Shivam Trading.”
“India’s secret party supply chain — wholesale balloons straight from Kolkata.”
🙋 Spotting Rishabh Again
Rishabh, as usual, was our “model without knowing it.” He popped into the frame while I was busy capturing the chaos of the market. One second he was blending into the crowd, next second he was pointing like a politician at election time.
📸 Rishabh with a finger raised dramatically in the middle of the lane.
“Either showing us the way, or announcing his candidacy for Wholesale Market President.”
💡 Travel Tip: Wholesale markets are not for the faint-hearted — expect sweat, crowds, and sensory overload. But if you’re curious about the lifeline of India’s small shops, you’ll love the experience.
🥔 Spicy Water Bombs: The Puchka Finale
🌶️ Enter the Golgappa Arena
No trip to Kolkata is complete without a face-off with puchkas (known as golgappa in the North, pani puri in Mumbai, but basically crispy happiness everywhere). By evening, we found a vendor with a giant basket full of golden puris, spicy chutneys, and mashed potato mix ready to explode with flavor.
📸 Huge basket of golgappas stacked high.
“Not the stock market — this is Kolkata’s real investment portfolio.”
💦 One Bite = Instant Explosion
The vendor’s hands moved faster than a magician’s — crack, stuff, dip in tangy water, hand over. One second the puri was whole, the next it burst in our mouths with a mix of spice, tang, and tears (mostly from the chili water).
Chutneys, spices, and aloo mix.
“The secret recipe: potato, spice, and a whole lot of attitude.”
“This man has fed more people happiness than most restaurants combined.”
😂 Puchka Challenge
Rishabh claimed he could handle 10 in a row. Imran laughed. I laughed. Two puchkas later, Rishabh was coughing, eyes watering, begging for sweet chutney. Kolkata – 1, Rishabh – 0.
💡 Travel Tip: Kolkata puchkas are spicier than their Delhi/Mumbai cousins. Approach with respect, or carry a fire extinguisher in your bag.
🕌 A Spiritual Pause at Zakariya Masjid
After stuffing ourselves with toast, chai, balloons (not literally 😅), and puchkas, we needed something more grounding before our flight. And so, we found ourselves at the Zakariya Masjid in Kolkata.
The tall red walls, elegant arches, and peaceful courtyard felt like a world away from the chaos of the wholesale markets. Sitting there, watching people pray, hearing the soft murmur of du’as — it was a reminder that every journey is not just about shopping or food, but also about connecting with the soul.
📸 View of the red mosque tower and arches.
“Zakariya Masjid — standing tall with history, beauty, and peace.”
📸 Courtyard panorama.
“From market noise to masjid silence — Kolkata, you have it all.”
📸 Imran making dua inside.
“The kind of pause every journey needs. Alhamdulillah.”
✈️ Boarding Time: Kolkata to Bangkok
After a long day of chai, toast, wholesale markets, puchkas, and a peaceful stop at Zakariya Masjid, it was finally time. Backpacks packed, tickets in hand, excitement on our faces — we walked down the long glass boarding bridge towards our flight.
It wasn’t just a flight; it felt like stepping into the unknown. For us, Bangkok was the gateway — the first step of our international journey. The late-night hush at the airport, the rolling suitcases, the nervous laughs… everything had that pre-adventure thrill.
📸 Reshabh and Imran walking with suitcases.
“Three musketeers, one mission: survive Bangkok street food (and find Wi-Fi).”
💡 Travel Tip: Always keep snacks for midnight flights. Airport food is expensive, and the puchka craving doesn’t go away mid-air.
🌏 First Steps in Bangkok: From Airport to Indira Market Lanes
🕌 Jummah in the Heart of Bangkok
We landed in Bangkok in the early hours, still a little dazed from the flight. While most tourists would kick off their trip with pad thai or a tuk-tuk ride, we had other priorities: Jummah prayer.
Tucked away deep inside the narrow lanes opposite Indira Market, we found a small masjid. The path was a mix of motorbikes, rain puddles, and the buzz of everyday Bangkok life — and then suddenly, peace.
📸 Wuzu area with tiled stools and taps.
“Every traveler’s refresh button: wuzu before Jummah.”
📸 Imran putting shoes back on outside.
🌧️ Rain, Markets & Brotherhood
It had just rained, so the ground was wet, slippers scattered everywhere, and the air smelled of fresh earth mixed with Bangkok street food. Inside, though, the masjid was calm. Prayers in a foreign land always feel extra special — strangers standing shoulder to shoulder, instantly connected by faith.
