A walk through the famous Chor Bazaar in Mumbai

Chor Bazaar is one of the largest flea markets in the world where one can anything from dumb-bells to auto springs, from movie posters to musical instruments. Originally called 'Shor Bazaar' for the noise levels, it came to be called Chor Bazaar (Thieves Market) after the British mispronounced the name. Chor Bazaar deals mainly in second hand items  of all sizes and shapes, although legend has it that if anyone has anything stolen in Mumbai one can find it at Chor Bazaar.

Located in the Bhuleshwar area of Mumbai, the Chor Bazaar is a bargainers paradise, heaven for do-it-yourselfers, antique collectors dream and fun place to visit just for kicks. Open 6 days a week (except Friday), Chor Bazaar has gained fame through top novels (such as Rohinton Mistry's Such a Long Journey) and has become a must-see place for anyone visting mumbai.

Here is a photolog of this fascinating Bazaar that amazes tourists, and locals alike!

Mumbai's Sandwich + Vada Pav = Mumbai's Favourite On-the-Go snacks

You might be living in the best hotel and eating at the swankiest restaurant while in Mumbai, but you haven't experienced the true essence of the city if you haven't stepped out to taste the popular on-the-go street food of Mumbai . 

Here is what we recommend:

Vada Pav 

In the world of burgers, vada pav still manages to be the number one On-the-Go snack for every Mumbaikar.It is a popular spicy vegetarian dish  which consists of a potato fritter sandwiched between two slices of pav.It is served with green chillies and chutney .

Our very own Indian burger has also undergone transformation. We now have innovative versions of the original vada pav available - like cheese vada pav , szechwan vada pao etc

A basic version of vada pav is available for Rs 10-Rs 15

 
Mumbai Sandwich 

It's a gourmet delight for some , staple diet for the others , morning breakfast for school children and lunch for office goers.Mumbai's street sandwich is a part and parcel of every Mumbaikar's life.

Sandwich -wallas (sandwich vendors) are found in almost every street of Mumbai and offer the yummiest  customized sandwiches to all their patrons.

From a gooey cheesy sandwich with green chutney (sauce) to a more healthier option of cucumber and tomatoes ,from toasted to non toasted , you will have options galore to choose from.

We recommend the following sandwiches:

a. Butter Cheese Chutney Sandwich 

b. Masala Sandwich 

Price of the sandwiches vary from Rs 13 to Rs 45.

 

Mumbai’s Iconic Taxi – PREMIER PADMINI

Public transport is the lifeline of Mumbai. We Mumbaikar’s take extreme pride in our local trains, autos, BEST Buses and the more fondly called Kaali Peeli Taxi’s (Black and Yellow Cabs ).

When we think of taxis the immediate image that comes to our mind is that of a PREMIER PADMINI.  

It all began in 1950’s, when PREMIER automobile tied up with FIAT to manufacture the PADMINI. The Padmini was based on the long obsolete Italian Fiat 1100D model. It was  in 1970 that the Padmini was introduced in the Mumbai Taxi fleet and has ever since ruled the streets of Mumbai.

Each Mumbaikar has  a love hate relation , bitter sweet memories attached with the Kaali Peeli’s. Some of these taxis come with flashy interiors ,interesting roof patterns , witty rare windshield messages  and are well maintained while  some  have  broken doors handles , torn seat covers etc.. Be rest assured whatever the state of the taxi may be ,you can strike an interesting conversation with its driver.

The fascination of Bollywood with these Kaali Peeli’s is never ending. From “Taxi Driver” in 1954 to “Taxi No 9211” in 2006 the taxis have been a pivotal part of the movies storyline. 

The relationship with the Kaali Peeli taxi’s got its first jolt in 2008, when the court ordered the phasing out of taxis that were older than 25 years and this year issued a new resolution that   takes all taxis older than 20 yrs off road. 

