Agra poisoning scam - safe restaurants?

BabyBlue · Dec 11th, 2006, 15:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by machadinha

Well, yes, to rephrase: I'm sure it does happen. Keep your senses about you & your eyes open, as indicated above. If it doesn't feel right, assume it isn't, and there's no shame in erring on the conservative side. You are, after all, a stranger in a strange land. You may miss out on some good stuff this way, but avoid some of the bad stuff too no doubt.

I just hate to think sitting in India being nervous about the food all the time, well other than how spicy will it be today.

Ha ha I agree! Rest assured I am not sitting in India worrying about the food 'all the time' - just adhering to warnings for 2 days in Agra but don't worry fellow forum members, I'm getting the message now!...

Nick-H · Dec 11th, 2006, 16:26

I guess it is possible to visit a place with a list of 'safe' restaurants --- but it rather cramps anys ort of spontaneity!

It's better to follow the usual guidelines.... busy place, looking clean, eat meals at mealtimes so they are fresh etc.

Somewhere along the line you have to find a balance between caution and adventure. Be sensible, but be adventurous too.

PeakXV · Dec 11th, 2006, 17:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyBlue

That's exactly what I'm trying to do - do my homework for safe places - but no one on here seems to have any recommendations for me to eat at so guess I'll just have to go with everyone else on this board & assume it's a load of rubbish (thanks Rough Guide!)

I can highly recommend the Sheraton to you!

If you do a seach of "Agra" & "Restaurants" on IM you will find some other gems or those which approximate your budget!?

You could easily start a more pertinent thread "Best places to Eat in Agra" etc.

I am suprised RG doesn't recommend some safe places since they are so concerned about eating there!?

Bon appetite!

BabyBlue · Dec 11th, 2006, 18:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeakXV

I can highly recommend the Sheraton to you!

If you do a seach of "Agra" & "Restaurants" on IM you will find some other gems or those which approximate your budget!?

You could easily start a more pertinent thread "Best places to Eat in Agra" etc.

I am suprised RG doesn't recommend some safe places since they are so concerned about eating there!?

Bon appetite!

Thanks. Will take your (slightly sarcastic I think) advice & look at other threads. RG does recommend places but if anyone only ever used the RG alone these types of forums wouldn't be very busy would they?
All wanted was some persoal recommendations of safe eating places in Agra from IndiaMike members & the only one suggestion on any of the replies is the one from you above so thanks for that at least.

Not sure what use these forums are to be honest - seems like a lot of people want to just make a point about urban myths etc without actually offering anything helpful!

punchinello · Dec 11th, 2006, 18:32

Eating in India can be as much of a chore as a joy. There isn't much you can do - in the last week my wife and I have each been violently ill (vomitting non-stop for 5 or more hours) once each from totally differents kinds of places. We have been slightly sick almost the whole time since we got here 3-4 weeks ago (mild cramps, medium diahhrea). Certainly, she has. Unfortunately, there is little correlation that we can see to either price or tastiness. I think you'll have to worry more about being poisoned by negligence or simple bad luck than being poisoned deliberately. Eat carefully wherever you are in India. If in Agra for 2 days and you're worried, just eat bananas, pringles and paranthas or simple breads. Won't hurt you for a couple of days.

BabyBlue · Dec 11th, 2006, 18:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by punchinello

Eating in India can be as much of a chore as a joy. There isn't much you can do - in the last week my wife and I have each been violently ill (vomitting non-stop for 5 or more hours) once each from totally differents kinds of places. We have been slightly sick almost the whole time since we got here 3-4 weeks ago (mild cramps, medium diahhrea). Certainly, she has. Unfortunately, there is little correlation that we can see to either price or tastiness. I think you'll have to worry more about being poisoned by negligence or simple bad luck than being poisoned deliberately. Eat carefully wherever you are in India. If in Agra for 2 days and you're worried, just eat bananas, pringles and paranthas or simple breads. Won't hurt you for a couple of days.

Thanks for that - sorry to hear about your experiences.

I really hope you both feel better soon!

PeakXV · Dec 11th, 2006, 18:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyBlue

Thanks. Will take your (slightly sarcastic I think) advice & look at other threads. RG does recommend places but if anyone only ever used the RG alone these types of forums wouldn't be very busy would they?
All wanted was some persoal recommendations of safe eating places in Agra from IndiaMike members & the only one suggestion on any of the replies is the one from you above so thanks for that at least.