🍢 First Taste of Bangkok: Halal Street Food Outside the Masjid
As soon as Jummah was over, the smell of sizzling food guided us out of the masjid like a compass. Just outside, an elderly Thai lady had set up a small stall. On her charcoal grill were skewers of marinated meat and plump sausages tied with red strings — all halal.
It wasn’t a fancy restaurant, no neon signs or menus, just a grill, a plastic bag full of skewers, and the warmth of her smile. After all the traveling, it felt like the most comforting meal — smoky, spicy, and straight from the streets of Bangkok.
📸 Charcoal grill with skewers and sausages.
“Five-star flavor, one-star hygiene — but that’s Bangkok street food magic!”
💡 Travel Tip: If you’re in Bangkok on a Friday, look out for mosques around Pratunam and Indira Market. It’s a beautiful way to connect with the local Muslim community before diving back into the shopping chaos.
🛍️ Pratunam Market & Platinum Fashion Mall: Bangkok’s Shopping Playground
☕ Coffee, Chaos & Colorful Streets
After Jummah and a quick halal street snack, we hit the lanes of Pratunam Market. First stop? A small street-side coffee stall. Freshly ground beans, ice, condensed milk — Bangkok iced coffee is a power-up you didn’t know you needed.
📸 Lady making iced coffee at her street counter.
“Bangkok runs on scooters, tuk-tuks, and condensed milk coffee.”
🚦 Tuk-Tuks, Pink Taxis & McDonald’s With a Twist
Across the street, neon taxis (yes, pink ones too!) zipped past, and the golden arches of McDonald’s reminded us that globalization is very real — but Pratunam had its own charm.
📸 Busy Bangkok street with McDonald’s, wholesale shops, and taxis.
“Spot the pink taxi — Bangkok’s unofficial mascot.”
👕 From Cartoon T-Shirts to Fake Armani
Inside the market, it was a shopper’s wonderland (or nightmare, depending on your bargaining skills).
- Kids’ tees with elephants, dinosaurs, and ducks shouting “Thailand” 🐘🦖🦆
- Men’s racks boasting Armani, Ferrari, Lamborghini (don’t ask if it’s real — the answer is always ‘first copy, sir’).
📸 Cute kids’ t-shirts.
“Warning: You’ll end up buying more for nephews and nieces than yourself.”
“Armani, Emporio, Porsche… all available at prices cheaper than your lunch.”
📸 The Platinum Selfie
No shopping trip is complete without a mandatory squad photo in front of the iconic Platinum Fashion Mall.
- Rishabh rocking his oversized glares 🕶️
- Imran looking serious as always
- And me, in my orange tee, already calculating luggage weight for all the shopping bags
📸 Three of you posing outside Platinum.
“Squad goals: Shop, eat, repeat.”
💡 Travel Tip: Bargain hard in Pratunam Market, but in Platinum Mall, prices are usually fixed — it’s more about variety than haggling.
Platinum Mall Diaries: Shopping, Surprises & Shenanigans
💸 Retail Therapy at Its Peak
After namaaz and a good stroll through Pratunam Market, we decided to step into Platinum Fashion Mall — Bangkok’s mecca for wholesale shopping. Whether you’re into flashy t-shirts, cute kids’ dresses, or knockoff Armani, this place has it all (and at prices that make you rethink every penny you spent in India).
🛍 Pro tip: Always buy in pairs or more — wholesale shops love bulk buyers.
😂 Unexpected “Mall Finds”
And then… right in the middle of serious shopping, we stumbled upon vending machines inside the washroom — selling tissues for 7 baht, sanitary napkins for 5 baht, and even pregnancy tests for 30 baht!
Who needs a pharmacy when the Platinum Mall washroom has you covered?
When shopping gets too real…
🤪 Boys Will Be Boys
Reshabh couldn’t resist cracking jokes inside the restroom, turning even a bathroom break into a photo session. Imran played the “serious market analyst,” while I (in orange t-shirt) was just busy laughing at the vending machines.
Platinum Mall – where even washrooms become memory makers!
🍳 Midnight Hunger Strikes at 2 AM
After spending the evening at our local friend Zaid’s house, where he treated us with a hearty meat meal, we ran into a small problem — Reshabh is vegetarian! With no option for him at dinner, his hunger grew unbearable by 2 AM.
Instead of sleeping, we decided to stay awake, knowing that we had to head for the early morning Bobae Market, which opens at 4 AM.
Street Food Rescue
Luckily, while wandering the quiet streets, we stumbled upon a small street food stall. The vendor was making Thailand-style omelettes, sizzling on a hot tawa. The sight and smell were irresistible, and finally, Reshabh had his much-needed meal.
