Landing in Mumbai for the first time was like stepping into a completely different world—loud, colourful (with a tint of yellow), and full of life. As a Chinese-Korean-Kiwi who grew up in New Zealand, I was amazed by how seamlessly the city blends so many cultures and traditions. Everywhere I looked, something interesting was happening—streets bustling, women in stunning Sarees passing by, the sound of Hindi filling the air, rickshaws weaving through traffic, and street vendors either busy with customers or casually waiting to sell their food. Life here just seems to flow nonstop. It didn’t take long for me to realise that this wasn’t just a place to visit—it was a place to experience and savour…one moment at a time.
First Impressions
Where do I even begin? I remember so clearly, from the very top of my head, that when I first arrived in Mumbai, the first thing I noticed as I stepped out of the airport and into the van was how stuffy and humid the air was. I couldn’t believe it was winter. There were so many people everywhere, and the Hindi writing looked almost like art. The air had a yellowish tint, like there was a natural “warm” filter over everything. The streets were filled with honking sounds, dusty buses, and motorcycles weaving through traffic like they were following some unspoken rhythm. By the second day, I started noticing how raw and unfiltered everyone seemed. People would stare at me (in a somewhat respectful way)—probably because I stood out as a foreigner—and it almost felt like I had become some celebrity!
Exploring gorgeous local areas like Goregaon and Bandra, I was reminded of the bustling markets in China. The air was filled with the fragrance of spices and sizzling street food, while the stalls overflowed with fresh fruits and veggies. One of the best experiences I’ve had so far in terms of transport was taking an auto rickshaw ride. It was such an exhilarating introduction to the city. The ride felt like controlled chaos, and I couldn’t help but be in awe of how the driver kept honking and zigzagging through traffic without crashing into anyone. It seemed like something I could never do in my lifetime!
FOOD
One of the BEST foods I’ve had so far was the Indian cuisine at Shree Thaker Bhojnalay, a renowned restaurant for authentic Thali. Each bite was bursting with flavour, from tangy chutneys to creamy desserts. Eating with my right hand for the first time was such a fun experience, which deepened my connection to the culture. The Strawberry Shrikhand (one of my favs), paired perfectly with the bold, spicy curries. I told myself I definitely wanted to come back before I returned to New Zealand. What really stood out to me was how curry seems to be a staple in almost every meal—whether it’s breakfast or even global fast food chains like McDonald’s and SUBWAY offering their own local twist, like the McAloo Tikki Burger and Paneer Tikka Sandwich. I’ve been loving the endless varieties of curries, and even though I’ve had quite a few, they never get old!
In Reflection…
Week 1 has been a blast so far! I already feel like a local. I’m on top of the delivery apps here that get your grocery list to you in about 10 minutes, I’m a pro at jaywalking, and I’ve picked up a few key phrases to ask for directions and say “nice to meet you” to new people I meet in Hindi. Most importantly, India has truly given me a fresh perspective on life. It’s shown me the beauty in simplicity and the strength of the human spirit. I’ve seen people with so little, yet their smiles carry such warmth, and that’s something that’ll always have a special place in my heart. I think this is why we explore new places and travel—to be humbled, to learn, and to grow. Mumbai has exceeded all my expectations, offering me the chance to put my ego aside and appreciate the small moments. If I had to sum up my first Mumbai week in one word, it would be “grateful.”
