When you book your India tour , Mumbai is one destination that cannot be missed, as it is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra , and at the heart of it lies Crawford Market Mumbai, one of the city’s most vibrant shopping hubs. Also called Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, this heritage market blends culture, architecture, and commerce, making it a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists.
Whether you’re bargaining for fresh fruits, imported chocolates, or looking for unique products at Crawford Market shops, this historic marketplace promises an unforgettable experience.
About Crawford Market Mumbai
Built in 1869, Crawford Market Mumbai (officially Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai) is one of the city’s oldest and busiest bazaars. From exotic fruits, vegetables, perfumes, and dry fruits to imported chocolates and pets, the range here is endless. Shopping at Crawford Market is not only affordable but also offers wholesale options, making it a favorite for both household buyers and bulk shoppers.
The market’s proximity to other iconic hubs like Zaveri Bazaar, Mangaldas Market, and Kalbadevi further makes it a central stop in any Mumbai shopping itinerary.
The Architecture Of Crawford Market Mumbai
The architecture of Crawford Market Mumbai was designed by William Emerson who was a British architect. The architectural representation of the Mahatma Phule Market building resembles the blend of Gothic, Norman, and Flemish architecture.
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 brilliance 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
Initially named after Arthur Crawford, the first Municipal Commissioner of Mumbai, the market was later renamed Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai to honor the social reformer. Though renamed, most locals still affectionately call it Crawford Market.
This historic marketplace was built to solve the need for groceries and essentials in South Bombay during colonial times, and it continues to thrive as a bustling trading hub
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.
How To Reach Crawford Market
Wondering how to reach Crawford Market? Mumbai’s connectivity makes it simple:
By Rail
Masjid Railway Station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus are the nearest stations. Marine Lines is another option if you’re on the Western Line.
By Road
Hire a taxi or board BEST buses. Note that autos don’t run in South Mumbai. You can also book a cab or private taxi to reach Mahatma Phule Market.
Best Time To Visit Crawford Market
If you want to score a good negotiation deal the best time to visit Crawford Market is in the morning when the shops have just opened. The first customers are considered auspicious. It’s at its most crowded in the evening, when locals visit after work.
Sprawling for over 72,000 sq ft, Crawford Market shops are divided into sections. Wondering what to buy in Mahatma Phule Market, you will find fruits and vegetables in a different section, poultry in another section, make-up, perfume, home appliances, chocolates, dry fruits, etc in another section. This makes the experience of shopping in Crawford Market more convenient.
1. Fruits/ Vegetables
Among the locals, Crawford Market Mumbai is famous for its varied range of fruits and vegetables. From exotic to everyday use products are available here at a reasonable price. Although it is advisable to buy seasonal variety, it is a one-stop for all your culinary needs.
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 Mahatma Phule 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
At Crawford Market, you will find a wide range of dry fruits. An array of vendors & shops sell these dry fruits at a reasonable price. The dry fruit variety offered here can captivate any buyer, each thing is more interesting than the last. If you do not have a proper list of what to buy here, you might buy everything.
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
There are many poultry shops at Crawford Market Mumbai. This section of the market is separately operated. You will get many types of chicken and mutton here. Many trucks unload all the chickens at night or early morning.
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 Mahatma Phule 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.
If you’re unsure what to buy at Crawford Market, chocolates, spices, dry fruits, and handicrafts should be on top of your list.
Restaurants Near Crawford Market
After a day of shopping at Crawford Market, treat yourself at these eateries:
1. Radio Restaurant
This restaurant is almost a century old. Located in the Crawford market premises this restaurant serves some lips-smacking dishes including Murg Taliban, Chicken Lollipop, Chicken Fried Rice, and Seekh Kebabs.
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
After a heavy lunch or dinner, we have got to satiate our sweet tooth and for that, Badshah has got you covered. It offers a variety of Falooda with ice cream, Juices, cold drinks, Cold coffee, etc.
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.
These are some of the best restaurants near Crawford Market to complete your food journey.
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.
1. Lohar Chawl
Just on the opposite road of Crawford Market is Lohar Chawl. At the beginning of this lane, you would see many vendors selling artificial flowers which can be used for any function and home decor. It is also known as one of the cheapest home decor markets as you would see many vendors selling decoration lighting, switches, tube lights, chandeliers, and many other items.
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
Zaveri Bazaar is famous for its jewellery be it gold, silver, or imitation you will find it all. It is a major jewellery market in Mumbai dealing in retail and wholesale. In jewellery, you would find old Indian patterns as well as modern patterns. These patterns are intricate and have a detailed design to it.
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.
1. Marine Drive
Marine Drive is around 1.6 km from Crawford Market. It is one of the city’s most well-known Landmarks. The best thing about Marine Drive is its sunset. It feels like the sun is being engulfed by the vast Arabian Sea. A leisure walk at Marine Drive after a tough day is all you need to survive in Mumbai.
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
Hanging Garden is around 4.6 km from Crawford Market Mumbai. The Hanging Gardens is one of the most peaceful places and terraced gardens in Mumbai; it is also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, located at the top of the Malabar Hills of Mumbai city. Making it a perfect place for your evening walk this place is at peace in this bustling city.
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.
Conclusion: Crawford Market Mumbai – A Shopper’s Paradise
A visit to Crawford Market Mumbai is more than just shopping, it’s an immersion into the city’s history, architecture, and cultural vibrancy. Whether you’re buying fresh produce, exploring Crawford Market shops, or tasting local delicacies at the best restaurants near Crawford Market, every corner of this marketplace tells a story.
For tourists planning an India tour, including this market in your itinerary offers both shopping and cultural exploration. From learning about the history of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai to finding hidden gems while shopping at Crawford Market, this destination ensures memories worth cherishing.
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