🛍️ 4 AM Rush at Bobae Wholesale Market
By the time we reached Bobae Market at 4 AM, the place was already buzzing with energy. The streets were glowing with lights, tuk-tuks were lined up, vendors were calling out, and shoppers were already bargaining hard.
First Impressions
- Stalls stretched endlessly with clothes of all kinds.
- The Made in China clothes were much cheaper compared to the Made in Thailand ones.
- Thai clothes, however, had more style and trendy designs.
👕 Kids’ Clothing Finds
Among the chaos, something really caught our attention — adorable kids’ sets. Bright colors, cute prints of fishes 🐟, dinosaurs 🦖, and animals 🐘 made it impossible to resist.
Of course, we bought some of these sets for our kids back home — imagining their smiles made the shopping even more special.
🌆 The Bobae Market Vibe
The whole experience was an adventurous mix of chaos and excitement. From bargaining voices echoing through the streets to neon lights reflecting off heaps of clothes, it felt like a festival of shopping.
A Spiritual Pause Amidst Bangkok’s Wholesale Rush
The Call to Fajr
As the clock struck dawn, the vibrant chaos of Bobae wholesale market paused for a moment of tranquility. The call to Fajr namaaz echoed through the narrow streets, guiding us to a small mosque nestled right in the heart of the market.
A Mosque in the Middle of Trade
Despite being surrounded by stalls stacked with garments and busy traders, the mosque radiated peace. Its old walls, donation box, and prayer mats carried the silent stories of countless travelers and shopkeepers who stopped here to bow before Allah.
Serenity Before the Day Begins
We joined the few early risers inside — some shopkeepers, some travelers like us. The serenity of Fajr offered a perfect balance to the madness of wholesale shopping outside.
Bobae Tower – Shopping Gets Serious 🛍️
By 7 AM, we moved from the streets into the towering Bobae Tower, a massive wholesale complex. The moment the shutters opened, it was a shopping storm. Rows upon rows of girls’ frocks in floral prints tempted us — and yes, we bought them in bulk (because who can resist when the deals are so good?).
A Spontaneous Detour to Pattaya 🌊
Imran – The Mastermind of Mischief
It all started with Imran — the ever-persistent, fiery persuader of our group. While most of us were tired from our Bangkok adventures, Imran cajoled, proposed, and finally incited us to take a night trip to Pattaya.
Arriving at the “City of Neon” at 2 AM
By the time we rolled into Pattaya, it was well past midnight. The famous neon sign welcomed us — glowing in red, blue, and green. The city looked alive even at that odd hour.
The Dark Reputation vs. Our Morals
We knew Pattaya’s reputation — nightlife, walking street, and “adventures” that don’t make it into family travel blogs. At first, we decided to skip it altogether, but once again, Imran didn’t budge. So yes, we did peek into Walking Street… but only for half an hour before rushing back to the hotel.
(Alhamdulillah, we kept our morals intact. Though, about Imran the self-declared playboy… well, no comments. 😏)
Comfort at the End of Chaos
We checked into a hotel near the beach, and the next day swapped chaos for calm — enjoying the sea breeze, parasails dotting the sky, and yes, a much-needed Thai foot massage.
Chaos at Hongqiao Railway Station 🚉📱
From Bangkok to Shanghai to Yiwu
After our Bangkok chapter, we flew straight into Shanghai and headed for Hongqiao Railway Station — one of the largest stations we had ever seen. Wherever the eyes went, it was just people, boarding gates, and endless rush.
The Panic of Tickets and Dead Batteries
We were already late. My phone battery was dying, and to make things worse, we didn’t carry a power bank — a mistake never to repeat. There were charging stations where you could pay 1 RMB for 15 minutes of charge, but time was slipping fast.
So, I sent Reshabh and Imran to collect the tickets from the counter using their passports. Since it was their first time, panic kicked in.
The Costliest Forgetfulness
In all the chaos, I rushed myself to collect the tickets too. Between the luggage, announcements, and the pressure of catching the train, I made a mistake I’ll never forget — I left my phone at the charging station.
The beep-beep sound of the train doors closing snapped me back to reality. I ran to the gate guard, but in his language he made it clear: “Too late, you cannot leave.” I pushed, pleaded, but the train was about to depart.
A Split in the Journey
I shouted to Imran and Reshabh, “Go on! Continue the journey to Yiwu and message me when you arrive!” Meanwhile, I had no choice but to wait for the next train, drained and exhausted, alone in the sea of people.
