Nightlife

Dating apps you must try for the coming Valentine’s season!

Looking for Love in this coming Valentine’s Season? Here are some of the best dating apps for you, listed by Shambhavi Mishra.

1. Tinder:

Tinder USP: With its “My Move” feature, Tinder empowers women to control conversations when matched, maintaining its global dominance.

Tinder is a popular dating app with over 55 billion matches to date. It is available on Android and iOS platforms and is the world’s most popular app for singles. Tinder has introduced a new feature called “Tinder Suggested Message” that gives users a new way to keep conversations going.
One unique feature of Tinder is the “Super Like” feature, which allows users to express a higher level of serial match.

Feeling the need for a change? Swipe right on Tinder, where new connections are just a tap away. Your secret is safe with us.

2. Bumble:

Bumble USP: Bumble stands out by fostering equality and confidence with its ‘women make the first move’ policy, providing spaces for networking and friendships.

The app has a large user base in India and has been named one of Apple’s 2021 Apps of the Year for connection. Priyanka Chopra is an investor and partner in Bumble, and she has played a significant role in the app’s expansion and success in India. Bumble made its Asia debut in India in 2018 and has since gained a substantial user base there. One unique feature of Bumble is the “Beeline” feature, which is available for Bumble Premium users. This feature lets users see who has liked them first, providing valuable information about potential matches.
Craving a shift in your love life? Take the lead on Bumble and explore a world of possibilities. Mum’s the word.

3. QuackQuack:

QuackQuack USP: Known for its high daily downloads, QuackQuack is famous for addressing diverse dating requirements in the Indian market.

QuackQuack is designed to foster authentic connections and is committed to ensuring the safety and integrity of its user base through vital back-end moderation and profile verification. One unique feature of the QuackQuack dating app is its vital back-end moderation, which ensures that moderators screen and verify all profiles to ensure that users match with genuine and verified singles.

Duck out of monotony with QuackQuack, where diverse dating awaits. Keep it hush-hush; your romantic escapade is our little secret.

4. OkCupid:

OkCupid USP: OkCupid’s USP lies in its inclusive approach, considering users’ answers to thousands of questions and emphasizing modern cultural trends.

OkCupid is a perfect dating app with a free plan and a unique matching algorithm. It has introduced several new features in 2022, including selfie verification for enhanced safety and Cupid’s Picks, which finds users who are compatible and likely to match. OkCupid is available in 9 languages and has supported reproductive rights for years. One unique feature of OkCupid that stands out is its comprehensive free plan. Unlike many other dating apps that offer limited features for free users, OkCupid provides a robust set of features for those who choose not to subscribe.

Seeking a more nuanced connection? Answer the questions on OkCupid, and let compatibility be your guide. Your journey to authenticity stays confidential.

5. Grindr:

Grindr USP: Grindr’s unique selling points include social networking features, a commitment to inclusivity, and a global impact within the LGBTQ+ community. Grindr is a popular dating app among the LGBTQ+ community, serving as a platform for gay, bi, Trans, queer, and curious individuals to meet new people for friendships, hook-ups, and dates. It is the world’s #1 free dating app and has over 5 crore downloads on the Google Play Store. One unique feature of Grindr is the “Unsend” feature, which allows users to retract sent messages and photos. This gives them more power and control over their conversations for a discreet rendezvous within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, Grindr is your secret ally. Connect authentically without compromising your privacy.

6. Hinge:

Hinge USP: Hinge’s USP is its emphasis on meaningful connections, limiting matches to friends of friends, and designing the app to be deleted.

Hinge is a popular dating app that aims to help users find meaningful connections and go on actual dates. It is known for its unique user interface and has been praised by the New York Times wedding section. One unique feature of Hinge is its “Prompts” and “Standouts” features. Prompts are short questions that help users showcase their personality and interests, while Standouts are a list of users “most your type,” based on how they answered their Prompts. Tired of the same old hinge in your love life? Explore meaningful connections on Hinge, and remember, what happens on Hinge, stays on Hinge.

7. Aisle:

Aisle USP: Aisle stands out by prioritizing cultural respect, high-intent dating, and a personalized approach in the Indian dating landscape.

