Written by Tanisha Cardozo
Some journeys begin with grand plans. Others begin in pajamas during a lockdown. For Travelling Foodie Ishra, it was the latter.
What started as a lighthearted YouTube channel called Mysterious Siblings—a duo of travel-loving sisters navigating boredom during lockdown—has grown into something much bigger. Today, Ishra is not just a traveler or foodie. She’s a storyteller, a teacher, and a creator who inspires thousands through her vibrant content on Instagram.
“I always liked traveling and eating,” Ishra shares. “So I started sharing what I loved most — and that’s how Travelling Foodie Ishra was born.”
Finding Home in the Hills
Of all the places she’s wandered, Leh-Ladakh holds a special place in her heart. “It felt like a second home,” she says. “People there are trustworthy, warm, and the stories hidden in those mountains are just waiting to be heard.”
But not every love was expected. Take Meghalaya, for instance. “Going from Assam to Shillong, I never thought the people would be so kind and welcoming. It was a beautiful surprise.”
When it comes to food, Goa has Ishra’s heart. “It’s got everything — any type of food you crave, and the flavors are unbeatable.”
The Flip Side of Travel
Though her content paints a vibrant picture, Ishra is quick to point out the realities. “Travel isn’t always glamorous. There are scammers, sleepless nights, long journeys. But for those who love it — it’s all worth it.”
Food Beyond the Plate
For Ishra, food is more than flavor. “It’s an emotion. It lifts moods, sparks conversations, and brings people together.”
She even surprised herself with how much she could fall in love with new dishes. “I tried Thukpa in Leh just for the sake of trying it — and ended up eating it constantly during my stay!”
Street Food or Fine Dining?
“My heart wants both,” she laughs. “Depends on the mood, company, and occasion.”
Balance Behind the Scenes
Balancing her identity as a creator with her job as a teacher, Ishra keeps her personal life mostly offline. “People don’t even know I teach — I like keeping some things just for myself.”
Burnout, she says, is real. “But I just take a break and bounce back. That’s the secret.”
The Creative Cycle
Her content process is simple and self-driven: “I Find. I Search. I Plan. I Go. I Record. I Edit. I Post. And then I repeat.”
When not creating, she finds joy in open mics, writing, and performing what she pens — embracing creativity in all forms.
Her Influence & Legacy
She credits Tanya Khanijow, a fellow Indian travel creator, as her biggest inspiration. And her followers continue to surprise her. “Once, a small kid mimicked my videos — said he watches all of them and was ‘eating all the time’ like me. It was wild — but heartwarming.”
In the end, what does Ishra hope to leave behind?
“To inspire people to eat & travel without regrets. Life is short. Try everything. Make memories. Be happy.”