Finally Reaching Yiwu 🛤️
Worry at Hongqiao
While waiting for the next train at Hongqiao Railway Station, my mind wasn’t calm. I kept worrying about Imran and Reshabh. It was their first time traveling abroad, and to add to the challenge — we were in China, where hardly anyone spoke or understood English. Not even sign language helped.
Instructions vs. Panic
Beforehand, I had told them clearly:
- Once you reach Yiwu, head straight to the hotel.
- I had given them the address.
- Even explained how to catch a taxi.
But of course… they were Reshabh and Imran 😅. And as expected, panic struck again.
A Call That Saved the Day 📞
They couldn’t communicate with the taxi driver. Somehow, by Allah’s will, they managed to borrow someone’s phone and call me while I was still waiting in Hongqiao. From there, I guided them step by step, even speaking to the driver myself to explain where to drop them.
Relief at Last
Only after knowing they had reached the hotel safely could I finally breathe and relax a bit — though still exhausted and waiting for my own train to Yiwu.
A Backpack Lost in Transit 🎒💔
Arrival at Yiwu
By the time I finally reached the hotel in Yiwu, all I wanted was some rest. The moment I entered the room, I asked Imran and Reshabh,
“Did you collect all the luggage?”
They quickly said, “Yes.”
But the reality… No.
The Shocking Realization
They had forgotten to pick up my backpack and left it inside the bullet train of China 🚄. A train that we didn’t even know where it had gone by then.
Breaking Point
That was it. After all the chaos at Hongqiao Station, the panic of leaving my phone, worrying for them, and finally arriving at Yiwu — this hit me the hardest.
I just sat motionless on the bed, tears flowing silently, cursing myself and (obviously) them too — but only in silence.
Sometimes travel doesn’t just test your stamina; it tests your patience, leadership, and emotions to the very core.
Market Hustle in Yiwu
Back to Business After the Chaos
After the emotional turmoil of the lost backpack, it was time to focus again. Life doesn’t stop, and neither does business. Alhamdulillah, with renewed spirit, we headed towards Yiwu’s bustling markets the next day.
Meihua Stock Market – Starting Point
The morning began with a visit to the Meihua Stock Market, a hub where wholesalers showcase everything from kids’ wear to casual fashion. The scale of variety is overwhelming – racks full of colorful clothes, each stall with its own specialty.
Huangyuan Clothing Trade Center – Endless Fashion Avenues
From there, we moved on to the Huangyuan Clothing Trade Center, one of the largest apparel trade complexes in Yiwu. Every floor and every corridor offered something different – children’s t-shirts, winter jackets, frocks, men’s casuals, and even formal wear.
The sellers were proactive, handing us their business cards, inviting us to explore their designs. We noted contacts for future bulk deals.
Observations from the Day
- Diversity in Products: Every stall specialized in a niche.
- Business Etiquette: Language was still a barrier, but with WeChat, calculators, and samples in hand, deals could be managed.
- Takeaway: Yiwu is truly the global marketplace – if you can dream it, you’ll find it here.
🍢 Dinner at Yaseen Kebab – Yiwu Nights
After a long and hectic day at the markets, the evening finally brought us to Yaseen Kebab, one of the finest restaurants in Yiwu for halal food.
The Spread of Flavors
As soon as we entered, the aroma of sizzling kebabs on skewers welcomed us. The display itself was tempting – skewers lined with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and baby potatoes, all waiting to be grilled.
📸 Skewers with vegetables neatly arranged on trays.
The real delight came when the plates arrived at our table – juicy chicken kebabs, lamb skewers, and seekh kebabs, served with crisp lettuce leaves. Alongside, there was freshly baked naan bread and a refreshing salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon wedges.
📸 Plate of kebabs served with naan and salad.
The Perfect End
After the stress of missed trains, lost luggage, and exhausting market runs, sitting together and enjoying this hearty meal felt like pure comfort. The smoky flavor of the kebabs, the soft bread, and the tangy salad – everything came together to make us feel at home, thousands of miles away.
🛍️ Exploring Yiwu’s Stock Lot Markets
Day in the Stock Lot Market
The following day, our hunt for unique items in Yiwu continued. This time, we headed straight to another stock lot market, a place famous for clearance items, surplus goods, and unexpected finds at jaw-dropping prices.
🧢 The Cap I Couldn’t Resist
Among the endless stalls filled with clothes, shoes, and accessories, one item caught my eye – a stylish cap with a denim-like blue-and-white houndstooth pattern, finished with a faux leather brim. The price? Believe it or not – only Rs. 65! A steal that instantly made me smile.
