Into the Den of the Dons

When you talk to a Mumbaikar about Mohammad Ali Road who some says is the toughest Competitor of Chandani Chowk (Delhi) in terms of foodies delight. People from all over the country come to Mohammad Ali road to treat their taste buds to deliciously unusual non-vegetarian delights. It has Crawford market on one end and famous Minara Masjid at other. It is surrounded by area called Bhendi Bazaar and Bohri Mohalla.

When you walk down the narrow lanes of the adjoining areas Bhendi bazaar or Bohri mohalla, there are these small shops selling most awesome Non-Vegetarian foods from the time of Britishers. Noor mohammadi and Sharvi are two most famous restaurants in the area. Bollywood film stars such as Sanjay Dutt or Salman are regular here. Even Sanjay Dutt has shared his recipe with Noor Mohammadi and they serve it with his name, Chicken Sanju baba. You can walk towards famous Chor Bazaar from Bhendi bazaar and if you are lucky you can find some antique and vintage items.

We arrived at Mohammad Ali road at 12 o,clock in night and the streets were crowded and bustling with people. You can’t miss the neon lights of the shops which attract your attention to bring you inside them. Irfan of Tawakkal sweets told that the crowd is very less as compared to a crowd in Ramadan. In Ramadan, there are hundreds of people filled in different shops and restaurants. People celebrate Ramadan nights till dawn and even if you come late night till 3 am, you can’t find a place to sit. Whether it’s a Muslim or a Hindu, they come here and enjoy Mumbai’s life.

Named after former Congress president Mohammad Ali Jouhar, this area don’t have a glorious past. Once upon a time, the area in and around Mohammad Ali road was the Den of Underworld dons. From Smugglers like Vadarajan Mudaliar to Gangster Dawood Ibrahim, the area has been ruled by these Don of Underworld. After Dawood fled from India and Mumbai police wiped out his Company. And it scarred certain characters for life. Arun Gawli, now elected to the state assembly, who describes himself as a former Mafia don, sees himself as a virtual prisoner in his own mansion, living behind a phalanx of armed guards, CCTV and four separate locked gates, out of fear of what he calls “police contract killings. But there is nothing to fear now. The area is more or less stable after that.

If you are in Mumbai and a Non-Vegetarian, you need to visit this place. It is a must for everyone. The best time to visit will be during Ramadan. So hop up guys, add it to your to do list.

Cheers !!

Also read - ..and Here was Mumbai born