frugal foreigner

Frugal Foreigner: Indian Biryani Recipe

I've had a few requests for Indian recipes. I've had a hard time figuring them out because no one measures, or writes anything down. I watched very carefully a few times while my house helper made biryani and now I can pass this recipe on to … [Read more...]

Frugal Foreigner Cost Comparison: The Cost of Being White

Here are three sets of girl’s Indian bangles (bracelets). The first set was bought by me in Commericial Street, a touristy shopping area in downtown Bangalore. I forgot to bargain and paid the asking price (50 rupees) for them. The second set was … [Read more...]

Frugal Foreigner: The Gents Parlour

When we first moved to Bangalore, we drove by this place several times. I found it odd that a country with taboos around drinking and smoking would have a "Girl's Gents Parlour" so obviously labeled on such a busy road. Month's later, I … [Read more...]

Frugal Foreigner From Scratch: Homemade Soft Pretzels

If you had a cook, what would you have her make? What labor- or time-intensive dishes do you love but don't have the energy or time to make from scratch yourself? My answer is easy - soft pretzels are my favorite treat. I love to buy them at … [Read more...]

Frugal Foreigner: A Different Kind of Bargain

Hey Mommysavers – do you know how to bargain shop? Do you know how to bargain when you shop? I pick and chose which stores I go to, because I much prefer fixed prices. But, in India I still have to bargain over many things. Rides in an … [Read more...]

Frugal Foreigner: Buy Soap, Get Free Jewelry

If you're new to my Frugal Foreigner posts, read all about what we're doing in India here! You can read all previous posts in the series here. Grocery shopping in India has two very frustrating qualities. 1. All packaged items (ie. everything … [Read more...]