🍔 Flavors of Xinjiang in Yiwu
After shopping, we wandered into a small Halal Xinjiang restaurant nearby. The aroma of spices pulled us in, and soon we were enjoying a unique local burger – soft bread stuffed with minced meat, onions, and spices. Simple yet flavorful, it felt like the perfect street-style meal to wrap up a long shopping day.
Yiwu Diaries: The Endless Markets
A Universe of Products Under One Roof
Yiwu is unlike any other place — a city where the idea of “market” takes on an infinite meaning. Every lane, every floor, and every building seems to have thousands of shops, each filled with products you didn’t even know existed. From stationery to toys, keychains to party hats, fashion to fabrics — Yiwu is a world market in itself.
Stationery Wonderland
One full section of the Yiwu International Trade City is dedicated entirely to stationery. Diaries, pencils, pens, erasers, keychains, notebooks — you name it, and you’ll find it in designs ranging from cartoon themes to elegant European styles.
Fun Accessories Everywhere
If you think it ends at stationery, think again. There are countless stalls selling caps, sunglasses, hair accessories, and magnets. Every corner has something creative to grab your attention.
Party Items and Return Gifts
The most exciting discovery was the party section. Hats, balloons, decorations, toys, and funky return gifts — it was like walking into a giant wonderland designed for celebrations. For someone running a gift business, this was the goldmine.
Yiwu in One Word: Endless
Markets, markets, and more markets — this is what Yiwu is all about. The sheer scale and variety are overwhelming yet fascinating. No matter how many days you spend here, you’ll always find a new section, a new product, and a new supplier waiting for you.
Fun Amidst the Hustle: A Lighter Side of Yiwu Shopping
After days of rushing through markets, price negotiations, and product hunting, we decided to loosen up a little. And trust me, Yiwu markets offer no shortage of quirky surprises!
A Spooky Encounter 👻
One of the shops we visited had shelves filled with Halloween props—witches, skeletons, and scary masks. Of course, Imran and Reshabh couldn’t resist posing!
It was laughter and fun all around—breaking the monotony of serious buying and bringing out the child in us. These are the little memories that make business trips unforgettable!
✈️ After spending a few days in Yiwu, it was time to move on. We packed our memories (and market finds) and took a flight from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — the next chapter of our journey.
🕌 Kuala Lumpur – A Warm Welcome at Masjid India
After landing in Kuala Lumpur, our first stop was Masjid India – a historic mosque that stands tall amidst the bustling city center. The area around it is vibrant and lively, filled with Muslim-owned shops and restaurants serving everything from aromatic biryanis to freshly grilled satay.
🛍️ Just outside the mosque, streets are lined with shops selling colorful hijabs, fabrics, and traditional wear, drawing both locals and travelers. The sight of rows upon rows of mannequins draped in vibrant scarves was simply mesmerizing – truly a paradise for textile lovers.
🍲 And of course, the food! With the aroma of spices floating in the air, every lane offered tempting halal dishes, perfect for travelers looking for a taste of home.
Ramadan Madness in Kuala Lumpur
A Feast for the Eyes, a Surprise for the Taste Buds
As soon as we landed in Kuala Lumpur, Ramadan vibes took over the city. Streets were packed with food stalls, the air was filled with aromas of spices, grilled meats, and sweet delights. It was impossible not to drool while walking past the vibrant stalls.
We couldn’t resist and finally ordered fried chicken. Our mouths were watering, anticipation at its peak. But the first bite left us stunned – it was fried in coconut oil! For us, that was a first, and honestly… not the best experience. The unique taste is something I can still recall vividly, and let’s just say it’s not on our list of favorites. 😅
A Night with the Twin Towers ✨
After feasting at the Ramadan bazaar, our next stop had to be the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
That’s Reshabh in the photo, striking the classic pose—hands on hips, gazing up at the shining giants of Kuala Lumpur. And let me tell you, when in KL and if you don’t visit the Twin Towers, toh kya fayda mere bhai? The trip would feel incomplete!
And yes, this pose in front of the towers—arms stretched or hands on hips—is a mandatory ritual for every traveler. Without it, the memory album is just not complete.
The Final Leg: Back to Kolkata & Home 🛫
Late that night, we boarded our flight back to Kolkata. Exhausted but content, we checked into a small, gloomy budget hotel—saving money where we could after such a long trip.
The next morning, we treated ourselves to a hearty breakfast at Zakaria Street—a place famous for its food. I still remember the rich nihari with hot rotis, while Reshabh went for his anda curry.
With full bellies and grateful hearts, we took our final flight back to Lucknow.
Alhamdulillah for all the blessings, the experiences, and the memories that this journey gifted us.
