Crawford Market Guide: Everything You Need To Know To Get The Best Bargains Here

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Sprawling over 72,000 sq ft., Crawford Market is one of the most popular and iconic wholesale/retail bazaars in South Mumbai, with its history dating back to British rule in the late 18th century. It was initially called the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Market but was later changed to Crawford Market—a name derived from the then municipal commissioner, Arthur Crawford.  

The market in itself includes multiple lanes, including Abdul Rehman Street, Lohar Chawl, Mirchi Gaali Mangaldas market, Flower Lane and many more. One of the obvious reasons why Mumbaikars love flocking to this market is the insane variety of products it offers at affordable rates. This is one market for ALL your needs! Decor, artificial flowers, party accessories, stationery, accessories, dry fruit, spices, beauty and makeup, home and kitchen essentials. EVERYTHING. 

How To Reach

You can conveniently book an Ola, Uber, or the local Kaali Peeli taxi, ensuring a smooth journey to your destination. Another option you have is to travel by bus. Hop on Bus Number 51 if your location falls on its route, and get yourself a comfortable ride to the Crawford Market. 

However, Mumbai traffic can at times get on your nerves, and that’s where local trains come into the picture. The best way to get to this market is to take a Western local train to Marine Lines, from where it is a 15-minute walk, or you can take a cab from the station. Alternatively, you can get off at the CST station and take a short cab ride to the market.

Timings: 11 AM to 9 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)

Where To Shop


Flower Lane: For Flowers

Crawford Market's got an entire lane that's similar to Dadar's phool galibut this one specialises in artificial flowers, floral decor accents, vases, mini-terrariums and more. There are a lot of shops, but out of the bunch, we highly recommend visiting Sahara Flowers & SM Flowers for their unique collection. They have a stunning selection of artificial flowers that look as fresh and vibrant as the real ones. You can get your hands on gorgeous flower-made bandhanwars and jhoomars that will give the perfect festive vibe to your place.

What To Shop: Bunches of tulips, sunflowers, wooden vases with flowers, and more.

Price: Starts at INR 50

Lohar Chawl: For Lighting Solutions

This one's a haven for all your lighting requirements. From statement ceiling lights to beautiful table lamps, Lohar Chawl is one of the most LIT lanes in the Crawford market. Visit the Zenith Light Stores, Mahavir Lights, Athena Lights and more for their variety of lights. Grab a funky neon sign, light up your home for Diwali, or finally get those dreamy fairy lights at Zenith Store or pick a classic chandelier, wall light, or a ceiling light at the Mahavir Lights. With unique designs, delicate finish, and tons of options, be ready to make a statement with the lighting decor available at Athena Lights.

What To Shop: Neon signages, fairy lights, chandeliers, table lights, etc.

Price: Starts at INR 500

Pro Tip: Check out the full list of all the lights you can get at Lohar Chawl here.

Jageshwar Collection: For Gift Boxes & Packaging Material

Jageshwar collection is an underrated store that I stumbled upon during my visit to the Crawford Market. They have a collection across two huge floors. You can find wooden trays that look straight out of a Pinterest board that are neat, minimal, hipster, classy and sturdy. They've also got gift boxes and accessories to revamp your kitchen, serving platter for your next dinner party, tray sets, dining sets, rustic baskets, basically the whole shebang.

What To Shop: Gift box, tray sets, wooden tray, baskets

Price: Starts at INR 100

Contact: +918080573465

Gujarat Trunk Depot: For Storage Solutions

No other market in Mumbai has storage solutions that are as cute and affordable as the Crawford market. All the more bargaining and discounts if you're buying these items in bulk! At Gujarat Trunk Depot, decor doubles up as an effective storage solution. They've got bohemian cum vintage trunk boxes in multiple sizes and colours. You can use these trunks to store books, clothes, toys, wires, etc.

What To Shop: Storage trunks

Price: Starts at INR 600

LBB-Tip: This store can be a little tough to locate. However, you can map it on Google and you should be fine.

SuperNova: For All Things Cane

We love this store for its pricing. If you're a fan of cane products and baskets in general, you'll find an array of basket styles, boxes and decor items. Oh, and inside, they have also got a bunch of vintage boxes, Pinteresty floral boxes to store jewellery etc. 

What To Shop: Cane baskets, gift hamper baskets, wooden baskets, mighty pouches for gifting chocolates, etc. 