Aisle is a popular dating app in India that connects people of Indian or South Asian origin from around the globe to build a community that believes in long-lasting relationships. It claims to be the median between traditional and matrimonial websites. Aisle’s unique approach is that it appreciates the uniqueness of Indian and South Asian culture and is a fast-growing platform. The Exclusivity feature is a standout attribute of Aisle. It enables users to check the number of individuals their match has communicated with within the previous three days. This functionality assists users in evaluating the sincerity of their potential matches and decreases the risk of running into romance scammers. Ready to walk down a different aisle? Aisle respects your choices discreetly, providing a space for high-intent connections. Shhh… It’s our little secret.

8. TrulyMadly:

TrulyMadly USP: TrulyMadly’s USPs include verified profiles, a Trust Score system, and a focus on serious dating and long-term relationships.

TrulyMadly is a popular dating app in India that connects singles nationwide. It offers a “Human Touch” feature for Plus users, providing a more personalized and human-centric matchmaking experience. TrulyMadly offers an exclusive “Trust Score” feature designed to enhance the safety and trustworthiness of online dating. This feature is crucial to the app’s ability to establish genuine connections, solidifying TrulyMadly as a trusted online dating platform in India.

Ready for a truly mad adventure? Find genuine connections on TrulyMadly, where your secrets are guarded by verified profiles and a Trust Score system.

9. Gleeden:

Gleeden USP: Gleeden’s USPs include anonymity, a women-led platform, free access for women, an intuitive interface, and a significant global presence.

Gleeden is an extra-marital dating app that has gained popularity in India, with over 20% of its users coming from the country. Since March 2020 in India, 70% of its users have come from Tier II and Tier III towns in the past year. Gleeden offers a safe and protected environment to meet thousands of members near you, with strict moderation to keep a high-quality community of only real people. Bored with your current partner? How about a discreet detour on Gleeden? Shhh… It’s the rendezvous platform for those seeking extramarital connections. This app offers a safe and secure platform for individuals to connect with like-minded people and explore their desires without fearing judgment. The app, operated by Women for Women, empowers its peers with ultra-discreet encounters, providing them with a unique opportunity to forge meaningful connections in a controlled and consensual environment.

February 8, 2024

Dating apps, Valentines day

Best New Rooftop Bars & Nightlife Destinations in India

From skyline rooftops and cocktail-forward bars to immersive music-led lounges, the country’s nightlife scene is entering a bold new era. Hashtag Magazine rounds up the hottest new spaces redefining how the city eats, drinks and unwinds after dark. Lair, New Delhi: Tucked away in Vasant Vihar, Lair has quietly transformed into one of India’s most celebrated cocktail destinations, redefining the speakeasy experience with cinematic design, immersive mixology and an atmosphere that feels intentionally intimate. The monochromatic interiors, designed with sharp minimalism and moody lighting, create a space that feels more like a contemporary art installation than a conventional bar. What makes Lair stand out is its ability to balance technical precision with warmth. Every cocktail arrives as a carefully crafted sensory experience rooted in storytelling, texture and flavour. The drinks menu draws inspiration from ingredients sourced across India, transforming familiar regional flavours into inventive, globally styled cocktails. The bar’s immersive approach has earned it significant international recognition, including a spot on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list, cementing its reputation as one of the country’s most exciting nightlife spaces. Complementing the cocktails is a refined pan-Asian menu and a soundtrack built around downtempo melodic music that encourages conversation rather than overwhelming it. Stylish yet understated, Lair feels like the future of Indian cocktail culture, immersive, thoughtful and deeply design-led. Luna et Sol, Mumbai: Mumbai’s nightlife scene embraces theatrical luxury with Luna et Sol, a dramatic Lower Parel destination that blurs the line between immersive dining and experiential nightlife. Inspired by European alpine aesthetics, the space transforms continuously through digital ceiling projections, mood-driven lighting and layered interiors that shift from warm daytime elegance to high-energy evening glamour. The result feels transportive, more destination experience than restaurant lounge. The cocktail program is equally ambitious, with drinks crafted as narrative experiences under the direction

