I was recently reading a book Predictably Irrational (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predictably_Irrational) by an American author Dan Ariely where he talks about to extreme ends of chocolate quality. On the lower end of he selected Hershey’s and on the top end he mentions Lindt. Lindt he believes represents the epitome of chocolate perfection and is made by a Swiss company Sprungli. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindt_%26_Spr%C3%BCngli . Having read that, I remembered having seen Lindt displayed at a store in InOrbit Mall, Viman Nagar, Pune. I had gone close to the refrigerator with an intention of buying but seeing the price of Rs 255/ packet, didn’t buy it . I was not sure whether I could get value worth Rs 255 in that. The depiction of quality of Lindt however made me go curious about how different and better can it be from say ‘Silk’ or ‘Bournville’ or ‘Ferrero Roche’ I had tasted so many times. In my mind thus was created a desire to try this product.
A month passed and a frugal buyer that I am, could not gather enough drive to buy a Lindt. This week on a trip to Bombay, I decided to make a visit to the Crawford market. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crawford_Market
Mecca for global food shoppers
Having taken the customary photos, I entered the market. It was slightly dark but on my left I could see a good store of international foods. I entered to check if there were salad dressing which were veg. The seller was rude. When he realized that they didn’t have what I was looking for, he encouraged me to leave the store and not to waste their time. While coming out I realized another sign of arrogance. There was hand written postor on their glass door. It said – “ No Sodexo, No Credit card, No debit card here “ . I started to leave when I noticed what they were displaying on the window. I was amazed. “Lindt” was selling at Rs 120/= . I turned my back and entered the store again. I did buy to my heart content 2 major varieties of Lindt at almost 60% discount. I also bought other chocolates at dirt cheap prices. Such great were the prices that I asked the man on counter whether I can get their card. “ Hum card nahin Chhapwaate ( We do not get the cards printed ) “ , came the blunt reply.
At home on the next day , we opened up the pack. I was amazed at the quality of packaging never before experienced in any other chocolate product. I broke open one piece and tasted it. The first reaction was- “ Its bitter” but as it melt in mouth I felt I had never experienced a chocolate so refined. The difference between what chocolates I had eaten till then and today was 10x??? can we avoid number?. Nothing compared to this eclectic taste . If I were to give a simile, it will be like the person who has been using a micromax phone suddenly experiences iphone 4. It was an unexpected mood lifter. I was so happy having tried something so great and lucky that Crawford market let me experience it.
Crawford market possibly is the cheapest place in Mumbai where you can buy Lindt (and other chocolate brands) at a price you are comfortable. Next time you are there, do not forget to visit Empire store. ‘You will enjoy your world for less.’
PS: For a very authoritarian guide on how to maximize your Crawford market experience read this : http://mumbai.metromela.com/The+Crawford+Shopping+Experience/article/3083
For checking out more on Lindt click this http://www.lindt.com/swf/eng/secrets-of-chocolate/
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You should also try ‘Alfa’ in Vile Parle West.. Its one of the best price shops I have found in Bombay for gadgets, food, home appliances, mobiles etc. Though prices may not be as low as you got in Crawford market for chocolates, but quality is surely assured..