Crawford Market: One-Stop Solution For All Your Requirements

Apart from cultural and political diversity, you will find a blend of diverse architecture in Mumbai. From modern architectural marvels like The Imperial Twin Tower or Antilia to the old Gothic architecture built by the Britishers, Mumbai has this unusual but perfect combination of Gulab Jamun with Vanilla ice cream.

One such edifice is Crawford Market also known as Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai Mumbai which was built a couple of centuries ago and is operating to date by the locals. Apart from Hill Road in Bandra or Causeway in Colaba, you should take advantage of Crawford Market in Fort for a quick shopping spree to satiate your shopping craving.

About Crawford Market Mumbai

You will find most of these things at a wholesale rate and further you can bargain even more. One fascinating thing is that imported things including chocolates, cheese, noodles, etc which you might not find in the entire Mumbai are easily available here.

Being in the heart of South Mumbai Crawford Market is surrounded by other well-known markets including Lower Chawl, Manish Market, Mangaldas Market, Zaveri Bazar, Kalbadevi, and Abdul Rehman Street which are within walking distance. Although these markets might not be as old as the Crawford Market, they are equally important and have the world to offer to you.

The Architecture Of Crawford Market Mumbai

The structure was built using coarse buff-coloured Kurla stone with Redstone. The market also has a 15m high skylight awning designed to allow sunlight to brighten up the market in the morning. 

A beautiful clock tower at Crawford Market Mumbai operating to date defines the brilance of British architecture. Fun Fact – In 1882 it was the first building in India to be lit up with electricity.

History Of Crawford Market Mumbai

In 1865 the Municipal Corporation of Bombay was established, it was initially housed in a modest building in South Bombay. However, there was one problem, the officers of the Municipal Corporation didn’t have any place to buy groceries and other home appliances. They had to travel for hours to buy eatables and other basic amenities for their home. 

To address this problem, effective decisions were taken and thus we got our famous Crawford Market. Today where  Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai Mumbai is located was donated by one of the renowned philanthropists at that time Cowasji Jehangir. Although post-independence the market was renamed after the Indian Social Reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule people still refer to it as Crawford Market.

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Shopping In Crawford Market

1. Fruits/ Vegetables

2. Bags And Luggage

Just outside the market, you would see there are numerous baggage shops and these shops have numerous options of bags. From backpacks to luggage bags, duffel bags, briefcases, laptop bags, etc these shops have every bag that suits your requirement. 

3. Chocolates

As a kid, we always had a friend who used to show off and boast that his father travels to foreign countries every week and brings many foreign chocolates. Later, to our surprise, we found out that his father used to get these foreign chocolates from Crawford Market.

Crawford Market is a haven for chocolate lovers. You will find all sorts of chocolates here including Indian and international which you might not find in any ordinary shop.

4. Dry Fruits

Apart from just dry fruits & nuts, you will also find an assortment of dried fruits here which are also called dehydrated fruits from tangy pineapples to sweetened kiwis, apricots, bananas, and whatnot. You can also relish the seasonal fruits in the off-season, just like mangoes in winter & oranges in summer, you name it you will get it.

5. Personal Care Products

You will find many beauty products for women and men both. From lipstick to mascaras, kajal, facewash, face masks, shampoo, conditioner, wet tissues, and many other personal care products you will find here at Crawford Market.

6. Pet Animals/ Birds

Another section of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai Mumbai has pet animals and birds on display to be sold. Animals include dogs, cats, rabbits, Guinea pigs, etc and birds include love birds, swans, parrots, pigeons, etc. 

Although, there are many other exotic animals and birds be very careful that you are not trading any endangered species which might be illegal. Previously there were many cases regarding the illegal trafficking of endangered species in Crawford Market.

7. Chicken And Mutton

8. Mini Aquarium Fishes

Just like animals and birds, you will find different exotic aquatic animals in the market. There are different species of fish and turtles you can find in your fish tank. As it is illegal to trade some of the endangered species make sure that you do not buy any of the illegal endangered aquatic animals.

