The Mumbai Fish Market is an interesting place to visit especially with so much chaos, varieties of fish, fisherwomen and bargaining going around. The different characteristics of the fisherwomen who are also known as kolins in local language is just an amazing sight. Their attire, jewellery, way of communication, smartness and sense of business leaves me amused.
The Fish Market in Mahim offers varieties of fresh fish. Chimbori (Crabs), Bombil (Bombay Duck), Tisrya (Mussels), Paaplet (Pomfret), Mandeli, Halwa, Surmai, Bangda and much more. Make sure that you reach early morning so that you can get the fresh catch. By 12 pm all fresh fish is gone and you may end up with the leftovers.
Crab or Chimbori is my favorite. I loved the lal makh chimbori which is the crab with its eggs. The more the eggs the more expensive it is.
Fresh Prawns. You can buy them as per vata (batch of 10-12 prawns together) obviously after bargaining:)
Buying Lobsters is a luxury. They are too expensive
Tisrya/Mussel curry is my favorite.
Palm size pomfret tastes the best
Aah The Surmai
Bombil or Bombay Duck is an unique fish which requires an acquired taste. I love the stuffed bombil and bombil fry.
I somehow think small fish are tastier.
And now the most amazing part of the fish market ..The Fisherwomen A.K.A kolins. They are unique in their own style. Businesswomen to the core.
The fisherwomen are the masters of the art. If there are a hundred different ways to make a bargain, they are adept at all the hundred skillful nuances of the art. The words are sharp. The tone is sharp. It’s a completely no-nonsense interaction. On both sides of the bargaining divide, there is a fisherwoman. It’s like watching a sport, to see who will win and to silently rejoice in their victory and to move on to experience more.
Nice captures.
Thank You!
Good Photos!
Yummy fish!!
Thanks Sameer.
Awesome clicks!!!!!!!! Almost felt as if I was there!! I am new to Mumbai and living near Mumbai Central. Seems all the important things in the city are hidden and one is helpless without some infor from local guys.. 🙁
Can you suggest some good seafood market nearby? How far is this market from Mahim station? Heard a lot about Sasoon Doc.. Do I need some entry pass to go there???
Thanks.. This post made my day!!!!!!!
Hi Vikram,
Thanks a lot for your kind words. This market is almost 15 minutes away from Mumbai Central. You can go by train and get down at Matunga West or Mahim station (its around 10 mins away from Mahim station by cab). Take a cab from there to Mahim Fish Market. You do not need any pass.
Thanks
Anita
Hi Anita, awesome clicks
Hi Nupur,
Thanks a lot 🙂
Thanks… Do I need some entry pass for Sasoon Doc? A friend told me that only fisherfolks and fish traders are allowed inside..
Not really
Hey Anita, You made my day :).. Your pics are amazing. I have lived in dadar and visited fish market. Oh god I miss Mumbai so much and yup seafood toooooooooooo.
Your are doing a great job. Keep up the good work 🙂
Hi Rohini,
Thank you so much for your kind words. Trust me i miss Mumbai everyday 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂
Thankyou so much for your pictures…..it looks very real as if i actually visited the fish market…….it is helping me in making my project 🙂
Thanks a lot Simran. Do send me a link to your project 🙂
I would like to know if there is a fish market or shop in mumbai where you can get live fish which can be bought for eating like pomfret, bass, bombay duck, lobsters, etc. Here the fish shown in the pictures are not alive, I would like alive fish like you get abroad in fish tank or vessels.
I am huge meat lover.. Looking at your photograph i really feel like to grab some. Thnq for inspiring for tonight’s dine 😀
All your clicks are resonating and impressive also fishes look too succulent.
Keep the same work.
Hi Gaurav, Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂
Excellent article…Iam on a long visit to Mumbai and Mahim is among the winners in retail fish marketing here..The colour, variety , cacaphony , sizes and features, be it in the fishes, the kolins , their customers the confiden cats and even the ready to swoop crows are rivetting…
At my last visit there was even a vendor inside selling the most luscious , largest reddest strawberries …strawberries and cream yes..but strawberries and fish…but yes I did buy them too.
Your article and pics describe the market to a ‘t’ ..thank you..
Thanks You Molly 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed the market.
Indeed great clicks…
Thank you.
Being new to Mumbai, I wanted to explore the authentic side of the city. With this wonderful blog, I came to know about the fish markets of Mumbai and the women who run it. The pictures in the blog are so amazing; the photographer has captured lovely images of the hard working women.
https://hamviseafoods.com/
Thanks Prasad. I am happy you liked the pics.
Nice Photos.
Great pictures … Can you please let me know the price of tisryas and how many do I get in quantity