You now witness a younger fleet of taxis ( new car models ) on the streets of Mumbai , but the Premier Padmini will remain as iconic as the Gateway of India .

So when in Mumbai , try locating a Premier Padmini ( few which still ply on the Mumbai roads) and go on a joy ride.

Shopaholic ! Sneak peak into our closet

Mumbai is not only famous for the international fashion brands and labels, but is also home to a wide assortment of local markets, boutiques and shopping malls that sell almost everything that a local Mumbaikar needs.

A few things which are a part of our closet bought off the streets of Mumbai.

      Kolhapuri Chappals: Open toed chappals originated from Kolhapur, a southern district in the state of Maharashtra  . These chappals are available in a variety of colors – with or without heels. Team these chappals with jeans , dresses or shorts and make a style statement. Available for both men and women.

Price: Rs 250 – Rs 450

Markets from where you can purchase: Colaba Causeway (Open all days from 10.30 am to 8 pm ) Don’t forget to bargain. 

      Bangles: It is a common tradition to wear bangles in India. . Bangles also have a very traditional value in Hinduism and it is considered inauspicious to be bare armed for a married woman.

Colourful accessory which adds a touch of glamour to your outfit. We in particular like these bangles which are modern, funky take on the traditional glass bangles.

Price: Rs 50-150 / pair depending on which market you pick it up from. Colaba Causeway vendors charge a premium

Markets from where you can purchase: Colaba Causeway (Open all days from 10.30 am to 8 pm) and Bhuleshwar Market ( Open 11 am to 8 pm ). Don’t forget to bargain.

Silk Kurti ( top ): Most Indian women love to carry the Indo – Western look  by teaming a short Kurti with denims. This look is smart  yet comfortable. The best place to get an endless variety of kurtis is Fab India at Kala Ghoda. Fab India is an Indian store which retails garments , furnishings and ethnic products made by craftsmen from across rural India.

Price: Rs 1000 upwards

Markets from where you can purchase: FAB INDIA at Kala Ghoda( Open all days from 10 am to 8 pm). Fixed price shop. No bargaining.

 Batuas (Clutch ): An interesting take on the modern day clutch , the perfect answer to a dainty look. Available in various shapes and forms, Batuas form a part of every Indian woman’s closet.

Price: Rs 150 –Rs 400

Markets from where you can purchase: Colaba Causeway (Open all days from 10.30 am to 8 pm ) , Bhuleshwar Market ( Open 11 am to 8 pm ). Don’t forget to bargain.

Lingo in Mumbai !

Hindi, Marathi and Gujrati are the most commonly spoken languages in Mumbai . English is mostly spoken by Corporate community but don’t be surprised if a street vendor speaks to you in some version of English to communicate his message ( We guarantee you will be able to understand what he is trying to convey) ! Here are a few phrases in Hindi that will help you navigate through the city easily ! 

Greetings, and basic conversation

·         Hello : Namaste

·         How are you?  : Aap kaisey hain? 

·         Thanks! : Shukriya! 

·         Good:   Accha

·         Friend! : Dost

·         What's new? :   Kyaa chal rahaa hai?

·         See you later! : Baad mein milenge   

Use while in a taxi

·         How much is it (asking for the taxi fare): “Kitna hua”

·         Will you go: “Chalenge”

Asking for Help and Directions 

           

·         I'm lost: Hum kho gaye hain.  

·         Can you help me? : Kya aap meri madad kar saktey hain

·         One moment please! : Ek minat… 

·         What is the way to reach Gate Way of India (eg)?: Gateway of India jaane ka rasta kya hai ?

Use while street Shopping/Bargaining

·         How much is this? : Yeh kaisey diyaa?  

·         That's too expensive: Yeh bahut mehenga hain

·         Reduce the price : Thoda daam kam karo

·         I will take it : De do

·         I don't want it: Mujhe nahin chahiye

Others

·         Yes : Haan

·         No : Naa

·         May Be : Shayad 

      Okay :Theek hai