‘Indians have a lifestyle better than in Europe’: Polish woman busts 5 myths about India

By Admin

28 Nov, 2025

In a world where travel influencers often present curated, picture-perfect versions of destinations, one Instagram reel has captured attention for all the right reasons its honesty. Dominika Patalas Kalra, a Polish woman living in India, recently shared a video that is now making waves online. Rather than showcasing iconic landmarks or cinematic landscapes, she chose to highlight the everyday truths she discovered only after living in India.

Instead of a glossy postcard version of the country, Dominika’s reel opens with a simple line: “I wish I knew it before I came to India.” From there, she breaks down five observations that challenge long-held stereotypes most foreign tourists arrive with.

Food Isn’t Always Spicy

Dominika’s first point debunked a common fear among first-time visitors: that all Indian food is fiery hot. “Not all food here is spicy, you just have to know which place to choose,” she wrote. This resonated with countless viewers who noted that India’s cuisine is incredibly diverse, offering everything from mild regional dishes to bold flavour-packed meals. Her comment served as a reminder that India’s culinary culture is far more nuanced than what foreigners typically expect.

India Is Not the Poverty-Stricken Land Many Imagine

Perhaps her most powerful statement came when she addressed the stereotype that overshadows India’s global image. Dominika said, “If you think India is poor, then you have 2 options: don’t come here or notice how many people are driving luxury cars and have a comfortable lifestyle much better than in Europe.”
This sparked intense conversation in the comments section, revealing how deeply rooted misconceptions shape perceptions of entire nations. Many agreed that while India has its challenges, its economic diversity and growing middle class are often overlooked.

Real India Lies Beyond Tourist Hotspots

Dominika encouraged travellers to explore beyond the traditional tourist trail. Local neighbourhoods, she explained, offer a more authentic experience than what one gets from sticking to famous landmarks. Her own discoveries came from wandering through everyday spaces markets, residential streets, community corners where the country’s true vibrancy comes alive.

Warmth and Hospitality That Stands Out

One remark that resonated strongly was her praise for Indian hospitality. “Indians treat foreigners like ‘guests’ and want them to feel comfortable in every situation,” she said. Her comments opened the floodgates for hundreds of shared experiences from people across the globe, all echoing similar sentiments about the warmth they felt during their time in India.

Shifting Perspective Through Real Experiences

What began as a simple Instagram reel soon grew into a meaningful conversation about how stereotypes cloud our understanding of complex countries like India. Dominika’s honest insights reflect the idea that genuine experiences not preconceived notions shape the most accurate picture of a place.

One viewer’s comment brilliantly summed up the sentiment:
“It is not better than Europe, but not every place on earth can be Europe… India is growing in its own way; people need to have an open mind.”

Dominika’s reel, in its simplicity and sincerity, stands as a reminder that India is not a one-dimensional story. For those willing to look beyond clichés, it is a country full of surprises, contrasts, and human warmth far richer than what any stereotype could ever capture.