Nightlife

Decoding Wine: From First Sip to Perfect Pairing

Intro: As India’s dining and drinking culture evolves, wine is no longer seen as niche or intimidating; it’s becoming an integral part of modern lifestyle and experiential dining. To decode the basics, bust common myths, and understand how wine fits into the Indian palate, Sinduri Vuppala speaks with Nikhil Agarwal, Founder of All Things Nice. With over two decades of experience in the wine and spirits industry, he shares practical insights on wine fundamentals, pairing it with Indian cuisine, and navigating wine etiquette with ease. For someone new to wine, how would you explain the difference between red and white wines in simple terms?The juice inside the grape is clear, and the colour in the wine comes from the skin. When making white wines, the skin of the grape is separated from the juice. This applies to white grapes like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, etc. When making rosé, the skin of a red wine grape is kept in contact with the juice for a short period of time to extract a little colour and a longer time for red wine. The skin, while it provides colour, also provides flavour, structure and tannins. What is the correct way to taste wine for beginners, and what should they actually look for?They should look for pleasure. Does the wine smell and taste good? For beginners, that’s all that matters. ⁠Does the type of glass or serving temperature really make a difference to the experience?Serving wine in the wrong glassware can ruin a wine experience. You do not need to buy yourself expensive glassware, but a good thin glass for white, red, sparkling, etc., in the correct shape is a great start. Wine temperature plays an important role; white wine must be served at 11 degrees, red wine at 16 degrees and sparkling wine at

Nightlife

A Brewer’s Guide to Pairing Beer with Indian Food

India’s food culture is vast, layered, and unapologetically flavour-forward. Every region brings its own mix of spices, textures, and cooking techniques, which makes pairing beverages with Indian cuisine both exciting and challenging. Beer, however, has a unique ability to hold its own. Its versatility, carbonation, and balance of malt and hops make it a surprisingly effective partner for Indian food. A Night in Hyderabad That Proved the Point On one of my visits to Hyderabad, I found myself at Zero40 Brewing with a group of friends. The table was overflowing with spicy chicken wings, tangy paneer masala, and a fragrant biryani that could have been a meal in itself. Everyone was drinking my Munich Helles, the Go Swam–Light, crisp, and refreshing. It did a great job cooling the heat and giving us a clean palate between bites. But as the dishes got richer and more complex, the Helles didn’t quite elevate them. It refreshed, but it didn’t enhance. That evening reminded me of something I’ve noticed repeatedly: beer can transform an Indian meal, but only when the style matches the dish. Why does beer work so well with Indian food? Indian cuisine is built on intensity in terms of heat, tang, richness, smoke, and acidity. These flavours can overwhelm the palate quickly. Beer steps in with three key tools: Carbonation, Bitterness, and Malt sweetness. Carbonation helps clean your tongue and resets the palate. Bitterness from hops helps manage the heat/ spice, and malty sweetness softens sharp edges and supports richer flavour profiles. I remember a particularly spicy chicken curry where a simple sip of lager completely reset my palate. Suddenly, I could taste the dish again, not just the heat. That’s when beer stops being just a drink and becomes part of the meal. Kebabs, Grills, and Meats: Where Lagers

Nightlife

Lizard King Brewing Co. Amplifies Goa’s Beer Scene with Raw Rock ’n’ Roll Energy

Intro: Lizard King Brewing Co. isn’t just another new spot in Goa it’s a full-volume rebellion served by the pint. Tucked into Arpora and pulsing with the grit of a backstage green room, this brewpub tears away from the beach-bar norm with bold beers, loud design, and an unapologetic rock ethos. From the first pour to the final chord of the night, it announces itself as Goa’s newest stage for beer lovers, riders, and anyone craving something real. Lizard King Brewing Co. crashes into Goa’s beer scene with the swagger of a headlining band, trading beachy clichés for raw rock ’n’ roll grit. Tucked away in Arpora, this intimate 28-seater brewpub feels less like a bar and more like a backstage pass tanks gleaming under warm lights, rock posters lining the walls, and a mural that turns the brewing process into art. The beers are the real stars. From a crisp, oaked Apple Cider to a velvet-smooth Irish Stout, every pour hits with intention. The Pilsner is a clean, electric classic, while the Launch Special Saison brings a rustic, unpredictable edge. Brewmaster George Jacob’s world-tour pedigree shows; the lineup is tight, confident, and unapologetically beer-first. Food doesn’t play second fiddle. The stout-and-vodka–battered fish and chips, hearty pies, and indulgent chicken-fried steak echo the brewpub’s boldness, built to stand up to the beers rather than hide behind them. What sets Lizard King apart is its spirit loud, communal, and delightfully offbeat. With rider meet-ups, curated playlists, and a walk-in-only policy, it cultivates a crowd that wants something real. Lizard King Brewing Co. doesn’t just open its doors it takes the stage. Address: Arpora, Goa, IndiaTimings: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 PM – 11 PM (Closed Mondays) Phone: +91 93220 35187