Ruptly
"A horror-themed restaurant in Varanasi is attracting thrill-seekers looking for a 'unique' dining experience after the eatery became a sensation on Instagram. Footage filmed on April 30 shows ghost and skeleton props hanging across Kankal Horror Restaurant. The waiters, dressed as ghosts with ghoulish make-up, are seen shaking hands with customers as they serve food. Inside the restaurant, the dark décor immediately sets the mood. The walls are painted black and decorated with skeleton drawings, ghost figures, and glowing lights. "I felt something different here. Because ghosts come here with food," a customer, Prajwal, said. "It felt a little unique, that's why we came here after seeing it on Instagram." Nestled in the Chetganj area, Kankal Horror Restaurant has become a social media sensation, amassing over 80 million views for its bold ‘haunted’ dining concept. While the city is known for its serene ghats, this eatery offers an adrenaline rush that has left the public divided. "I have never seen this in my life," said another customer, Moni Roy, who had come from Bihar to see the restaurant. "We have been sitting here for at least an hour just to see it. It felt great.” However, the restaurant’s viral fame has sparked intense scrutiny. A recent video showing a child in tears, pleading with his father to leave while a costumed ‘ghost’ hovered nearby, ignited a national debate on the ethics of fear-based marketing, but its manager maintains it is harmless theatrical fun. "There are different types of people. So some people like it, some get a little thrill [...] but 90 percent people like it," said the restaurant owner, Dhanish Jaiswal. He added that they wanted to do 'something different' to stand out among competitors. "Normal restaurants are everywhere. Customers are going. They are eating [...] So we thought of doing something unique." The menu offers familiar North Indian and Chinese bites, but every dish comes with a twist. The restaurant offers vegetarian options, including a salad bar and late-night food. It has recently garnered attention for its intense, jump-scare dining experiences. For those tired of traditional candlelight dinners, this café offers a frightful alternative. Despite the controversy, Kankal Horror Restaurant remains popular with thrill-seekers. With affordable prices and a unique, macabre charm, it offers a stark contrast to the typical Varanasi experience."
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