Cro’s in Mumbai: A Culinary Journey Through the City’s Street Food Delights
Mumbai, the bustling metropolis of India, is not just known for its vibrant culture and iconic landmarks but also for its mouth-watering street food. Cro’s, a term derived from the word ‘curry’, are a staple in Mumbai’s culinary landscape. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring the city’s cro’s is an experience you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive into the world of Mumbai’s cro’s, exploring their history, types, and the best places to savor them.
History of Cro’s in Mumbai
The origins of cro’s in Mumbai can be traced back to the 19th century when the city was under British rule. The British introduced curry powder, a blend of spices, to the Indian subcontinent. This new spice mix quickly became popular among the locals, leading to the creation of various curry-based dishes. Over time, these dishes evolved into what we now know as cro’s.
One of the most famous stories about the origin of cro’s is that of a street vendor named Karamchand. According to legend, Karamchand was a poor man who sold his homemade curry on the streets of Mumbai. His curry was so delicious that it caught the attention of the British officers, who started to frequent his stall. Karamchand’s curry became so popular that it was eventually named after him – Karam’s Curry, which later evolved into ‘cro’.
Types of Cro’s in Mumbai
Mumbai’s cro’s are incredibly diverse, offering a wide range of flavors and ingredients. Here are some of the most popular types of cro’s you can find in the city:
| Types of Cro’s | Description |
|---|---|
| Chicken Cro | Chicken cooked in a rich, flavorful curry sauce, often served with rice or bread. |
| Beef Cro | Beef cooked in a spicy curry sauce, sometimes with the addition of potatoes and tomatoes. |
| Goat Cro | Goat meat cooked in a spicy curry sauce, often with the addition of onions and garlic. |
| Vegetable Cro | A mix of vegetables, such as potatoes, tomatoes, and green chilies, cooked in a rich curry sauce. |
| Seafood Cro | Seafood, such as prawns, fish, and mussels, cooked in a spicy curry sauce. |
Each type of cro’ has its unique flavor profile, thanks to the blend of spices used in the curry sauce. Common spices include turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and garam masala.
Best Places to Enjoy Cro’s in Mumbai
With so many options to choose from, finding the best place to enjoy Mumbai’s cro’s can be a challenge. Here are some of the top spots where you can savor the city’s best cro’s:
- Grant Road Station: Known as the “Curry Street” of Mumbai, Grant Road Station is home to numerous cro’ stalls. You can find a variety of cro’s, from chicken to seafood, at this bustling station.
- Chor Bazaar: This famous market in South Mumbai is another great place to try cro’s. The market is filled with street vendors selling a variety of street food, including delicious cro’s.
- Colaba: Colaba is a popular tourist area in South Mumbai, and it’s also home to several excellent cro’ stalls. You can find a variety of cro’s, from chicken to beef, at these stalls.
- Matunga: Matunga is a residential area in South Mumbai that’s known for its street food. You can find some of the best cro’s in the city here, especially at the Matunga Market.
When visiting these places, be sure to try the local favorites, such as chicken cro, beef cro, and vegetable cro. Don’t forget to pair your cro’ with a side of Mumbai’s famous pav bhaji or vada pav for a complete meal