Are Hyderabad food bloggers going overboard with their reviews?
A few months back, while aimlessly browsing instagram, I stumbled upon a very positive review of the Babai Hotel located in Kukatpally. Not one to be easily persuaded by food blogger showcases, I decided I may give it a shot and made the long drive from secunderabad to kukatpally for breakfast.
Unfortunately, the location was barely decent, the food was average, and the entire experience was, at most, "meh." I have nothing personal against the restaurant or the food blogger who posted it, but I doubt I'll visit there again. Being a native of hyderabad, I have a few favorite restaurants, since the city takes great pride in its Hyderabadi and telugu indigenous cuisine.
Unfortunately, the location was barely decent, the food was average, and the entire experience was, at most, "meh." I have nothing personal against the restaurant or the food blogger who posted it, but I doubt I'll visit there again. Being a native of hyderabad, I have a few favorite restaurants, since the city takes great pride in its Hyderabadi and telugu indigenous cuisine.
However, I generally have a pretty low opinion of new establishments or upscale stores since, let's be honest, those aren't likely to have the greatest cuisine in the future. I'm only talking about Hyderabad's delicious food here. Conventional, continental, any and all of it.
The number of restaurant ratings on instagram has increased in hyderabad in the aftermath of COVID-19. And since there are so many instagram food bloggers these days, I believe it's time we have a conversation about that.
The number of restaurant ratings on instagram has increased in hyderabad in the aftermath of COVID-19. And since there are so many instagram food bloggers these days, I believe it's time we have a conversation about that.
It appears that Hyderabad-based instagram food bloggers are at a loss for locations to review and are satisfied to wax poetic over subpar food and venues only to generate material (which, granted, is necessary for one's online profile, but let's be reasonable, shall we?).
I can't even recall the last time I paid attention to recommendations for Hyderabadi food on social media.
I can't even recall the last time I paid attention to recommendations for Hyderabadi food on social media.
Insta Hype Vs Reality
Remember that "reviews" are frequently purchased. Influencers who review food are often not charged by most publications, but as long as the review is truthful, it makes little difference. What matters is that blogger reels are misleading the public. And it's all over instagram right now. In hyderabad, this is probably going to grow worse because Ramadan is approaching.
Similar to my experience at the Babai Hotel, I've observed that several small businesses that keep popping up in my instagram feed are, to put it mildly, sketchy.
Similar to my experience at the Babai Hotel, I've observed that several small businesses that keep popping up in my instagram feed are, to put it mildly, sketchy.
I saw a review a few weeks back about an unhygienic idly dosa that was being sold on the street close to the Abids GPO. If people choose to eat it, that's OK, but a review that was all praise for it seemed a bit unrealistic. In a similar vein, a few instagram clips featuring hotels serving Tahari from Mehdipatnam and the Old City in hyderabad have just confirmed my thoughts. I've been to such locations, and given the state of the cleanliness, I would not eat there for my life.
When it comes to cuisine, I have pretty much tried everything, and I frequently cross things off my list if they don't live up to my expectations. In short, I'm a pretty serious eater. Anyone who enjoys eating ought to follow suit. Moreover, evaluations of catering companies or even weddings on instagram are another obvious clue that Hyderabad's instagram food bloggers are running out of venues. Come on, guys—I mean, really?
It begs the question of what the boundaries are for producing material. Thus, use caution if you come across an absurd instagram review of a divey or unidentified restaurant. may discover that you're let down and experiencing stomach distress.
It begs the question of what the boundaries are for producing material. Thus, use caution if you come across an absurd instagram review of a divey or unidentified restaurant. may discover that you're let down and experiencing stomach distress.