Price: Starts at INR 30

Rose Collection: For Crockery

This is the top reason why we all visit Crawford Market. From cutlery and sippers to kitchen essentials to equipment, get it all for low rates at Crawford. There are a bunch of street shops where you can get Pinteresty cutlery items, yet we recommend visiting the Rose collection for their variety of crockery and cutlery. Make your dining experience, tea-time, or staying hydrated goals fun with the elegant, unique, and stylish stuff you'll find here.

What To Shop: Serving bowls, plates, mugs, teacups, dinner sets, etc.

Price: Starts at INR 100

Kaka Hangers: For Organisers

From deflatable storage trunks and compartment boxes to make-up pouches, hangers, and clips, Kaka Hangers has it all. This is a one-stop destination for all last-minute travel necessities like portable pouches, containers and storage essentials that make travel hassle-free. 

What To Shop: Organisers for clothes, hangers with multiple grips, travel pouches, and transparent makeup pouches.

Price: Starts at INR 80

Arife LaMoulde: For All Your Baking Needs

With many branches of this store in the city, the busy lanes of Crawford also house one. This one doesn't need much introduction. A haven for bakers, you can head here for baking equipment, syrups, artificial colouring, decoration, etc. If you thought eating cake was fun, you should get baking essentials here and try baking yourself one. 

What To Shop: Cookie cutters, baking accessories, colourful sprinklers, measuring cups, baking gear, etc.

Price: INR 50 and upwards.  

East Coast: For Cute & Pinteresty Stationery

Simple stationery gets a fun and cutesy twist at East Coast. They have creative supplies, adorable stationery, and everything you need to set the perfect mood for studying and working.

What To Shop: Quirky stationery, gifts, cutesy bags, trolleys for kids.

Price: INR 30 and upwards.  

Ajanta Stationery Mart: For Art Supplies

If you're an art student, a painter, or simply someone who loves art and craft, this shop must be your go-to for all things artsy at reduced prices. At Ajanta Stationery Mart, you will find everything from must-have stationery to adorable study table decor, all in one place. In case you also love doing resin art, this place will become your favourite. They have in-house resin, hardener, mould, and everything else you'd need.

What To Shop: Resin material, tie and dye kit, cute lamps, coloured sheets

Price: Starts at INR 100

Giftomato: For Fancy Kids Stuff

At Giftomato, you'll find the cutest and extra kids' stuff you won't find anywhere else. It's a pretty big shop and a goldmine packed with quirky and fun things like unicorn sippers, cartoon-themed bottles, lunch boxes, pouches, and adorable stationery you'll want to keep for yourself. There are also school supplies for kids like sparkly diaries, funky pens that can make good return gifts at your kid's birthday.

What To Buy: Return gifts, stationery, lunch boxes, sippers, school bags

Price: It's best to contact them directly to know about the prices.

Contact: 088500 81858

Beauty Center: For Makeup Supplies

Literally a paradise for beauty and makeup lovers, this two-storeyed beauty centre has got everything you need in terms of beauty, makeup, bath and body, etc. at discounted prices. Need we say more?

What To Shop: Makeup, hairstyling equipment, shampoos, perfumes, hair removal creams, etc.

Price: INR 100 and upwards.  

Mangaldas Market: For Fabric Supplies

This shop is pretty popular and is considered another whole market that's popular for fabrics, Indian wear and wedding wear. You can shop for fabrics and prints ranging from Indigo to cotton silk and from Chanderi to Banarasi. The shopkeepers usually sell fabrics at a fixed price, but there's no harm in trying to bargain a bit. Apart from just fabrics like ikat, raw silk, and Kutch, you can also find beautiful dupattas to match your outfit.

What To Shop: Fabric.

Price: Starts at INR 500 

Prems NX: For Bridal Collection

Here, you will get the best lehengas and gorgeous ethnic wear, perfect to make a statement on your wedding day. The bridal collection is really good here, from rajwadi style lehengas with jardozi work to lehenga choli for the family of the bride, there's something for everyone here.

What To Shop: Bridal sharara and lehengas

Price: Starts at INR 1080

Comfort For Kids & Moms: For Kidswear

Dress your baby in the trendiest outfits at Comfort For Kids & Moms. This shop has everything you need for your baby, from adorable clothes and skin care to toys and tiny footwear.

What To Shop: Kid’s wear

Price: Contact them directly for prices.

Nova China Bazaar: For Anything Under Budget

When you enter Crawford Market, you'll find this store that's a dream for bargain-hunters. Everything available here at Nova China Bazaar is a steal, from kitchenware and home supplies to funky stationery and travel items. That's where we found pretty glass tumblers, cups, micro-fibre towels for hair, travel kits, and much more.