9. Other Products

Other products at Crawford Market include Korean food, Bakery accessories, home decor, bathroom accessories, clothes, Spices, masalas, and various other products. Apart from all the regular products that are sold in the market throughout the year, there are many seasonal products sold according to the festivals like Christmas decoration, Diwali Decoration, Holi colour, etc

How To Reach Crawford Market

Via Railway

If you want to travel to Mumbai conveniently and effortlessly then learn to travel in Local trains, because Bambai chalti do cheezon par hai … ek luck, doosri local.

Jokes apart, the nearest railway station in Central and Harbour Line to reach Crawford Market is Masjid Railway Station which is a walkable distance. You can also travel to Crawford Market via Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus which is at a distance of 1.8 km 

If you are travelling via Western Line then Marine Lines is the closest station to Crawford Market which is around 1.8 km.

Via Road

Roads in Mumbai City are well connected. You can hire a ‘Kali Pili’ taxi or get on a bus and do not try to find rickshaws as we do not have rickswas in South Mumbai.

Restaurants Near Crawford Market

One of the benefits of having diverse cultures in a city is that you can try different cuisines. There are many restaurants near Crawford Market. The following are some of the curated restaurants for your reference.

1. Radio Restaurant

If you are going with your group then you do not want to miss this four-course bestseller meal known as India-Pakistan (a fried red, green, and white rice served with a lollipop and egg on the top), Yes one of those few moments when both the nations agreed to come in one place.

Although this place is quite worn out and vintage the food here takes you on a different realm.

2. Sadanand Hotel

Now, if you are not a fan of nonveg and want to try something vegetarian food then Sadanand Hotel is the best option near Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai Mumbai. The restaurant has a variety of options including fasting food as well. 

3. Badshah Coldrink

Apart from Falooda and milkshakes, it offers other delicacies including its bestsellers Special Pav Bhaji, Malai Kulfi, and Club Sandwich. Its bestselling falooda includes Mango Falooda, Rabdi Falooda, and Kesar Falooda.  

4. Kyani & Co

Another vintage cafe with aesthetic vibes is Kyani & Co. The restaurant earlier started as a bakery that made bread, biscuits, cakes, and other tea time bakes and continued the same trend until 1995 when Parsi cuisines were introduced including bun maska, sali boti, Akuri, kheema pao and the legendary mawa cake. Your meal cannot be complete without a bottle of Palomji Raspberry Soda.

Pro Tip – If you are visiting Kyani & Co. please carry cash with you as they do not accept UPI and other online payments.

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Hotels Near Crawford Market

1. Sadanand Hotel
2. Grand Hotel
3. Residency Hotel
4. Hotel Crawford Inn
5. Hotel Edition Blue

Crawford Market Timings

The Crawford Market timings differ from shop to shop. However, ideally, the shops start opening by 09:00 am to 08:00 pm when all the shops wind up for the day. Most of the shops are closed on Sunday. 

Best Time To Visit Crawford Market

Places To Visit Near Crawford Market

Crawford Market is located in the heart of South Mumbai. There are numerous other places to visit near Crawford Market. These places include other markets, tourist hotspots, hidden gems, etc

Markets

1. Lohar Chawl

2. Kalbadevi Market

Kalbadevi Market is around 300 meters away from Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai Mumbai. Kalbadevi Market is famous for its jewellery including gold, silver, and imitation. Some vendors sell golden or silver idols of gods and goddesses, there are vendors selling utensils of all types. Besides utensils and jewelry, Kalbadevi market is famous for its clothing and textile shops. 

It offers a wide range of fabrics at a reasonable price. There are many street vendors selling flowers, handicrafts, footwear, and antiques which makes it one of the best places to visit near Crawford Market for your shopping spree. 

3. Zaveri Bazaar 

4. Other Markets

Other markets include Abdul Rehman Street, which is famous for its stationery products. Bhuleshwar Market and Mangaldas Market are famous for their clothing, handicraft decoration, etc.

Tourist Hotspot

1. Marine Drive

2. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya is around 3.3 km from Crawford Market Mumbai. Mani Bhavan was the headquarters of Gandhiji in Mumbai. This two-storey building has many artefacts and photographs relating to Gandhi Ji. It also has a separate library with many books on different genres.

3. Hanging Garden

4. Other Places

Other places to visit near Crawford Market include Giragaon Chowpatty, Gateway Of India, Coloba Cawsway, Priyadarshan Park, etc, and most of these places are 5-10 km from Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai Mumbai being convenient enough to travel.