Not sure what use these forums are to be honest - seems like a lot of people want to just make a point about urban myths etc without actually offering anything helpful!

I gave you an honest answer and do make a habit of inserting an eye-rolling smilie

- if sarcasm intended!

Agra is not exactly a culinary extravaganza - most people are there on a day trip, have breakfast on the train, a snack for lunch and a late dinner when they get home.

As I suggested, you might start another thread with a slightly more appetizing title and thus get more pertinent responses.

Taj View Hotel has good eats too.

puppydogben · Dec 11th, 2006, 18:45

[If in Agra for 2 days and you're worried, just eat bananas, pringles and paranthas or simple breads. Won't hurt you for a couple of days.[/quote]

Sounds good to me!

BabyBlue · Dec 11th, 2006, 18:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by puppydogben

[If in Agra for 2 days and you're worried, just eat bananas, pringles and paranthas or simple breads. Won't hurt you for a couple of days.

Sounds good to me![/quote]

Me too - bananas, pringles & bread will do me fine!

punchinello · Dec 11th, 2006, 18:49

Thanks - we're not down and out or anything. We're loving it most of the time. Just illustrating that you will not feel normal much of the time and eating can be an unpleasant necessity at times if you are new to India which, given your stated location, you don't look to be.

machadinha · Dec 11th, 2006, 21:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyBlue

Not sure what use these forums are to be honest - seems like a lot of people want to just make a point about urban myths etc without actually offering anything helpful!

I don't think anyone was being all that sarcastic, sorry you feel that way. It's always hard to judge who you're speaking to, so it's hard to say should you be more or less cautious, etc. Also, people won't necessarily look at your profile to see that you're already in India, which might just mean you intend to go there anyway. Just from your question this was not at all clear.

I guess finding the latest restaurant tips just doesn't always come easily. And there, too, it's a matter of not knowing what is a person's taste, budget, area, etc. I'd find it hard to advise for my hometown.

As suggested above, starting a thread about poison may not be the best way to get cheerful restaurant tips. Maybe try again. Or search around a little for tips that are already there. And if the results don't start rolling in, don't blame the guidebook nor the forum.

btw I guess many people read this thread more as "Will I get poisoned there?" than "What is a good restaurant?" I know I did.

Happy travels!

kiwi_razz · Dec 11th, 2006, 23:01

When I was first in India (in 1999), it was probably towards the end of the Agra foodpoisoning. The guesthouse I stayed at had a noticeboard with a few letters/postcards from various foreign tourists who recounted their experiences for the benfit of others. And it seemed to be common knowledge about which few restaurants to avoid.

I do believe it got sorted out though, by the police presumably, but of course the idea that you should be a little careful is obviously ongoing.

Its a little bit like the muggings that were happening at Hampi in the late 90s (behind Matenga hill). You are even now supposed to register with the police in Hampi even though the mugger was caught some time ago and is residing in prison, but its still basic safety to not roam around the ruins by yourself in the dark (ahem - guilty).

Anyway, in the 3 times I have stayed in Agra, only on one occasion have I eaten a meal at anywhere but Joneys Place (I fell in love with his Cheese/Tomato Jaffles).

BabyBlue · Dec 12th, 2006, 13:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by kiwi_razz

When I was first in India (in 1999), it was probably towards the end of the Agra foodpoisoning. The guesthouse I stayed at had a noticeboard with a few letters/postcards from various foreign tourists who recounted their experiences for the benfit of others. And it seemed to be common knowledge about which few restaurants to avoid.

I do believe it got sorted out though, by the police presumably, but of course the idea that you should be a little careful is obviously ongoing.

Its a little bit like the muggings that were happening at Hampi in the late 90s (behind Matenga hill). You are even now supposed to register with the police in Hampi even though the mugger was caught some time ago and is residing in prison, but its still basic safety to not roam around the ruins by yourself in the dark (ahem - guilty).

Anyway, in the 3 times I have stayed in Agra, only on one occasion have I eaten a meal at anywhere but Joneys Place (I fell in love with his Cheese/Tomato Jaffles).

