Secret Shoppers’ Haunts in Mumbai: 6 unusual, must-visit places

From classic to offbeat – take in this city’s unique sights and sounds. Away from the glitz and glamour, reside restaurants without signs, vintage flea markets and stunning Art Deco gems.

1. Jubilee Decorators This 150-year-old relic stocks light fixtures of all kinds. Owner Bilal’s grandfather Ali Hussain, was the man behind the swaying chandeliers in Bollywood classic Mughal-e-Azam. Where: 27-129, Mutton Street, Chor Bazaar, Mandvi, Mumbai 03Tel: (022) 234766992.

2. Craft Wood Art Ever visited an antique wood specialist? Head to Mohammad Irrfan’s store near Jama Masjid – his cardboard cutout designs, carved wood pieces, furniture catalogues and assorted tools are worth a browse. Where: Quresh Nagar, Near Jama Masjid, Bandra (W), Mumbai 50 Tel: (0) 93243375743.

3. Ranwar Village Switch on your trusted smartphone camera as you stroll around this scenic heritage village in Bandra. The century old bungalows make interesting subjects with their sunlit, white grillwork verandahs, gabled Mangalore tiled roofs and external spiral staircases. Where: Near Hill Road, Bandra 504.

4. Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary This forest is home to more than 150 species of animals and 500 kinds of flora. Plan a bird watching tour with Mumbai based Breakfree Journeys. Where: Tungareshwar Road, Usgaon, Vasai 08 Website: www.breakfreejourneys.com

5. Maruti Pav Bhaji In the ’90s a man named Maruti mastered this dish. It is famous for its unique black colour because of its secret spices and has a very different masala bread bun, unlike the usual butter-soaked one. Equally rich in calories and sinful, though. Where: 202, Old Police Lane, Kamala Nagar, Mumbai 56 Tel: (022) 38565497

6. Ideal Corner Housed in an Art Deco edifice, this cafe used to be a garage that serviced 1950s Czech motorcycles. From the melting mutton dhansak, to the decadent lagan nu custard – find all your Parsi staples here. Where: Hornby View, Gunbow Street, Ballard Estate, Fort, Mumbai 01 Tel: (022) 22621930

Also read: Secret Shoppers’ Haunts in Kolkata: 6 unusual, must-visit places…