What To Shop: Kitchen and stationery supplies

Price: Everything at INR 100

Cheesewala Legends: For All Kinds Of Cheese

Cheesewala Legends at Crawford Market is a cheese-lover's paradise. From Mature Cheddar, Swiss Emmental, Blue Cheese, Chevre to over 40 varieties of imported cheese are available here. And that is not all. This place is well-stocked with seasoning, spices, oil, sauces, and even indulgences like caviar. Be it an extravagant dinner that you wish to set at home or a trial with some of the most premium ingredients, this space is all set to cater to you.

What To Shop: Imported cheese, Korean noodles, Spices and seasonings

Price: Mature cheese costs INR 600 for 200 gms, Smoked cheese with Jalapeno costs INR 500 for 200 gms, Blue cheese costs INR 450 for 100 gms

VC Bags & Accessories: For All Kinds Of Bags

This is one store in Crawford Market where you can get stunning bags of all kinds and for all occasions. It’s one of those places you randomly stumble upon and instantly feel like you’ve struck gold. From blingy looking clutches and potlis to everyday tote bags, they have every kind of bag that you might not have thought of. Whether it's a wedding or you just want something classy, or you want a quirky bag to show off, this is where you should go. The quality is on point, and the prices won't burn a hole in your pocket.

What To Buy: Bags

Price: Starts at INR 500

Contact: 090043 09552

Where To Eat

Badshah

Winning hearts in this hood and across Mumbai for over a century, Badshah Cold Drinks is almost always swamped with shoppers and professionals. Not a very fancy place, but one of those places that attracts foodies for its consistent quality. From dosa to pav bhaji and from pizza to sandwiches—these guys offer lip-smacking street food faves.

What To Eat: Pav bhaji, masala dosa, idli, vada, pizza, Royal Falooda (their specialty and bestseller)

Price for Two: INR 350

Rating: 4.1/5

Timings: 10 AM to 12:30 AM

Gulshan-E-Iran

Established in 1958, this iconic landmark in Crawford Market specialises in authentic Mughlai and Chinese delicacies. Their well-curated menu includes appetizers, main course, tandoors, fast food and desserts.  

What To Eat: Kadhai Gosht, chicken kheema, mutton nihari, chicken biryani, firni, shahi tudka.

Price for Two: INR 350

Rating: 4.1/5

Timings: 7 AM to 1:30 AM

Apsara Snacks Corner

This one is for those who want to grab a quick bite and continue with their shopping. It's a typical street-side joint, with standing tables and super quick service.

What To Eat: Cheesy pizza, sandwich, veg grill sandwich.

Price for Two: INR 200

Rating: 4.3/5

Timings: 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM (Sun closed)

Ustaadi

This one's most popular for their all-day breakfast menu. Think waffles, pancakes, pizzas, among many others, served at your whim. For Asian food lovers, Ustaadi has a section with a mix of Chinese, Korean, and other East Asian specialties.

What To Eat: Apart from their breakfast menu, their Kulchas are pretty popular too.

Price for Two: INR 1,400

Rating: 4.3/5

Timings: 12 PM to 4 AM

Shree Thaker Bhojanalay

Since 1945, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay has been serving authentic Gujarati thalis with a dash of Rajasthani flavor. In the thali, you can expect five sabzis, starters, crispy papads, two varieties each of rice, dal, and kadhi, alongside four delectable desserts. You can opt for gluten-free versions for a healthier spin-off. Don't miss their bajra, makkai, and ragi rotis, or go traditional with puris, phulkas, and biscuit bhakris.

Price for Two: INR 1,300

Rating: 4.5/5

Timings: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM and 7 PM to 10:30

Tips For Visiting Crawford Market

1. Most of the street-side shops at Crawford Market do not provide you with a shopping bag and will more often than not, ask for cash payments. So, make sure you carry your own shopping bag and cash from home for a smooth shopping trip. 

2. Even though Crawford Market is known for its wholesale prices, shopkeepers might quote you higher rates. So, do not hesitate to make that extra bargaining effort and get the best price from them. 

3. Comfort should be a top priority while shopping, especially in the nerve-racking humidity of Mumbai. Consider wearing light cotton clothes to keep calm and cool as you wander through Crawford Market. 

4. Crawford Market is always buzzing with tourists and locals alike, making it a hotspot for pickpockets. To avoid losing your belongings in the crowd, keep a close eye on your wallet, phone, and shopping bags. Stay alert and enjoy the market!

Pro Tip

If you are looking for affordable home decor, this guide to Mumbai's markets will help! 

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Writer at LBB, Mumbai | Exploring Mumbai and everything around it like nobody's business!