I started with population and tried to work down from households to eating-out frequency.
Break down the problem by estimating the number of restaurants based on population and dining habits, then segment by restaurant type (e.g., standalone, chains, hotels) to refine the estimate. Use a top-down approach starting with Bengaluru's population, then apply assumptions about frequency of eating out and average customers per restaurant to derive the total. Validate with a bottom-up check using known data points like number of food delivery app listings.
Pro tip: Show your structured thinking and comfort with ambiguity, but also acknowledge that precise data may be unavailable; emphasize that the goal is to demonstrate a logical, data-driven approach rather than hitting an exact number.
Ask clarifying questions to define what counts as a restaurant (e.g., include cafes, food stalls, cloud kitchens?) and whether the estimate should be for a typical day or current total.
Start with Bengaluru's population (~13 million). Estimate the percentage of people who eat out or order in per day, considering factors like income levels, age, and work culture.
Multiply population by dining frequency to get total meals eaten outside per day. Adjust for tourists and transient population.
Assume average restaurant serves a certain number of customers per day (e.g., 100-200) based on size and type. Divide total meals by this number to get restaurant count.
Cross-check with known data (e.g., number of restaurants on Zomato/Swiggy, industry reports) and adjust assumptions. Segment by restaurant category to improve accuracy.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.