Cheers - I'll remember Joneys Place!

palerider · Jan 5th, 2007, 04:35

Sorry to inject some sanity, but you can always ask a local person. They all have a place in mind that they can't afford or won't pay for, that they know a tourist can eat at. They really do. I was in town one day and asked the guy next to me on the bus about a good veg place to eat. I got a discussion for fiftenn minutes or so from ten men, but they all agreed on about three places, one guy even took me there, on his way to home.

edwardseco · Jan 5th, 2007, 04:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by BabyBlue

Thanks. Will take your (slightly sarcastic I think) advice & look at other threads. RG does recommend places but if anyone only ever used the RG alone these types of forums wouldn't be very busy would they?
All wanted was some persoal recommendations of safe eating places in Agra from IndiaMike members & the only one suggestion on any of the replies is the one from you above so thanks for that at least.

Not sure what use these forums are to be honest - seems like a lot of people want to just make a point about urban myths etc without actually offering anything helpful!

Blaming the messenger, a mark of wisdom. You can only beat your wife if she disaggrees with you, nobody else's. Anyway travellers' paranoia is hilarious if an up to date vetted list of places to eat must be relied upon. Better to stay at home..

Dec 11th, 2006, 16:26	#17
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 26,866	I guess it is possible to visit a place with a list of 'safe' restaurants --- but it rather cramps anys ort of spontaneity! It's better to follow the usual guidelines.... busy place, looking clean, eat meals at mealtimes so they are fresh etc. Somewhere along the line you have to find a balance between caution and adventure. Be sensible, but be adventurous too. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Jan 5th, 2007, 04:35	#29
palerider adam singh Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Udayapura, Bangalore soon Posts: 196	Sorry to inject some sanity, but you can always ask a local person. They all have a place in mind that they can't afford or won't pay for, that they know a tourist can eat at. They really do. I was in town one day and asked the guy next to me on the bus about a good veg place to eat. I got a discussion for fiftenn minutes or so from ten men, but they all agreed on about three places, one guy even took me there, on his way to home. __________________ I finally realised, in the nic of time, that Life was for Living.

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Dec 11th, 2006, 18:32	#20
punchinello Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sydney Posts: 138	Eating in India can be as much of a chore as a joy. There isn't much you can do - in the last week my wife and I have each been violently ill (vomitting non-stop for 5 or more hours) once each from totally differents kinds of places. We have been slightly sick almost the whole time since we got here 3-4 weeks ago (mild cramps, medium diahhrea). Certainly, she has. Unfortunately, there is little correlation that we can see to either price or tastiness. I think you'll have to worry more about being poisoned by negligence or simple bad luck than being poisoned deliberately. Eat carefully wherever you are in India. If in Agra for 2 days and you're worried, just eat bananas, pringles and paranthas or simple breads. Won't hurt you for a couple of days.

Dec 11th, 2006, 18:45	#23
puppydogben Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SE Asia Posts: 164	[If in Agra for 2 days and you're worried, just eat bananas, pringles and paranthas or simple breads. Won't hurt you for a couple of days.[/quote] Sounds good to me!

Dec 11th, 2006, 18:49	#25
punchinello Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Sydney Posts: 138	Thanks - we're not down and out or anything. We're loving it most of the time. Just illustrating that you will not feel normal much of the time and eating can be an unpleasant necessity at times if you are new to India which, given your stated location, you don't look to be.

Dec 11th, 2006, 23:01	#27
kiwi_razz Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: London Posts: 410	When I was first in India (in 1999), it was probably towards the end of the Agra foodpoisoning. The guesthouse I stayed at had a noticeboard with a few letters/postcards from various foreign tourists who recounted their experiences for the benfit of others. And it seemed to be common knowledge about which few restaurants to avoid. I do believe it got sorted out though, by the police presumably, but of course the idea that you should be a little careful is obviously ongoing. Its a little bit like the muggings that were happening at Hampi in the late 90s (behind Matenga hill). You are even now supposed to register with the police in Hampi even though the mugger was caught some time ago and is residing in prison, but its still basic safety to not roam around the ruins by yourself in the dark (ahem - guilty). Anyway, in the 3 times I have stayed in Agra, only on one occasion have I eaten a meal at anywhere but Joneys Place (I fell in love with his Cheese/Tomato Jaffles).

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