Located in the by-lanes of Mazagaon in the Central area of Mumbai, Matharpacady is Mumbai’s hidden secret. Vintage Portuguese homes with ornate architecture adorn this area that is home to the lesser-known East Indian community. These forgotten by lanes take you back in time, when colourful quaint
homes quietly lay within fruiting orchards. While the orchards no longer exist, you will still be charmed as this 400-year-old hamlet is complete with vintage architecture, split-level coloured houses with staircases, dexterous woodwork and sloping brick roofs.
A twice fruit-bearing mango tree, century year-old Goan clubs, a 125 year-old oratory dedicated to saint of epidemics and infectious diseases, or a historic perennial well that has a unique cultural significance – Matharpacady is seeped in history and stories that has given it a grade III heritage structure status. With modernisation and real estate costs explosions, small quaint bungalows are now giving way to monstrous contemporary buildings, thus robbing the village a little of its former magnificence.
We end this tour with tea at an old East Indian home, and speak about the challenges faced by the community with the persistent real estate lobby. Part of this tour proceeds will go to the Matharpacady Association that’s fighting a long war to keep the heritage of this village alive, one bungalow at a time.
Add on: If you’re a foodie and would love to try some East Indian specialty – sign up for a special homemade East Indian lunch at a traditional Portuguese home. Inspired by Portuguese and Local cuisine, the East Indians use bottle masalas and palm vinegar which distinguishes their food and make it an electable end to this cultural collage.