US woman compares Indian markets to stores back home, shares her honest thoughts

An American woman living in India has shared a candid look at her shopping experience in local markets, both praising the energy and pointing out the overwhelming feeling that came with it.

Katie Sharma, who documented her daily life in India, posted the video on Instagram, taking viewers along on a shopping trip in peak summer.

Opening the clip, she said, “It’s 40 degrees out, let’s go shopping,” before diving straight into the chaos of the market. As she walked through crowded lanes, she described the scene as “vibrant, energetic India,” while also pointing out the heavy traffic and packed surroundings.

She showed snippets of what she picked up along the way, mentioning, “I got two towels for 800 rupees. I don’t think that’s good,” reflecting her uncertainty around bargaining.

Tracking her movement, she added, “We got 10,000 steps in,” before stopping to try local street food. Holding up her snack, she said, “Paneer bread pakora costs less than a dollar, 90 rupees. Too good.”

In her caption, she elaborated on the stark differences between Indian markets and shopping in the US, pointing out how bargaining, open-air setups, and specialised vendors defined the Indian experience, while American stores were more structured, quieter, and standardised.

She summed it up by saying neither was better, just “two completely different experiences.”

Watch the video here:

The reactions online leaned heavily toward people engaging with her observations rather than just the visuals. Several users pointed out that while outdoor markets had their charm, the intense summer heat could make the experience exhausting, with some saying they personally avoid such outings during peak temperatures.

Others agreed that markets like these were far more enjoyable in cooler weather, when one could actually take in the atmosphere without discomfort.

A number of commenters expanded on what they felt she missed, mentioning that no Indian market experience was complete without stopping for roadside chai or a glass of fresh sugarcane juice, describing them as refreshing staples that help beat the heat.

Some also appreciated her balanced take, adding that she didn’t romanticise or criticise either culture, but instead presented both as equally valid yet different ways of life.